Former Attorney General K K Venugopal hailed the pivotal role of lawyers in India’s journey from the freedom struggle to shaping modern democracy. Speaking at the launch of Lalit Bhasin’s book, “Lawyers of India in Freedom Struggle and in Independent India (1872-2022)”, he praised their contributions as guardians of justice and drivers of legal reform. The book celebrates 150 years of lawyers’ unwavering impact on India’s legal and democratic framework, spotlighting their enduring influence.
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NEW DELHI: Former Attorney General K K Venugopal emphasized the vital role of lawyers in India since the pre-independence era, describing them as key figures in shaping justice and the legal framework of the nation.
He spoke on this at the launch of a book titled-
“Lawyers of India in Freedom Struggle and in Independent India (1872-2022): 150 Years and Continued Glorious Contribution Towards the Centennial ‘2047’.”
This book is authored by Lalit Bhasin, President of the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF).
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Applauding the work, Venugopal highlighted that-
“Historically, since pre-independence, lawyers, as a class, have been integral to the process of the nation. They served as guardians of justice, defenders of the rule of law and architects of the legal framework upon which the nation stands.”
He added that during the freedom struggle, lawyers played a leading role in defending the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Prominent legal figures shaped and guided key movements such as the Indian National Congress, the All India Muslim League, and other regional efforts, championing governance rooted in justice, equality, and fairness.
Venugopal further elaborated on the continuing significance of lawyers in contemporary India.
He said,
“Today, lawyers and judges continue to defend fundamental rights. In public interest litigation, lawyers have been the voice of those who otherwise might not have been heard. In a young and vibrant democracy like ours, where millions of voices must be heard and represented, the lawyers stand as vigilant custodians for the rule of law.”
The former Attorney General presented the first copy of the book to the current Attorney General, R Venkataramani.
Venkataramani praised the book for its broader perspective, stating,
“The book is remarkable because it has not confined itself to the ‘narrow domain of practice of law’ but highlighted the lawyers who used law beyond the legal practice. The book may be slender (163 pages), but its appeal is immense.”
Lalit Bhasin, the author, reflected on the intent behind his work, describing it as a tribute to the lawyers who played crucial roles in both the independence movement and the evolution of India’s legal system.
He said,
“This volume is also a tribute to the nearly 1.1 million (11 lakh) lawyers practising in different parts of the country today and who keep the wheels of administration of justice moving for the benefit of the citizens of the country.”
Bhasin further noted the importance of young legal professionals, expressing hope for their role in achieving India’s aspirations by 2047, the centennial year of independence.
The book spans 150 years, covering the colonial period to present times, and highlights the contributions of numerous lawyers who have shaped India’s legal landscape and supported the foundation of its democracy.
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