NEW DELHI: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that a legal system that holds close the marginalised social groups is essential in the country. Historical wrongs must be corrected. The Chief Justice said that the time has passed for the voice of the marginalized to become the voice of the nation. He was speaking at an international conference after unveiling a sculpture of Dr BR Ambedkar at Brandeis University in the US. It is noteworthy that Chandrachud's stand came at a time when the opposition was demanding a caste census.

Throughout history, certain groups have been victims of horrific violence and oppression. If for Africa it was slavery, millions of backward and Adivasi tribal communities were oppressed in India. Discrimination still persists in many forms. Although there is a law prohibiting caste discrimination, atrocities are increasing. The current legal system also plays a major role in perpetuating historical wrongs. The damage caused by this will last for generations. This situation must change.

Same-sex marriage: Standing firm on the decision

The Chief Justice said that he is firm on the position that same-sex marriage should be given legal validity. Sometimes it is a vote of conscience and a vote of the Constitution and I stand by what I said. Thirteen minority judgments have come from the Chief Justices since the inception of the Supreme Court, he added.