New Delhi, May 10 -- Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has said that an independent Bar plays a vital role in protecting constitutional democracy and citizens' rights, stressing that lawyers must have the courage to defend institutional integrity "when silence is convenient."

Addressing the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on the topic "Role of the Independent Bar in protecting the constitution and the citizens," Justice Gavai said the Bar and the Bench are complementary institutions and together uphold accountability in a democracy.

He observed that the independence of the Bar is not merely a professional privilege but a constitutional necessity, as it ensures citizens get fearless legal representation and enables the state to be held...