Justice Sashikanta Mishra defines law as an engine of social change

Justice Sashikanta Mishra of the Orissa High Court described the law as an ‘engine of change’ during a lecture at SOA University in Bhubaneswar. Speaking on the subject of ‘Law as an Instrument of Social Change and Good Governance’, he noted that the evolution of the Indian legal system has triggered significant social transformations.

Justice Mishra highlighted the role of the Indian Constitution, specifically Article 17, in abolishing untouchability and ensuring equality. He also cited various judicial interventions that have shaped modern society, such as the prohibition of smoking in public places, the legality of widow remarriage, and the banning of child marriage and Sati.

Additionally, he pointed to safety regulations, such as mandatory helmet use for two-wheelers and seat belt requirements for drivers, as examples of how legal mandates drive behavioral changes. He encouraged students to maintain an open mind, comparing the human mind to a parachute that only works when open.