Senior Advocate Indira Jaising says lawyers’ duty is to defend students’ rights and seek justice from the “temple of justice”
New Delhi: In a show of solidarity with protesting students, several advocates at the Supreme Court of India gathered to read the Preamble of the Constitution and expressed their support for the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. The lawyers raised concerns over the police action against students and called for justice, emphasizing the importance of protecting constitutional rights.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising addressed the gathering and said that the lawyers had come forward not for any personal cause but to support the rights and concerns of students.
“We are here to stand with the students. We are here to stand on the side of justice. We are here to demand justice for the students. We are not here to agitate for ourselves. This is not about us; this concerns the rights of students,” she said.
Highlighting the role of the legal fraternity in safeguarding constitutional values, Jaising said it is the responsibility of lawyers to raise their voice whenever citizens’ rights are affected.
She stated, “It is the duty of lawyers to stand before the Supreme Court and demand justice for them. The role and function of the Supreme Court of India is to dispense justice. That is why we are here, in the temple of justice, with our demands.”
The advocates’ reading of the Constitution’s Preamble was seen as a reaffirmation of constitutional principles, including justice, liberty, equality, and dignity, while expressing concern over issues related to students’ rights and democratic expression.
The protest at Jantar Mantar has drawn attention from various sections of society, with supporters demanding accountability and a fair hearing of students’ grievances. The legal community’s participation has added a constitutional dimension to the ongoing debate over the handling of student demonstrations.