Narratives pitting one group against another weakens unity envisioned by Constitution: Justice PK Mishra

Supreme Court judge, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra recently highlighted the indispensable role of fraternity or the sense of unity and brotherhood envisioned in the Constitution of India. .He added that in today's socio-political environment, divisive rhetoric based on religion, caste or ethnicity, growing economic inequality, and social injustices are major threats to this spirit of brotherhood."In today’s polarized world, the relevance of fraternity is greater than ever ... A major challenge to fraternity is the increasing use of divisive rhetoric based on religion, caste, and ethnicity. When individuals or groups promote narratives that pit one community against another, it weakens the sense of unity envisioned by the Constitution. Identity politics, while sometimes empowering marginalized groups, can become harmful when it focuses solely on narrow group interests at the expense of the common good. This often results in exclusion, discrimination, and conflict," the judge said..He observed that the rise of disinformation on social media adds to such challenges. "In today’s digital age, fraternity faces growing challenges, particularly in curbing misinformation and hate speech on social media platforms. This highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks to safeguard public discourse while upholding constitutional values," he noted..In today’s polarized world, the relevance of fraternity is greater than ever.Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra.The Supreme Court judge was speaking at the inaugural session of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad's National Council Meeting in Gujarat.The event held at the Vadtal Swaminarayan Temple on December 27 was centered on the theme "Fraternity: Spirit of the Constitution." Besides Justice Mishra, Gujarat High Court judge Justice Samir Dave was also present and addressed the conference..In his keynote address, Justice Mishra spoke on the philosophical, historical and jurisprudential dimensions of fraternity, while highlighting the challenges in upholding this constitutional principle."Among the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice - fraternity shines as the unifying thread that binds the fabric of our democratic society. Without fraternity, the other ideals remain fragile, like a tripod missing a crucial leg," Justice Mishra said..Justice Mishra added that divisive rhetoric creates mistrust among communities, thereby undermining fraternity and leading to the spread of stereotypes and misunderstandings that can escalate into social unrest."Moreover, when political leaders use social identities for electoral gains, it deepens these divisions, making it harder to build a collective sense of belonging," the judge further noted.The judge also commented on economic inequality in India, while referring to Oxfam’s report, "Survival of the Richest", which revealed a stark disparity in wealth among the Indian populace."Reports like Oxfam’s 'Survival of the Richest' reveal stark disparities, with the richest 1% of India’s population owning over 40% of the country’s wealth, while the bottom with the richest 1% of India’s population owning over 40% of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 50% hold just 3%," he noted.This economic divide, the judge lamented, is not only a financial issue but also a social one, as it leads to unequal access to education, healthcare, and basic resources.Justice Mishra suggested that these inequalities can be reduced through inclusive policies, fair resource distribution and by adhering to the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) laid down in the Constitution of India..The judge went on to observe that the rise of digital technology and social media brings both opportunities and challenges for fraternity."While these platforms can connect diverse communities and encourage dialogue, they are often misused to spread hate speech, misinformation, and divisive content. Such misuse undermines trust and creates discord, threatening social harmony," he said. .He also commented on the judiciary's role in preserving fraternity, which includes making justice more accessible for all. He opined that the judiciary must play a proactive role in safeguarding fraternity, that it should prioritise mediation and reconciliation where appropriate, write judgments that are not only legally sound but also explained in accessible language, and ensure that court procedures themselves reflect fraternal values."We must approach our roles with empathy and a commitment to the greater good. Whether it is through pro bono work, legal aid initiatives, or public interest litigation, we can contribute to strengthening the fraternity in our communities," he added. .Justice Mishra’s address concluded with a call for unity and collective responsibility."Let us remember that fraternity is not a destination but a journey — a journey toward a more just, inclusive, and harmonious society. As custodians of the Constitution, we bear the solemn responsibility of nurturing this spirit in all that we do," he said.