NEW DELHI: Senior advocate Harish Salve on Wednesday said criticism aimed at “keep[ing] the government in control” is essential in a democracy, but urged people not to “denigrate India” in today’s world of social media.Speaking about the turmoil in the Western world, particularly in Europe, the former solicitor general said that despite its internal challenges, the West remains united in resisting India’s rise, which he said it still views as “a third-world country”. “Trenchant criticisms within India of the government and its institutions is necessary to keep the government in control. But we should be very careful. Whatever we say, whatever we do in today’s world of social media, do not denigrate India as a nation. Always remember, ‘Sare Jahan Se Achcha Hindustan Humara’,” Salve was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.Speaking at the AK Sen Memorial Lecture and Photograph Unveiling Ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Salve said holding those in power accountable is necessary in a constitutional democracy.“One thing, as someone who resides outside India, is that India today is looked at with a great sense of respect. The Western world is in turmoil as we see every day. Europe feels orphaned. US is making people wonder whether it ever had a Constitution. But they unite when it comes to resisting India’s ascent. They still find it hard to accept that a country of not white people, a country which they call a third-world country, is aspiring to be a leader of the world, has become the fourth largest economy in the world,” Salve was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.The event marked the unveiling of a portrait of late Senior Advocate and former Union law minister AK Sen in Library No. 1 of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant joined Salve in unveiling the photograph.Several senior members of the legal fraternity attended the ceremony. SCBA President and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh paid tribute to Sen’s contribution to the legal profession, while Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani also spoke about his legacy.Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Surya Kant described Sen as a distinguished lawyer, scholar and statesman whose career reflected a lifelong commitment to justice and public service. He said the portrait would honour Sen’s contribution while inspiring future generations of advocates.
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“Today, we are not merely adorning our Library with a fitting tribute; we are enshrining in these walls the spirit of a life devoted to justice, intellect and public service… For every Advocate who passes through the Library, this portrait would be a silent reminder that our calling transcends personal ambition, that the practice of law and the stewardship of justice are sacred trusts in service of the Republic,” the Chief Justice said.He added that the portrait should remind young lawyers of the values expected from members of the legal profession.“A young lawyer rushing to Court with a first brief may pass this portrait. I hope the portrait will ask the more important questions that Mr Sen no doubt asked himself sometimes: Have I prepared enough? Have I been fair to the Court and to my opponent? Have I used the law to clarify, or merely to complicate?… May his presence here remind us that brilliance without balance is incomplete; that office without service is transient; and that law without humanity is barren,” the Chief Justice said.
