Chief Justice of India-designate Justice Surya Kant on Sunday called upon members of the legal community to uphold empathy and compassion while dealing with those seeking justice. Speaking at the 125th Foundation Day celebration of the Oudh Bar Association (OBA) at the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Kant emphasized that both the Bar and the Bench play an equally vital role in the administration of justice.
“For the weak and poor, the Bar is the first stop for access to justice. When someone approaches the court seeking justice, their first interaction is with a lawyer. Therefore, lawyers must develop the power to understand the pain and struggles of the poor. Both the Bar and the Bench are pillars of the justice system,” he said.
Justice Kant urged the legal fraternity to engage in introspection to adapt to the evolving legal and technological landscape. “The era of Artificial Intelligence has arrived, and the country is witnessing rapid economic progress. This will inevitably lead to a rise in commercial disputes — and we must be ready to handle them efficiently,” he noted, adding that India’s judicial system remains “one of the finest in the world.”
Recalling his early days as an advocate visiting the Lucknow Bench, Justice Kant expressed gratitude for the mentorship and support he received from senior lawyers. Quoting poetry, he described the bond between the Bar and the Bench as ‘unbreakable’, rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali highlighted the significance of the lawyer’s attire, stating, “The white shirt, black coat, and gown are not merely a uniform — they represent a belief.” He encouraged advocates to simplify court proceedings for litigants, ensuring that justice remains transparent and comprehensible.
Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya praised the illustrious legacy of the Oudh Bar, noting that it has produced two chief ministers — Shripat Mishra and C.P. Gupta — and that one of its members went on to become Pakistan’s first Attorney General after Partition, whose son later rose to the position of Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Senior judge Justice Rajan Roy of the Lucknow Bench urged lawyers to be attentive to the needs of the weaker sections of society, asserting that “delivering justice should remain the foremost priority in legal practice.”
Meanwhile, Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi of the Allahabad High Court remarked that “a strong Bar is the hallmark of a strong judiciary,” underscoring the interdependence of the two institutions.
The event, presided over by Oudh Bar Association President S. Chandra, was attended by judges, senior advocates, and office bearers from the Supreme Court, Allahabad High Court, and various district bars. General Secretary L.K. Tiwari conducted the proceedings, marking a day of reflection on the profession’s values and its evolving responsibilities in a rapidly changing world.
