Justice (Retd) S. Muralidhar, formerly the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, recently delivered the prestigious 2025 Alladi Memorial Lecture at the University of Hyderabad.
This annual event, honoring Sir Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar’s pivotal role in drafting India’s Constitution and establishing its democratic bedrock, explored a fascinating theme: “Different yesterdays for a different tomorrow? The ‘what if’ moments in Indian Constitutional history.”
Addressing an audience of eager scholars and students, Justice Muralidhar posed a thought-provoking challenge. He revisited landmark cases like A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras and Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, prompting attendees to consider how different judicial decisions might have profoundly altered the delicate balance between individual liberties and state authority within the Indian Constitution.
He emphasized that “these speculations are far from mere academic exercises. They are crucial for understanding the profound influence wielded by those in power across various state organs on India’s legal and political trajectory.”
By exploring historical “what if” scenarios, the lecture illuminated the critical moral and institutional choices that continue to mold India’s constitutional destiny, underscoring the vital importance of judicial self-reflection in a thriving democracy.
This deep dive into constitutional questions aligns with Justice Muralidhar’s broader work, including his edited volume, [In]Complete Justice? The Supreme Court at 75, released in August 2025. The book, much like his lecture, reflects his enduring commitment to examining fairness, equity, and the judiciary’s evolving role in modern India.
The event was attended by notable figures, including former Supreme Court of India Judge Justice J. Chelameswar, alongside numerous legal scholars and members of the esteemed Alladi family.