Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala: A State’s Commitment to Justice and Bharatiya Values
Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, stands as a vibrant state-level embodiment of the principles championed by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad. As an integral affiliated body, it operates under the broader framework of the national organization, a registered Society under the Societies Act 1960. Inspired by the shared motto of ‘Nyay Mama Dharma1, the Kerala Parishad is actively engaged across the state, dedicated to revitalizing Bharatiya values and fostering idealism among advocates, ultimately aiming to elevate the efficacy and standards of both the Bar and the Judiciary within Kerala.
Echoing a National Vision within Kerala
While the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad was established in 1992, Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, has consistently aligned itself with the profound vision articulated by Dattopant Thengadi. Thengadi ji, at the inauguration of the national body, voiced concerns about the justice system’s effectiveness, highlighting issues such as the non-ratification and implementation of International Labor Organization conventions, the absence of concerted efforts towards a Uniform Civil Code, the rise of separatist tendencies, the non-implementation of Article 48 of the Constitution, the lack of accessible and swift justice, and the scarcity of judges. Embracing this comprehensive perspective, the Kerala Parishad recognizes the critical need for innovative thinking across all legal and constitutional domains, advocating for significant changes in laws, the legal system, constitutional amendments, and, most importantly, a transformative shift in the mindset of all participants in this crucial process5.
Leveraging National Luminaries and Local Engagement
The Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad boasts an esteemed association with some of India’s most prominent legal luminaries, including Justice Rama Jois (Retd.), Shri U.R. Lalit, Senior Advocate, Shri Uttam Chand Israni, Senior Advocate, Justice Pravatha Rao (Retd.), and Justice V.S. Kokje (Retd.). As an affiliated state body, Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, directly benefits from this invaluable network and shared intellectual resource.
Structurally, Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, functions as a vital unit within the national body, which extends its presence to all States and Union Territories through such affiliated state organizations7. This collaborative framework ensures that the perspectives and concerns of lawyers from Kerala are adequately represented at the national level through the yearly meetings of the National Executive and National Council, held in various parts of the country. Similarly, members from Kerala actively participate in the triennial National Conference, contributing to a truly nationwide legal discourse.
Driving Justice and Welfare in Kerala
Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, operates with a commitment to non-partisanship in addressing challenges faced by society at large, and particularly within the justice delivery system, with a dedicated focus on marginalized sections. The Parishad actively intervenes within the justice delivery system and contributes to the law-making process, all for the welfare of the people of Kerala.
The Parishad regularly organizes conferences, symposia, and lectures within Kerala, providing platforms to discuss constitutional, national, social, legal, family, and other issues impacting the wider society. These initiatives are designed to better equip advocates in their profession and empower them to serve the cause of justice in harmony with Bharatiya traditions, values, and an inherent sense of justice. To support the professional development of young members of the Bar in Kerala, the Parishad conducts study circles in court complexes across the state as part of its “Continuous Education Programme”14. The Parishad is also engaged in academic and intellectual endeavors, including the publication of a quarterly journal, Nyayapravah, which features articles by eminent personalities on recent judgments, new laws, the justice delivery system, and Bharatiya Values15.
Expanding Access to Justice and Social Equity
Embracing the Parishad’s core philosophy that the legal system must be more responsive to the needs of the underprivileged and the disadvantaged, Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, is dedicated to expanding access to legal aid. The Parishad is actively planning to implement its “Justice at the Doorstep” policy by establishing new Nyay Kendras (Legal Aid Centers) throughout Kerala. Furthermore, the Parishad has been instrumental in filing numerous Public/Social Interest Litigations to safeguard the rights and interests of the deprived sections of society within the state18.
Cultivating an Indo-centric Legal Framework
Acknowledging the historical reality of India’s adoption of the British legal system, and recognizing the distinct societal and value systems of Britain compared to Bharat, Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, resonates with the perspective that the Constitution’s framers did not initiate an entirely new legal framework. Instead, colonial legal systems, laws, and procedures were largely retained, with primarily external changes in political control, leaving fundamental aspects of the social, economic, or legal systems largely unaltered. Consequently, the Parishad in Kerala is committed to the crucial task of evolving the legal system in consonance with Indian tradition and philosophy of life, while also adapting to the demands of the modern era.
Championing Women and Children’s Rights in Kerala
Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, expresses deep concern regarding the persistent inequalities between men and women and the noticeable under-representation of women, despite advancements in recent decades. This concern is reflected in the Parishad’s practice of reserving posts for women members in its executive committees at both national and state levels. Committed to the philosophy that “Development of women is development of all” , the Parishad in Kerala has organized numerous symposiums and seminars specifically addressing subjects related to women and children25. These events have been graced by the presence of sitting Supreme Court and High Court Judges, Cabinet Ministers, and other eminent personalities. Recently, female members of the Parishad in Kerala actively participated in nationwide consultations organized by the National Commission for Women on the National Policy for Women, contributing to this crucial national dialogue.
Advocating for Human Rights and Social Consciousness
Emphasizing the Constitution of India’s perceived inadequacy in protecting weaker and marginalized sections of society, and acknowledging the disparity between political equality and social and economic inequalities, Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, heeds the call to action by Thengadi ji. The Parishad actively takes up the cause of orphans, beggars, vanvasis, prostitutes, displaced persons, denotified communities, bonded labor, Dalits, backward classes, victims of terrorism, riots and war, educated unemployed, workers, homeless, and slum dwellers, acting as representatives of the moral and social conscience of society. The Parishad strives to provide appropriate relief to these vulnerable groups, stepping forward as champions of Human Rights and embracing the cause of the poor and destitute as a lifelong mission. Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, views itself as a catalyst, providing the crucial “cutting edge to the SAJJAN SHAKTI (positive forces)”. The Parishad firmly believes that lawyers are the ultimate defense of social order and justice, and that the helpless, faceless common individuals in villages, forests, and urban slums must have faith in the constitutional democratic system. This faith, the Parishad asserts, must be diligently restored, sustained, and nurtured. Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, Kerala, actively supplements and complements the invaluable efforts made by field organizations and selfless individuals working at the grassroots level throughout the state.
