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Synopsis

In his speech at the 78th Independence Day Celebrations which took place at the Supreme Court yesterday, the Chief Justice of India referred to the unrest in Bangladesh.

"We chose in 1950 the uncertainty of freedom and what is happening today say in Bangladesh is a clear reminder for us. of how precious liberty is for us", the CJI said.

As he commenced his speech, Justice Chandrachud outlined that in the last 77 years, our country has conquered new frontiers of social justice, scientific development, economic, prosperity, and political milestones on the path of democracy under the rule of law.

"Many young lawyers today are the post-independence generation. I am myself I am the post-independence generation, but many of you are the post emergency generation. Therefore, it is very easy to take freedom for granted. It is simple to take liberty for granted, but it is important that we dwell on the stories of the past to remind us, how precious liberty is and what an important role we as judges and lawyers play in the preservation of liberty...", he added.

Referring to lawyers who give up their lucrative legal practices and dedicated themselves to the cause of the nation, the CJI mentioned Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Alladi Krishnaswami Iyer, KM Munshi, Govind Vallabh Panth, Devi Prasad Khaitan, Sir Syed Mohammed Sadulla, NG Iyengar, BL Mittar among so many others.

"Lawyers have been a constant force of good in our country even after independence. The bar is vital to hold a conscience of the courts.", the CJI added.

Speaking about the need of a modern judiciary being an accessible and inclusive infrastructure, the CJI said the ease of lawyers to navigate the court not only allows them to assist the court with ease and efficiency, but also for them to feel a sense of responsibility towards the institution of the jury as its custodian.

"In the last six months, we have taken many infrastructure initiatives. Supreme Court has extended the fibre optics internet to the lowest block, creating consultation rooms in the East building. We have constructed cubicles for lawyers who are waitlisted for Chamber allotment and renovated the office of the Supreme Court bar Association. But our work has only just begun. The Supreme Court is actively building a bigger creche for child care. Last evening, I paid a visit to the new creche to be opened as opposed to 25 young infants who can be accommodated in the old crush. The new creche can accommodate 75 young children. My only regret is that I lost the time when I could have been in the crush, probably 60 or 62 years ago...", the CJI enlisted.

It was further said the court will also see the construction of the advocates wellness centre and the air-conditioning of corridors lining the courtrooms one to five.

The lawyers attending the celebrations were also informed that the entire tendering process for the construction of a new building of the Supreme Court has been completed and the new Supreme Court building coming up in the existing premises with 27 futuristic courts three courts over 10,000 ft.² will have modern facilities for the Supreme Court Bar Association, for Advocates-on-Record Association and the women lawyers.