In Independence Day Speech, CJI DY Chandrachud Emphasises Role Of A Principled Bar In Keeping Judiciary Alert

During his Independence Day address, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud commended the role played by the Bar in acting as a vital bridge between the Courts and the people.

He reminded that during the freedom struggle, many lawyers gave up their lucrative legal practices and dedicated themselves to the cause of the nation. They were instrumental, not only in achieving freedom for India, but also in establishing a fiercely independent judiciary. Saying that the task of patriotic lawyers did not end with India achieving her independence, CJI added :

"Lawyers and the Bar have been a constant force of good in our country even after independence. The Courts are vital to uphold the rights and dignity of citizens. But the Bar, wedded to the Constitution and the rule of law, is vital to uphold the conscience of the Courts. Members of the Bar are the crucial link between the people and the judges. They held us absorb the pain and the pulse of the people. Equally, the Bar is the representative of the profession and by extension of judges before the people. In that sense, the Bar is a two way bridge between the people and the Court. An erudite and principled Bar makes for a vigilant and alert judiciary. I commend the work of the Bar in playing this pivotal role in our society – one which is rooted in the rule of law and the Constitution."

CJI said that the work of the Courts reflected the struggles of ordinary Indians navigating the rough and tumble of their daily lives. "The Supreme Court of India sees throngs of litigants – from villages and from metropolitan cities, of all religions, regions, castes and genders seeking justice. The legal community allows the Court to do justice to these citizens in no small measure," he said. 

Justice Chandrachud began his address by extending Independence Day greetings and reflecting on India's remarkable achievements over the last 77 years. He emphasized that India's independence in 1947 marked a significant shift in global power dynamics, signaling the decline of imperialism and the rise of a nation committed to social justice, economic prosperity, and democratic values. He paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation and reminded the audience of the ongoing responsibility to fulfill their dreams.

The Chief Justice underscored the importance of the Indian Constitution, which was meticulously crafted by the Constituent Assembly to serve as the foundation of the nation's democratic ideals. He highlighted how the Constitution placed the marginalized and disenfranchised at the center of India's development agenda, promoting justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Justice Chandrachud noted that the Constitution established a framework of democratic institutions designed to ensure a government that is both representative and accountable to the people.

Reflecting on the need for a modern judiciary, Justice Chandrachud detailed several infrastructural initiatives undertaken by the Supreme Court over the past six months. These include the extension of fiber-optic internet to the lawyers' block, the creation of consultation rooms, cubicles for wait-listed lawyers, and a multi-facilitation center. A new lounge for women members of the Bar was also established, aimed at empowering female lawyers and providing them with a supportive environment.

He also mentioned the merger of the two registrar courts into a new registrar court with state-of-the-art facilities for lawyers. Additionally, an accessibility help desk has been set up to make the Supreme Court more accessible to persons with disabilities, women, and senior citizens.

Looking ahead, Justice Chandrachud announced plans for further improvements, including the construction of larger childcare facilities, an advocates' wellness center, and upgraded amenities in the Supreme Court complex. He emphasized that these efforts are aimed at creating an accessible and inclusive judiciary that better serves both citizens and the legal community.

In his speech, Justice Chandrachud stressed the importance of active participation from the legal community in the ongoing development of the judiciary. He highlighted the success of the previous year's Hackathon, which invited suggestions for improving the Supreme Court registry's functioning. This year, the Chief Justice announced the second edition of the Hackathon, focusing on exploring Artificial Intelligence-based solutions to further enhance the registry's operations.

Concluding his speech, Chief Justice Chandrachud reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. He called on the legal community to continue playing a crucial role in shaping the nation's future, ensuring that the aspirations of India's freedom fighters are realized. He reminded the audience of the judiciary's responsibility to reflect the struggles of ordinary Indians and to protect the dignity of all citizens, particularly marginalized communities.