The quoted observation emphasizing the advocate's fundamental duty to uphold the rule of law and the integrity of the justice system was made by the Supreme Court in the case of O.P. Sharma v. High Court of Punjab & Haryana (2011). In this case, the Court was dealing with professional misconduct and stressed that advocates are officers of the court and have a paramount duty to assist the court in the administration of justice. The Court held that even minor violations of professional ethics by an advocate cannot be ignored as they undermine the public's faith in the legal system.