Addressing the Supreme Court Bar Association’s Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court of India, Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant delivered his first public speech after assuming office, marking the occasion as both personally meaningful and nationally significant.
Calling Constitution Day a celebration of the moment when “the people of India gifted unto themselves its most fundamental covenant,” the Chief Justice highlighted the centrality of the legal fraternity in upholding constitutional values and strengthening the Rule of Law.
He acknowledged the Supreme Court Bar as the “torchbearers” of constitutional ideals, observing that while courts are the “sentinels of the Constitution,” it is advocates who illuminate the judiciary’s path with their scholarship, perspective, and commitment to justice. He credited the continued evolution of India’s constitutional jurisprudence to the erudition and efforts of the Bar.
Recalling contributions of illustrious legal legends including Nani Palkhivala, M.C. Setalvad, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, K.M. Munshi, and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, the Chief Justice noted that India’s legal history has been shaped by advocates whose intellect and integrity have guided both judicial philosophy and societal transformation.
Justice Suryakant called upon the Bar to shoulder a “deeper sense of responsibility”, especially toward the “invisible victims of the judicial system” who remain unheard and unseen. He urged lawyers to approach constitutional matters not merely as adversarial contests but as issues that impact the future direction of the nation.
Emphasizing service beyond courtrooms, he encouraged members of the profession to extend legal aid to vulnerable sections of society and to embody the vision enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy. Addressing young lawyers in particular, he said they are “brimming with potential” and must emerge as model citizens who live the constitutional values they advocate.
The Chief Justice concluded with a powerful call for unity between the Bar and the Bench:
“We interpret, you illuminate; we pronounce, you provoke thought; we guard the ramparts, and you fortify the foundations. Together, we sustain the living promise of our Republic.”
He urged the legal fraternity to renew their commitment to enriching and uplifting the Constitution in the service of the people of India.