Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Nov.26: Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana today urged lawyers to support judges and preserve the judicial system from ‘motivated and targeted attacks,’ as well as extending a helping hand to those in need, in order to earn citizens’ trust.
“I want to tell all of you that you must assist judges and the institution. We are all ultimately part of one large family. Protect the institution from motivated and targeted attacks. Do not shy away from standing up for what is right, and against what is wrong,” the CJI said in his address during the Constitution Day celebration organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
Because of the interaction that took place within and outside the courtroom, Chief Justice Ramana underlined the significance of “argument and discussion,” saying that the Constitution is now a deeper and more complicated constitution than it was when it was adopted.
“The Constitution of today, built upon the foundations laid by the framers, is a richer and more complex document than what it was when it was adopted in 1949. This is a result of the dialogue that took place both inside and outside the Courtroom, resulting in novel and unique interpretations,” he said.
The CJI said, “Perhaps, the most important feature of the Indian Constitution is the fact that it provides a framework for debate. It is through such debate and discussion that the nation ultimately progresses, evolves, and achieves higher levels of welfare for the people. The most direct and visible players in this process are, of course, the lawyers and judges of this country.”
He recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s, Dr. BR Ambedkar’s, Jawaharlal Nehru’s, Lala Lajpat Rai’s, Sardar Patel’s, and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and the creation of the Constitution, and urged lawyers to do the same. “Take an active role in assisting those who are in need. When possible, take on matters pro gratis. Be deserving of the trust that the public has placed in you,” he said.
“As people with intimate knowledge of the Constitution and the laws, it is also your responsibility to educate the rest of the citizenry about the role they play in society. The history, present, and the future of this nation lie on your shoulders,” the CJI told lawyers.
The legal profession is called a noble profession for a reason and it demands “expertise, experience, and commitment”, like any other profession, he said, adding that it also requires “integrity, knowledge of social issues, social responsibility, and civic virtue. You must be leaders and mentors in society.”
He went on to say that everyone should vow to spread the principles that underpin the Constitution: freedom, equality, and justice in all of its forms for all people.
The Indian Constitution was enacted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and it went into effect on January 26, 1950.
