Sustainable development must advance substantive equality, says former CJI B R Gavai

Former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai said sustainable development should be treated as a constitutional vision that advances substantive equality. Speaking at NALSAR University of Law, he warned that development cannot be called sustainable if it displaces marginalised communities, widens inequality, or shifts environmental burdens to vulnerable groups.

Former CJI B R Gavai on Tuesday said sustainable development should align with a constitutional vision. B R Gavai said development must not strengthen social hierarchies. B R Gavai asked if development is sustainable when it displaces marginalised groups. B R Gavai also questioned projects that increase inequality. B R Gavai warned against shifting environmental burdens onto vulnerable communities.

Speaking at NALSAR University of Law, B R Gavai urged deeper scrutiny of policy choices. B R Gavai said: "When we think of sustainable development, we must ask more fundamental questions--development for whom, and at what cost,\". B R Gavai said sustainability cannot be judged only by outputs. B R Gavai linked the issue to constitutional responsibility and social justice.

Sustainable development and substantive equality

B R Gavai said development should be forward-looking in a broader way. B R Gavai said it is not enough to save resources for future generations. B R Gavai said society must also become more equal over time. B R Gavai said development should correct past disadvantage. B R Gavai said it must not carry historical exclusion into new projects.

B R Gavai said meeting this goal needs changes in policy design and institutions. B R Gavai said climate adaptation should reflect substantive equality. B R Gavai listed disaster response, urban planning, and clean energy access. B R Gavai said each area should focus on those facing the greatest risk. B R Gavai said fairness must guide practical governance.

Sustainable development and policy tests

B R Gavai said officials should not judge a scheme only by efficiency. B R Gavai said economic viability alone is not enough. B R Gavai said a key test is whether vulnerability reduces. B R Gavai said another test is whether benefits reach the most at risk. B R Gavai said these checks connect development with constitutional duties.

B R Gavai said uniform solutions can worsen inequality. B R Gavai said one-size-fits-all models ignore unequal starting points. B R Gavai said this can reproduce the same social order. B R Gavai said substantive equality needs targeted support. B R Gavai said stronger steps may be required for inclusion of disadvantaged groups.

Sustainable development and urban dignity

B R Gavai said cities should treat workers as essential, not peripheral. B R Gavai said substantive equality requires this shift in thinking. B R Gavai said access to clean surroundings is tied to dignity. B R Gavai said green spaces, sanitation, and housing should not depend on income. B R Gavai said these basics are not privileges.

B R Gavai said substantive equality is not identical treatment for all. B R Gavai said policy must recognise historical disadvantage. B R Gavai said governments should study barriers faced by marginalised communities. B R Gavai said concrete steps should remove those barriers. B R Gavai said inclusion often needs different and stronger measures.

B R Gavai said a development model that leaves many behind cannot be sustainable. B R Gavai said it repeats the contradictions that threaten democracy. B R Gavai referred to Ambedkar’s warning on such contradictions. B R Gavai also noted a new role at NALSAR. B R Gavai said it is a privilege to hold Ambedkar’s Chair Professorship.

With inputs from PTI