Pune: Supreme Court Justice Abhay Oka has stressed that respect for the judiciary hinges on its independence and the need for fair and swift justice.

Speaking at a state-level lawyers' conference organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa (BCMG) in Pune, Justice Oka highlighted the significant role lawyers play in upholding the judiciary and maintaining democracy.

The conference, attended by over 5,000 lawyers, focused on recent legal developments and the importance of constitutional sensitization between lawyers and the judiciary.

Justice Oka urged lawyers to fulfill their responsibility in preserving the judiciary’s independence, warning that democracy itself is at risk if they fail to do so.

Justice Prasanna Varale and other esteemed speakers echoed the sentiment, calling for continuous vigilance in upholding the Constitution and addressing the growing need to educate not only girls but also boys in the wake of increasing violence against women. The event also saw the recognition of several senior advocates for their contributions to the legal profession.

Key Points from Justice Abhay Oka’s Speech:

• Every state should establish law schools to bring uniformity in legal education.

• Respecting constitutionally established institutions is a moral duty.

• The Constitution will not be upheld until the law is followed.

• It is the responsibility of lawyers and the judiciary to monitor compliance with the rules.

• Boycotts of court proceedings should never occur.

• Lawyers have a duty to guide society.

• If the independence of the judiciary is threatened, lawyers should fight for it.

• Judges are under pressure from motives attributed to their verdicts.

• Judges must deliver justice based on evidence and the law, without considering the outcome of the verdict.

• Comprehensive efforts are needed to restore the lost prestige of the judiciary.