'Stand with students': SC advocates support CJP protest, recite Constitution Preamble

New Delhi: Advocates at the Supreme Court on Thursday recited the Constitution’s Preamble as part of their "Save Democracy, Save Constitution" campaign, expressing solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar and opposing police action against demonstrators.

Senior advocates Indira Jaising and S Muralidhar led the recitation during the lunch recess at the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Bar Association president and senior advocate Vikas Singh was also present.

Speaking to reporters, Jaising said the lawyers had gathered to support the protesting students and seek justice for them.

“We are here to stand with the students. We are here to stand on the side of justice. We are here to demand justice for the students. We are not here to agitate for ourselves. This is not about us," she said.

"This concerns the rights of students, and it is the duty of lawyers to stand before the Supreme Court and demand justice for them. The role and function of the Supreme Court of India is to dispense justice. That is why we are here, in the temple of justice, with our demands," she added.

The CJP, described as an organic movement against paper leaks and alleged irregularities in the examination system, has been holding a protest at Jantar Mantar since June 20. The movement began after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referred to youngsters as "cockroaches".

The protest gained further momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk and a group of students affiliated with the Left-backed AISA began a hunger strike.

PTI