"Loyalty Belongs to the Constitution": SC Advocate Anand S. Jondhale Demands Urgent Institutional Accountability and Judicial Transparency

NEW DELHI — Supreme Court Advocate Anand S. Jondhale has issued a resolute call for the protection of judicial independence, constitutional values, and public confidence in India's democratic framework.

Reiterating the urgent need for institutional integrity, Jondhale drew focus to a critical representation dated October 18, 2026, which was addressed to the Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in New Delhi.

Signed by several advocates, with Jondhale listed as the primary signatory, the document raised severe concerns regarding constitutional accountability and the functioning of the nation's democratic institutions.

The representation explicitly urged the SCBA Executive Committee to convene a meeting to consider a resolution concerning the withdrawal of judicial work from the then Chief Justice of India.

Placing these concerns in the present context, Jondhale noted that the nation's judiciary is currently headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant.

He underscored that the office of the Chief Justice carries an extraordinary constitutional responsibility, requiring the Supreme Court to stand as the independent guardian of fundamental rights, constitutional morality, and the rule of law.

Jondhale emphasized that judicial independence is an essential pillar of constitutional democracy rather than a mere privilege of the judiciary.

He firmly stated that public trust in the legal system must be actively protected through strict transparency, impartiality, and institutional accountability, adding that no constitutional body is beyond legitimate scrutiny through established legal procedures.

"Democracy cannot survive merely through elections," Jondhale stated, arguing that a thriving democracy fundamentally requires independent institutions and a strictly impartial judiciary.

He reminded the legal fraternity that their duty extends far beyond the practice of law, requiring them to defend the rule of law and raise their voices whenever serious constitutional concerns emerge.

"Our loyalty must always remain with the Constitution of India and the people of this country, rather than with any individual or institution," he affirmed.

Jondhale clarified that seeking constitutional accountability is not an attack on institutions, but rather an essential step in strengthening democracy.

Reaffirming a core set of professional and civic commitments, he pledged to continuously safeguard the Constitution, protect fundamental rights, and ensure absolute transparency within constitutional institutions.

The advocate concluded his forceful appeal for an empowered, independent, and accountable judiciary with the rallying words, "Jai Bhim, Jai Constitution."