Book Review: The Supreme Codex: A Citizen's Impassioned Defense Of Constitutional Democracy

The book opens with a provocative prologue that asks whether India is slouching toward an “empty-shell Constitution”—a document stripped of its animating spirit of constitutionalism. This sets the tone for what follows: a passionate and articulate defense of constitutional values against the perceived threats of majoritarianism, executive overreach, and the erosion of institutional autonomy.

The essays span a remarkable breadth of topics—from the Basic Structure doctrine to LGBTQ+ rights, from sedition laws to judicial appointments, from federalism to freedom of speech. Throughout, the author displays a rare talent for making complex constitutional issues accessible, employing rich literary allusions, historical parallels, and cultural references. His treatment of sedition law as a “living fossil in the legal ecosystem” exemplifies this method, tracing its colonial origins while forcefully arguing its incompatibility with democratic principles.

The author's legal scholarship shines particularly in his analyses of landmark judgments. His essay on the Kesavananda Bharati case vividly recounts the historical drama surrounding the Basic Structure doctrine and argues for its enduring relevance. Likewise, his exploration of the Navtej Singh Johar judgment decriminalizing homosexuality draws a thoughtful parallel to the Canadian Persons Case of 1929, showing how constitutional interpretation can serve as a vehicle for human dignity.

What distinguishes The Supreme Codex is its ideological positioning. The author writes from a liberal perspective that upholds individual rights, institutional checks and balances, and pluralism. He critiques both the Left and the Right—opposing the inclusion of the Socialist clause in the Preamble while also challenging Hindu nationalist distortions of secularism. The essay Nehru as India's Constitutional Sisyphus reflects this balanced approach, acknowledging Nehru's role in building constitutional democracy while critiquing his curtailment of fundamental rights through the First Amendment.

Several essays stand out for their sharp contemporary relevance. Bulldozer Justice condemns extrajudicial demolitions as violations of the right to shelter, while A Step That Would Trigger Language Phonocide warns against the imposition of Hindi as a threat to India's linguistic diversity. The author's consistent concern for the marginalized is evident in his essays on transgender rights, the dignity of sex workers, and same-sex marriage, each advocating an expansive reading of constitutional equality.

The book concludes with a reflective essay marking the Constitution at 75. Here, the author advocates aligning the document with Gandhian ideals of ethics and spirituality, underscoring his belief that constitutional values must be lived and practiced by citizens—not merely enshrined in parchment.

If the book has a weakness, it lies in the anthology format, which occasionally results in thematic overlap. Nonetheless, The Supreme Codex stands as a vital contribution to India's constitutional discourse. At a time when foundational values face increasing pressure globally, the author's erudite and passionate defense of constitutionalism is both timely and necessary.

For students, legal professionals, and concerned citizens alike, this collection offers a deep and engaging exploration of India's “paramount parchment” and a compelling call to preserve its spirit. As the author poignantly reminds us, “the burden of protecting constitutionalism falls on the shoulders of the common citizen”—and this book equips readers for that noble task.

Aryan Vaibhav Srivastava is a practicing lawyer in the Supreme Court of India.