Gavai inaugurated the office space set up for the Ambedkar Chair (Img: Dynamite News)
Hyderabad: Former Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai on Tuesday delivered the inaugural Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, under the institution’s Ambedkar Chair on Constitutional Law and Social Inclusion.
Justice Gavai, who was appointed Chair Professor in December 2025, was visiting the university in that capacity for the first time.
Speaking at the event, Justice Gavai said he had accepted the Chair Professorship without remuneration, calling the opportunity to be associated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy an honour.
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During the visit, he also inaugurated the office space set up for the Ambedkar Chair, marking the formal start of its academic and research work.
Gavai said development cannot be considered sustainable if it fails to address
In his lecture titled “Sustainable Development and Substantive Equality: A Constitutional Dialogue,” Justice Gavai said development cannot be considered sustainable if it fails to address social and economic inequalities.
He noted that the Constitution envisages equality as a substantive goal, requiring active efforts to remove entrenched disparities rather than merely ensuring formal parity.
Justice Gavai said marginalised communities continue to face disproportionate challenges due to structural inequalities. He referred to issues such as climate stress, agrarian distress and resource access, stating that vulnerability is often shaped by social conditions.
He underlined the need for policies that recognise unequal starting points and aim to reduce systemic disadvantages.
Highlighting constitutional principles, he said courts have interpreted environmental protection and sustainable development as part of the right to life under Article 21. He added that both the State and private sector have a role in ensuring equitable growth.
Justice Gavai also emphasised the responsibility of educational institutions in promoting inclusion, suggesting improved welfare measures for contractual and daily wage workers.
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Concluding his address, Justice Gavai said development models must prioritise those most at risk and correct historical inequalities. He stressed that growth excluding large sections of society cannot be sustained.
The event was attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao, along with faculty members, students and academic representatives. It concluded with a vote of thanks by Registrar Prof. N. Vasanthi.
