Lawyers were instrumental in achieving independence, establishing independent judiciary: CJI DY Chandrachud

Many lawyers gave up their lucrative legal practice to fight for India's independence and dedicated themselves to the cause of nation, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud said on Thursday. .They not only played a big role in helping India attain independence but were also instrumental in establishing a strong and independent judiciary, he further said."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," the CJI stated.He was speaking at the Supreme Court on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day celebrations organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). .CJI Chandrachud said that an erudite and principled Bar makes for a vigilant and alert judiciary and acts as a bridge between people and 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," said the CJI. .The CJI also said that the work of courts often reflect the struggles of ordinary Indians. "I can keep my hand on my heart and say that the work of the courts reflect 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," said the CJI. .The CJI also opined that the legal community has been instrumental in rooting the Constitution on a firm basic structure, ushering in substantive due process, protecting the dignity of women, gender minorities and LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized communities.