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Samvidhan Katta

Samvidhan Katta

A celebration of Indian constitution through Dialogue and Awareness. As India approaches its 75th Republic Day, the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice has launched a significant initiative "Samvidhan Katta", a celebration of Indian constitution through Dialogue and Awareness under the banner of "Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman." This campaign, rooted in the very essence of our constitutional values, seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Indian Constitution among citizens. "Samvidhan Katta," is designed to encourage dialogue and discussion about the Constitution, its principles, and its impact on the lives of the people of India.

Significance

"Samvidhan Katta" is a unique platform where individuals from all walks of life-students, scholars, legal professionals, and common citizens-come together to engage in meaningful conversations about the Constitution. The term "Katta," as used by Hon'ble Chief Justice of India- Dr. D.Y Chandrachud in the 2nd regional event held at Bikaner, Rajasthan. It is often associated with informal gatherings in Marathi language. It represents a space for open dialogue, where ideas and opinions can be freely exchanged. The objective of these sessions is to demystify the Constitution, making it accessible to everyone, and to highlight its role as a living document that protects the rights and liberties of all citizens. The Indian Constitution is not just a legal document; it is a charter of liberty and justice, enshrining the values of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) by this flagship event aims to push forward for the creation of Samvidhan Katta groups by providing resources, guides, and discussion materials. Whether it's a small group of friends, a classroom, or a community center, any space can become a Samvidhan Katta.

Join the movement, initiate your own Samvidhan Katta, share your stories, and contribute to embedding constitutional values deeply into our society's fabric

Cases which can be included as stories

Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992): Commonly known as the Mandal Commission case, this landmark judgment upheld the reservation policy for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs. The Supreme Court recognized that affirmative action is essential to address historical injustices faced by marginalized communities and to ensure their participation in public life, thereby reinforcing the constitutional mandate of equality.

Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997): This case was a watershed moment in addressing gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The Supreme Court laid down guidelines, known as the Vishaka Guidelines, to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace, thereby protecting the dignity and safety of women. These guidelines were eventually codified into the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): This landmark judgment decriminalized consensual same-sex relations, striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional right to equality, dignity, and privacy, thereby providing a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community and challenging societal norms of discrimination.

Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018): In this case, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple, striking down a centuries-old custom that barred women of menstruating age from entering the temple. The judgment was a significant step towards gender equality and non-discrimination based on gender and biological factors.

Guidelines

The "Samvidhan Katta" initiative aims to encourage citizens to engage deeply with the Constitution of India by sharing their experiences and insights. Submissions should be thoughtful, well-researched, and based on real-life interactions or experiences joined in their informal gatherings, community west up etc while dealing with constitutional principles. Below is a structured outline to guide participants in preparing their submissions.

1. Word Limit and Format

  • Word Limit: Submissions should be between 1,000 to 1,500 words.
  • Format: Submissions should be in a formal tone, clear, and easy to understand for both laypersons and experts.
  • Language: Submissions can be in English, Hindi, and also in regional languages.
  • Font and Size: Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, with 1.5 line spacing.

2. Submission Themes

  • Submissions must be based on real-life interactions emanating from their community discourses on the aspects enshrined in the Constitution of India.
  • Participants are encouraged to reflect on how constitutional principles have impacted their day-to-day lives or the lives of others, focusing on the themes of justice, equality, and liberty.
  • The stories shared reflect how the Constitution of India permeates in the everyday lives of all the citizens of India and how they perceive, engage, adapt and act on the aspects of the Constitution and in that process how they make the Constitution a living document as it keeps evolving..
  • Submissions may include, but are not limited to:
    • Personal experiences where constitutional rights were upheld or challenged.
    • Case studies or stories illustrating the Constitution's role in addressing caste, gender, or other forms of discrimination.
    • Narratives on community initiatives that promote constitutional values.
    • Reflections on landmark Supreme Court judgments and their impact on society.

3. Structure of Submission

i. Title: A clear and concise title that reflects the content of the submission:

ii. Introduction -(150-200 words):

  • Briefly introduce the topic and its relevance to the Constitution of India.
  • State the purpose of the submission and the key themes that will be explored.
  • Body (800-1,000 words):

iii. Background and Context:

  • Provide a brief overview of the constitutional principles or rights relevant to the submission.
  • Discuss the socio-legal context and its relevance to the real-life experience being narrated.

iv. Personal or Case Study Narrative:

  • Share a detailed account of the real-life interaction with the Constitution.
  • Highlight specific constitutional provisions or rights involved.
  • Discuss any legal or social challenges faced and how they were addressed.

v. Impact and Outcome:

  • Describe the outcome of the situation and its impact on the individual or community involved.
  • Reflect on the broader implications for constitutional awareness and social justice.

vi. Analysis and Discussion (300-400 words):

  • Analyze the experience in the context of constitutional law and principles.
  • Discuss the lessons learned and their relevance to contemporary issues in Indian society.
  • Offer insights into how similar experiences can inform future legal and social actions.
  • Conclusion (100-150 words)
  • Summarize the key points and reflections from the submission.
  • Reinforce the importance of constitutional awareness and engagement.
  • Suggest ways to promote constitutional values in everyday life.

vii. References (if applicable

  • Cite all sources used in the preparation of the submission, including legal cases, statutes, and scholarly articles, using a standard citation format (e.g., Bluebook or OSCOLA).
  • Discuss the lessons learned and their relevance to contemporary issues in Indian society.
  • Add maximum 2 photographs of the Samvidhna Katta activity at the end of the document (showcasing the group discussion).

4. Submission Guidelines

  • Submissions must be original and unpublished.
  • Plagiarism and usage of A.I. will result in disqualification.
  • Submissions should be sent in Word or PDF format.
  • Include the participant’s name, contact details, and a brief bio (50-100) words.
  • Entries to be submitted through mail at ramsingh.66@gov.in.

5. Evaluation Criteria

  • Relevance: How well does the submission relate to the themes of the initiative.
  • Insightfulness: Does the submission provide unique insights or perspectives on constitutional principles.
  • Clarity and Structure: Is the submission well-organized, clear, and logically structured.
  • Accuracy: Are the legal references and facts presented accurately.
  • Engagement: Does the submission engage the reader and provoke thought or discussion.

6. Awards and Recognition

  • Valid entries will receive certificates of recognition.
  • Department of Justice holds the discretion and copyright to use the stories (publishing/launching/posting) in the manner they deemed to be fit.
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