Bhubaneswar, September 15: Lawyers are the torchbearers of society as they defend the rule of law, protect human rights and uphold the pursuit of justice, said Jatani MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Balabantray.

Addressing the 8th foundation day celebration of the Jatani court as the chief guest on Monday, Balabantray said members of the legal profession play a crucial role in sustaining democracy by ensuring that public institutions function within the framework of law.

“Advocates often defend citizens against the State and work to ensure that people get justice,” he said, adding that lawyers also play a vital role in safeguarding constitutional values. Any ethical lapse within the legal profession, therefore, can have a significant impact on civic life, he observed.

As the guest of honour, Anil Biswal, Spokesman, BJP, Odisha Unit, said advocates serve as vigilant guardians of the rule of law and constitutional principles. He stressed that legal professionals should work to protect individual freedoms and ensure access to justice for marginalised sections of society who have limited access to power and resources.

The chief speaker, Pradeep Kumar Subudhi, Vice-President of the Jatani Bar Association, emphasised the need for unity among advocates and highlighted their leadership role in society.

Referring to legal luminaries and freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr BR Ambedkar, Subudhi said lawyers had historically played a significant role in India's freedom struggle and in shaping the nation's democratic institutions.

“Throughout history, lawyers have led movements for equality, civil rights and social justice. The legal profession should function as a service to the common good rather than merely as a commercial trade,” Subudhi said.

Jatani Bar Association Secretary Brajabandhu Pradhan presented a report on the progress of the Bar Association and the performance of the Jatani court. He said the court, functioning under Debendra Nath Bagh, JMFC-cum-Civil Judge (Junior Division), has been performing well in delivering justice.

Pradhan said, "More than 5,000 cases have been disposed of during the seven years since the establishment of the court. Judge Debendra Nath Bagh emphasized modern advocacy like Lok Adalat, mediation, and community education through Legal Aid."

The function was presided over by Gyanendra Kumar Senapati, President of the Jatani Bar Association. He said the integrity of the legal system depends on the honest and ethical conduct of legal practitioners.

On the occasion, Bhubaneswar Bar Association President Ashok Chaudhary, Secretary Suman Rautary, Khurda Bar Association President Lotak Patnaik, Secretary Lingaraj Sahoo, and senior advocate Sarat Chandra Mishra were felicitated.

Senior advocates Sanuj Kumar Mishra, Subhransu Sekhar Jena, Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Manas Subudhi, Umesh Chandra Mishra, Sushant Subudhi, Sauvagy Sundary and other advocates coordinated the event.

Hundreds of advocates from Jatani, Bhubaneswar and Khurda participated in the celebration. Mihir Kant Kothari proposed the vote of thanks.