Shivani Bhardwaj

In a bold display of unity and resolve, 600 lawyers have collectively taken a stand to defend the judiciary against mounting political and professional pressures. On March 26, 2024, the lawyers collectively wrote a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of India, sounding the alarm on concerted efforts to undermine the independence and integrity of the judiciary. This unprecedented show of solidarity underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the urgent need for decisive action to safeguard the pillars of justice from external influences.

New Delhi: A large group of lawyers have written a letter to the Chief Justice of India, highlighting their grave concerns over attempts to undermine the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

In the letter, the lawyers have expressed alarm over the activities of certain interest groups aiming to exert undue influence on the judicial process, tarnish the reputation of the courts, and promote political agendas through manipulative tactics.

The lawyers have condemned the fabrication of false narratives, particularly regarding past court proceedings, aimed at swaying judicial decisions and undermining public trust in the judiciary. They emphasized the need to combat such deliberate attempts to discredit the courts and manipulate judicial outcomes.

Furthermore, the lawyers denounced the insidious practice of “bench fixing” and the dissemination of false information to pressure judges into delivering favorable rulings. They underscored the detrimental impact of such underhanded tactics on the fairness and credibility of the judicial system.

The letter also criticized the phenomenon of political flip-flopping, where individuals accused of corruption both criticize and seek to influence court decisions for their benefit. Such behavior, the lawyers argued, erodes public confidence in the legal system and undermines the principles of justice.

Moreover, the lawyers raised concerns about the timing of these attacks on the judiciary, particularly in the lead-up to elections, indicating a calculated strategy to manipulate public opinion and judicial outcomes for political gain.

In closing, the lawyers have called upon the Supreme Court to take decisive action to protect the judiciary from these assaults and uphold its independence and integrity. They pledged their unwavering support for the judiciary and urged the Chief Justice to demonstrate strong leadership in addressing these pressing issues.

The letter concluded with a call for unity among legal professionals in defending the courts against such attacks and maintaining the sanctity of the legal system.

The lawyers have expressed confidence in the leadership of the Chief Justice and all Honorable Judges, trusting them to navigate these challenges and safeguard the judiciary from external pressures.

The lawyers concluded by urging the Chief Justice to take decisive action to preserve the honor and integrity of the courts in the face of ongoing threats.