Growth and development should not be detrimental to our Constitutional goals; rather they should be within our Constitutional framework, said Supreme Court Judge Justice AK Patnaik, while delivering a lecture on ‘The Meaning of Growth and Development in Constitution’ at School of law, KIIT University on Tuesday. Idea of growth has come from western countries, particularly the USA, and growth doesn’t always mean development, he pointed out, adding that emphasis should be on inclusive development. Though growth is necessary, production and manufacturing, and housing for lower and middle class families are also necessary, Justice Patnaik stated. However, care should be taken not to overlook our Constitution in the name of growth and development, whether following capitalistic or socialistic models, he cautioned.
Today big corporate houses are influencing our economy, Government policy making and decision making, Justice Patnaik said, adding that the country’s resources should be utilized for common good. Our Constitution safeguards against such situations.
law students can play an important role in this by influencing and convincing people that only fulfillment of constitutional goals can lead to true growth and development, he told the students.
Among others, KIIT and KISS founder Achyuta Samanta, Prof KIIT University VC PP Mathur and KIIT law School director Prof NK Chakrabarti were present.