By Adv. Shashank S. Narvekar
The judiciary is the final shield for everyday citizens. When the government and other authorities fail them, people turn to the courts for justice. But a court’s power depends entirely on the public’s trust. Today, we live in a time when independent institutions are being constantly weakened from the top. In this environment, any act that lowers the dignity of our courts directly damages the rule of law.
This highlights a deeply worrying trend in our legal system. It is no accident that, under the current ruling government, we are seeing a sharp rise in angry clashes inside courtrooms. When broader political leaders openly mock independent institutions and reward aggressive behaviour, that toxic culture can naturally trickle down into the courts.
A lawyer remains an officer of the court, even when fighting a personal case. The moral duties of the legal profession do not vanish simply because a lawyer is frustrated. Yet, the intense political tension in our country has started showing up inside courtrooms. Attacking a judge with insulting words or angrily throwing papers onto a desk are signs of a deeper systemic breakdown. This behaviour mirrors the loud, aggressive politics often seen in public discourse.
There is a significant difference between being a brave, fearless lawyer and acting in a manner that undermines the court’s authority. In a healthy democracy, if one disagrees with a judge’s order, the proper course is to challenge it through appropriate legal forums. The courtroom should never become a stage for political theatre or personal anger.
When such incidents occur, the damage extends far beyond the individuals involved. If lawyers themselves show open disrespect towards the bench, the public may lose faith in the justice system. The greatest victim is not the individual judge, but the credibility of the judiciary itself.
Transparency is essential, but it should not come at the cost of the court’s dignity. It is true that the Indian judiciary faces significant challenges, particularly due to the large number of pending cases. While delays in judicial appointments and inadequate infrastructure may contribute to these challenges, they cannot justify disorder within courtrooms. If reforms are needed, they must be pursued through constitutional methods and established legal processes, not through conduct that disrupts the administration of justice.
Public trust in the courts is one of the nation’s greatest assets. Once that trust is eroded, rebuilding it becomes extremely difficult. Protecting the dignity of the judiciary is no longer merely a professional obligation for lawyers; it is a democratic responsibility shared by everyone who values constitutional governance, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.
