Bhubaneswar, December 3: Every year, Advocates Day is celebrated on December 3, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India and a distinguished lawyer.
This day serves as a reminder of the essential role legal professionals play in ensuring the administration of justice and their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. Advocates Day provides an opportunity to highlight the significance of professionalism, legal ethics, and the responsibility lawyers bear in ensuring that the justice system is accessible to all.
The Crucial Role of Advocates in Society
Advocates have always played a key role in driving societal progress and change. Throughout history, many lawyers have taken leadership roles during critical moments. Figures like Abraham Lincoln, the American President during the Civil War, Robespierre, a central leader in the French Revolution, and Lenin, the architect of the Russian Revolution, all had legal backgrounds.
Prominent freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Alladi Krishnaswami Iyer, and K.M. Munshi, emerged from the legal fraternity and were actively involved in framing India’s Constitution. Many lawyers even gave up their practices to join the freedom struggle, enduring imprisonment for their beliefs.
The legal profession is inherently demanding, requiring immense dedication and hard work. Advocates are considered officers of the court, bound by duties not only to their clients but also to the court, with the goal of assisting in the fair administration of justice. The advocacy profession is unique in that, although lawyers may be adversaries in court, they work together in pursuit of truth and justice.
Sitanshu Mohan Dwivedy, Chairman of the Odisha Bar Council, emphasized that "Law and justice are the cornerstone of a stable society, and advocates, as the architects of justice, play a crucial role in maintaining this stability. On Advocates Day, we pay tribute to these guardians of truth, champions of fairness, and defenders of the voiceless. Through their relentless pursuit of justice, advocates remind us that justice is not just an abstract concept but a way of life."
Advocate Sanuja Kumar Mishra from Bhubaneswar remarked, "Advocacy carries a profound responsibility, influencing the futures of individuals, families, societies, and entire nations. Advocates walk a challenging path with no set hours or fees, bridging various parts of society and merging legal expertise with genuine connections in their pursuit of justice."
Dipak Dash, Secretary of the Bhubaneswar Bar Association, stated, " As lawyers, we are in a unique position to help people enjoy their rights in a manner that allows them to live their lives with freedom and dignity.”
Advocate Sushant Dash from Bhubaneswar stated, "It is essential for advocates to remember that we are called to the bar to uphold the law and the dignity of the legal system. Our conduct, both inside and outside the courtroom, should always reflect this sacred responsibility."
