Archive · 15 Aug 2026
CJI Surya Kant says lawyers must keep constitutional promise alive
The Chief Justice of India is like the head judge of the country.
On India's Independence Day, he gave a speech to many lawyers.
He said that long ago, when another country ruled India, lawyers helped India become free.
Many famous freedom fighters were lawyers.
After India became free, lawyers got a new job.
Their new job is to make sure the country follows its important rulebook, called the Constitution.
The Constitution promises fairness and justice for everyone, even for people who are poor or cannot speak up for themselves.
The Chief Justice also encouraged new, young lawyers to work hard.
He said older judges and lawyers will help and support them.
He ended by saying the rest of the journey is theirs to walk, together.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant addressed the Supreme Court Bar Association's Independence Day function.
He said the legal profession's responsibility shifted from challenging colonial rule to fulfilling the constitutional vision of a free India.
He recalled that India's freedom movement had a deep connection with the law, citing leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
He noted that judicial interpretation has expanded Article 21 to include rights to dignity, a clean and humane environment, and free legal aid.
He assured young lawyers of mentorship and support from the Bar and Bench, saying: "The miles that remain are yours to walk, and we walk with you."
- Who
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, speaking to members of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
- What
- A speech recalling lawyers' pivotal role in India's freedom struggle and their continuing responsibility to keep the constitutional promise of justice alive.
- When
- Saturday, at the Independence Day function.
- Where
- At the Independence Day function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in India.
- Why
- To mark Independence Day and to remind the legal profession, especially young lawyers, of its duty to make justice accessible to those without means or voice.
- Speaker
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
- Event
- Independence Day function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA)
- Occasion
- India's Independence Day (Saturday)
- Core theme
- Lawyers' responsibility changed from resisting colonial rule to realising the constitutional vision of free India
- Leaders cited
- Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Motilal Nehru, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru and others
- Article 21
- Judicially expanded to cover dignity, a clean and humane environment, and free legal aid
- Message to young lawyers
- Bar and Bench offer mentorship and meaningful opportunities; 'The miles that remain are yours to walk, and we walk with you'