Manisha Yadav
On 3 September 2025, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai gave his views on human dignity that dignity relates closely to a person’s privacy, control over their body & freedom to make choices in life.
During the 11th Dr L.M. Singhvi Memorial Lecture, titled “Human Dignity as the Soul of the Constitution” CJI Gavai emphasised, “Dignity cannot exist without privacy. Both are fundamental values of life, liberty, and freedom.”
To Support his statement BR Gavai referenced the KS Puttaswamy v. Union of India, (2017) 10 SCC 1, AIR 2017 SC 4161 known as the Aadhaar judgement. He also highlighted that dignity is vital for autonomy in making choices related to reproductive rights, medical treatment and end-of-life decisions. Citing Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration (2009) 14 SCR 989 and Common Cause v. Union of India, AIR 2018 SC 1665 he stated that autonomy and dignity are inseparable.
He pointed out that Courts have used the concept of dignity to protect prisoners from cruel treatment, women from discrimination at work, workers from exploitation, and people with disabilities from being excluded. In each of these cases, dignity helped expand the understanding of fundamental rights.
“Whether it concerns prisoners, workers, women, or persons with disabilities, human dignity shapes our understanding of autonomy, equality, and justice,” he stated.
This ensures that laws protect not only survival but also the conditions needed for a life filled with respect, freedom, and opportunity.
CJI BR Gavai observed that the recognition of dignity in Courts started with prison reform cases in the 1970s and 1980s. “In the eyes of the law, prisoners are persons, not animals,” he recalled from the case Sunil Batra (I) v. Delhi Administration, 1978 AIR 1675 emphasising that courts must hold prison authorities accountable for disrespecting a prisoner’s dignity.
And also mentioned his recent rulings, including one that ordered the rehabilitation of hand-rickshaw pullers in Matheran and another that connected the demolition of homes with the right to live with dignity.
The lecture was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and several judges of the Supreme Court & Delhi High Court.
During his talk, CJI Gavai also honoured Dr. L.M. Singhvi’s contributions as a jurist, diplomat & parliamentarian, remembering his efforts to secure constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj institutions.
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