CJI's word of caution to lawyers, judges: 'be loyal to constitution, not political ideology'

Chief Justice of India Chandrachud asked judges and lawyers to remain loyal to the courts and the Constitution, and not any political ideology or parties.

Addressing the centenary year celebration of the High Court Bar Association Nagpur, Chandrachud also noted the recent trends of bar association members commenting on pending cases and the judgments delivered by the courts, and called for an independent bar, saying it has a close link with the independence of judiciary.

“In a vibrant and argumentative democracy like ours, most individuals have political ideology or inclination to quote Aristotle 'human beings are political animals'. Lawyers are no exception. However, for the members of the Bar one's highest loyalty must lie with partisan interest but to the court and the constitution. In many ways, it is the independent Bar that is the moral bulwark to protect the rule of law and constitutional governance," he said.

"The bar as an institution is essential to preserve judicial independence, constitutional values and the dignity of the courts," he added.