Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Thursday said lawyers and the Bar were vital in upholding the conscience of the courts, acting as a two-way bridge between the people and the judiciary.

Addressing members of the Bar after unfurling the Tricolour at an event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) at the apex court, the CJI recalled the huge sacrifices made by several eminent lawyers during the freedom struggle.

“As everyone here would know, 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. But the task of patriotic lawyers did not end with India achieving her Independence. 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,” Justice Chandrachud said.

Minister for law and justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, attorney-general R. Venkataramani, SCBA president Kapil Sibal, vice-president Rachana Srivastava, secretary Vikrant Yadav, several lawyers and officials were at the event.

The CJI said the Bar was also the representative of the profession and judges before the people, thus acting as 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,” he said.