The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Constitution of India, the Rule of Law, and the dignity, independence and institutional integrity of constitutional institutions.
In a statement titled “Upholding the Dignity of the Constitution of India, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, and the Office of the Chief Justice of India”, the Association stated that the Supreme Court of India occupies a central and indispensable place in the country’s constitutional democracy and is an institution that preserves judicial independence.
The SCWLA stated that the authority of the Supreme Court rests not only on its judgments but also on the public trust, institutional integrity and constitutional values it embodies. Any deliberate attempt to demean, discredit or undermine the institution, or to erode public confidence in it through irresponsible, intemperate or unwarranted remarks, is a matter of serious concern, the statement said.
Highlighting the constitutional significance of the Office of the Chief Justice of India, the Association stated that while differences of opinion and fair, reasoned criticism are integral to a vibrant democracy, personal attacks, baseless allegations and language intended to insult the office or diminish the dignity of the Court cannot be equated with legitimate criticism.
Such conduct risks weakening public confidence in the judiciary and undermining respect for the constitutional framework itself, the statement added.
The SCWLA clarified that the statement is strictly non-political and that the Association does not seek to comment on, or enter into, any political debate. Its concern is confined to the protection of constitutional values, institutional dignity and the independence of the judiciary.
The Association further stated that every citizen, and particularly every member of the legal fraternity, bears a responsibility to uphold these principles through responsible speech and conduct.
The statement emphasised that the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court of India and the constitutional institutions established under it must be accorded the dignity and respect they deserve. The freedom to express disagreement does not absolve anyone of the corresponding responsibility to exercise restraint, fairness and respect when speaking about constitutional offices and institutions, it said.
The SCWLA unequivocally opposed any attempt to undermine the dignity of the Supreme Court of India or to disparage the Office of the Chief Justice of India through unwarranted, insulting or institutionally corrosive statements.
Reiterating its commitment to defending the institution, upholding the Rule of Law and the Constitution of India, preserving public faith in the judiciary, and ensuring that public discourse remains principled, responsible and consistent with the values of the Republic and the dignity of constitutional institutions, the Association reaffirmed its resolve to uphold the constitutional principles underpinning the country’s democratic framework.
