Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has emphasized the paramount importance for lawyers to prioritize the court and the Indian Constitution over their political leanings. Addressing an event in Nagpur, he expressed deep concern over the emerging trend of lawyers making comments on pending cases and court rulings.
Speaking at the centenary celebration of the High Court Bar Association of Nagpur, CJI Chandrachud underscored the pivotal role of lawyers as officers of the court, emphasizing that the integrity and dignity of legal discourse rest in their hands.
“While lawyers, like any other individuals, may hold their own political beliefs, they must transcend these when it comes to their allegiance to the courts and the Indian Constitution,” remarked CJI Chandrachud.
He emphasized the public nature of court judgments, acknowledging that they become public property once pronounced. However, he urged lawyers to maintain a level of distinction from laypersons in their reactions to court rulings and engagement in legal discussions.
“In our vibrant democracy, individuals naturally possess political inclinations. Yet, for members of the bar, their primary loyalty should be to the court and the Constitution, rather than partisan interests,” CJI Chandrachud asserted, quoting Aristotle’s notion of human beings as political animals.
Highlighting the critical role of the independent bar in upholding the rule of law and constitutional governance, CJI Chandrachud stressed the importance of effectively communicating court judgments to the public through various platforms, including newspapers, media appearances, and public lectures.
He underscored the bar’s potential as a bridge between the court and citizens, facilitating a deeper understanding of constitutional values and the true intent behind judicial decisions.
Moreover, CJI Chandrachud cautioned that the independence of the judiciary is closely linked to the independence of the bar, emphasizing the need for a symbiotic relationship between the two.