Lawyers should be at the forefront to fight the forces against the Indian Constitution, Supreme Justice KM Joseph of the Supreme Court said on his last working day.

Justice Joseph is slated to retire on June 16 but Friday was his last working day since the apex court's summer vacation would commence from tomorrow.

Justice Joseph acknowledged the huge talent across the Indian bar and urged members of the bar to be in the forefront in the fight against forces that can overcome the constitutional way of life.

"I wish you all the best. There is a huge talent among the young members of the bar and democracy will be in danger unless that talent is realised. Members of the bar must be in the forefront in the fight against forces which can overcome the constitutional way of life we have adopted," he said.

Justice Joseph was addressing a gathering at the farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in his honour, as well as in the honor of Justices Ajay Rastogi and V Ramasubramanian two other judges who would be demitting office during the summer vacation of the Court.

Justice Joseph in his speech also expressed his views on the role of the Supreme Court, the workload of judges, and the crucial support provided by the bar.

"Supreme Court is the most powerful highest court in the world, and its judges bear a heavy workload," he said.

However, he praised the judges for their dedication to weeding out cases that do not merit attention and also recognized the vital role played by the bar in assisting the judges.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the independence of the Supreme Court, Justice Joseph underscored its integral role in upholding democracy and the rule of law.

He highlighted the challenge faced by democratic nations from slipping into chaos or becoming the antithesis of democracy.

Towards this end, he exhorted the the bar to remain vigilant and pass on the duty of safeguarding democracy from generation to generation.

"Independence of the Supreme court is integral to maintain democratic way of life and rule of law. It is not very easy for a nation which is a democracy having constitution to slip into chaos and into just the opposite of democracy. The bar must always remain on its toes and its a duty to be passed generation after generation. That which is born must fade out. There is a time to be a judge and time to retire and i have enjoyed every bit of it," he said.