Justice N. Kotiswar Singh: India Not a Religious State, Constitution Rooted in Pluralism

Supreme Court Justice N Kotiswar Singh emphasized that India’s constitutional identity is rooted in pluralism and does not recognize the country as a religious state.

Speaking at the NLIU-SBA Conclave 2026, he noted that the term "Hindu" historically described those living beyond the Indus River rather than a specific religious framework.

Justice Singh described the Constitution as a "social and constructive document" that must respond to Indian realities.

He, along with Justice SA Dharmadhikari, called for reducing colonial imprints, such as Latin jargon and integrating Indian philosophical traditions to make the legal system more accessible to the common man.