Judges come from the bar and go back to the bar, we belong to the bar, the better the bar the better the judges.

On Constitution Day, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna emphasized the pivotal role of the Constitution in transforming India into a mature and vibrant democracy. Reflecting on the nation's journey, he stated:

"India since independence has had a transformative journey from a nation - suffering the aftermath horrors of the partition, widespread illiteracy, poverty and hunger, lack of a robust democratic system of checks and balances resulting in self doubt has emerged today as a mature and vibrant democracy, a self-assured nation, a geopolitical leader. But at the back of it is the Constitution of India, which has helped its transformation. It is today a way of life that has to be lived up to we renew our pledge to be trustees and custodian of the Constitution. It is a tribute to its enduring Legacy and the present future commitment to the Supreme text which we must commemorate.”

Addressing the legal fraternity, the CJI highlighted the indispensable role of the Bar in the judiciary, “We often refer to the judiciary as the persons in the robes, that is the judges. But the judiciary equally represents the Bar. We do not; I cannot visualise a judiciary where the members of the bar are not part and parcel of it. You are as much a part of the Judiciary as the judges," he stated.

The CJI stressed the Bar's role as the voice of the citizens and its assistance to the court in delivering judgments. He stated:

“There is another way the bar contributes to the Judiciary, you become the spokesperson and the first person to whom the citizens come and Repose Faith. You are the ones who come and present their case before us. You are the ones who point out the legal principles and help us adjudicate, therefore it is said judges shine in reflected Glory we do not without; I cannot imagine an adjudicatory system in India where the Bar does not contribute and help us adjudicate and decide.” 

He further acknowledged that the landmark rulings of the Supreme Court were made possible by the contributions of advocates.

“Indian Supreme Court has had a very strong, good Legacy. We have decisions right from environmental laws, privacy laws, fundamental rights, the basic structure Doctrine. Many of these decisions I do not think would have been possible without the contribution and the efforts of the members of the bar. We therefore require the members of the bar to come up to the principles and ideals set out in the charter of the Constitutional day.” he stated.

Addressing the challenges faced by Bar members, the CJI detailed several measures introduced since assuming office as Chief Justice of India. These include:- Setting up notice boards for physical cause lists outside courtrooms. Allocating a conference room in the Supreme Court's Administrative Building. Proposals for additional photostat machine operators, computer operators, and stationery in the ABC Block. Creating more cabins for Oath Commissioners. Improving Wi-Fi services, including extension to the ladies bar room. Replacing OTP pin requirements with a three-month login validity. Adding more chairs and tables in waiting rooms. Approving the opening of Gate B on Sundays and holidays.

The CJI firmly stated that the old practice of seeking adjournments through letter circulation cannot be reinstated, despite repeated requests from Bar members. Explaining the rationale, he stated:

"I have one request to make. And I hope it will be taken in the right spirit. I have been repeatedly getting requests for re-circulation of letters of adjournment. I have looked into the data. The data shows that there were about 9,000-10,000 applications or letters for adjournments being circulated every three months, which is more than 1000 applications or letters for adjournment everyday. So it is not going to be possible for us to go back to the earlier system. Whatever system we have now adopted, we can if you look, if you come up with some suggestions for improvements, we look into it. But going back to the earlier system may be counterproductive."