Sun Sep 14 13:23:15 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article written from it:
**Summary:**
Former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Govind Mathur, delivered a lecture at University College in Mangaluru on the balance between constitutional and social morality in India. He emphasized the importance of protecting healthy societal traditions while distinguishing them from harmful social ills disguised as tradition or culture. He criticized the glorification of practices like ‘Sati’ and questioned the cultural basis of practices like burning firecrackers. He also addressed concerns about the appointment of judges and the influence of caste in Bar Council elections, urging people to openly criticize judgments when necessary instead of resorting to scandalizing the court.
**News Article:**
**Former Justice Warns of Social Ills Masquerading as Tradition**
**Mangaluru, September 14, 2025** – Govind Mathur, former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, delivered a powerful message on Sunday, urging citizens to safeguard healthy traditions while critically examining social ills that hide behind the guise of culture and tradition. Speaking at the B.V. Kakkilaya-inspired oration at University College in Mangaluru, Mathur addressed the critical topic of balancing constitutional and social morality in the Indian context.
“Unfortunately, social ills are leading over social morality now in the name of traditional customs and culture,” Justice Mathur stated, emphasizing that traditions should be adopted by society with general acceptance. He cited the disturbing trend of glorifying harmful practices such as ‘Sati,’ noting the construction of ‘Sati Mata’ temples and the celebratory content circulating on social media. The former judge also questioned the cultural significance of practices like bursting firecrackers, suggesting a need to re-evaluate their place in modern society.
Beyond societal practices, Justice Mathur also addressed concerns surrounding the judiciary. He encouraged constructive criticism of court judgments, noting a reluctance among intellectuals to speak out due to fear of contempt. He also highlighted the issue of caste-based influence in the selection of Bar Council office-bearers. He said that caste and not merit has crept into the State Bar Councils in the selection/election of office-bearers and it should be raised before Bar Councils.
Justice Mathur’s address sparked a robust discussion among the audience, highlighting the complex interplay between tradition, culture, and the evolving values of modern India. His call for critical engagement and vigilance against social ills dressed as tradition resonated deeply with attendees.
First Piper 