The biggest 'if' to follow

Chief Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia, who had declared integrity as his biggest asset, has been quoted as saying, “I personally believe that if you follow the Constitution, you do not need to practice any religion on Earth.” Of course, the fact is very few of us ever read the Constitution to even know what there is to follow. But there’s a very simple way out: read the Preamble.

It’s only 85 words and goes like this: “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social , economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”

Note that just like all sacrosanct religious scriptures, the Preamble too is something that we in the best of our wisdom have considered sacred and given to ourselves. Whether such wisdom comes from an external or internal divinity, or is the result of our finest human potential, is not the point; following it is. Which is why the Chief Justice had inserted such a big fat “if” in his statement. Not “if you like the Constitution” or “if you agree with the Constitution” but “if you follow the Constitution”. Can 85 words be such a tough act to follow?