'You Must Protect The Institution From Targeted, Motivated And Mala Fide Attack': CJI Ramana's Advice For Young Lawyers

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Saturday remarked that young lawyers must strive to protect the integrity and reputation of the judiciary. He was speaking at an event organised by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to felicitate him. The event was held in the presence of Supreme Court judges, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and other top law officers.

"I also want to use this platform to send a message to the young members of the Bar. Never forget the age old values of this noble profession..respect the institution and the judges. You are the frontline of the legal system, and you must protect the institution from targeted, motivated and mala fide attacks. It is inherent to the Bar that it speaks up for what is fair and just", the CJI stated.

He also stressed on how younger members of the Bar must respect seniors and women colleagues.

"Never forget the age old values of this noble profession. Seniority has immense value in this profession. Give due regards to your seniors at the Bar for their experience, knowledge and wisdom. Respect women colleagues and treat them with dignity"

CJI Ramana further opined that lawyers are born leaders and that they should always remain active members of the society and solve problems faced by the people.

"Take any people's movements, lawyers have always been at the forefront..that is why, society gives a lot of respect to lawyers. It is your duty to keep up the confidence reposed in you by the public", CJI stated addressing young Bar members.

Further opining on the need for lawyers to be versatile and have a well rounded personality, the CJI stated,

"A lawyer needs to be an all-rounder and a versatile personality. He must be well versed about social issues and various fields like economics, history, politics, literature and others. Here we must remember lawyers such as the legendary Mr. Nani Palkhivala, who despite never being an economist, used to address the public every year regarding the Budget"

Extend Free Legal Aid

Expressing the need for young lawyers to help the marginalised sections of the society with free legal aid and other pro bono initiatives, the CJI noted,

"I call upon all of you. Help the needy, women, farmers, workers and the disadvantaged to exercise their legal rights. Whenever it is possible, extend free legal aid and educate people about their rights."

Common people cannot afford legal advice at corporate prices

CJI Ramana observed that there seems to be a new trend in the profession akin to what happens in foreign jurisdictions. He opined that there is rampant 'corporatisation of the profession.'

"Because of issues relating to livelihood, many young and bright lawyers are joining law firms. This is a welcome change, as it is opening up fresh avenues for first generation lawyers. But at the same time, it is also causing a decline in the traditional practise. Common people cannot afford quality legal advice at corporate prices which is an area of concern", the CJI stated.

Law still remains an urban profession

Lamenting about the state of rural representation in the legal profession, CJI Ramana opined that despite various opportunities opening up in recent times, the legal profession still remains an urban profession.

"I feel, majority of aspirants from rural and vulnerable communities are not getting enrolled into the profession. Law still somehow remains an urban profession. This is because there are several obstacles which a young advocate must overcome. The harsh reality is that, without any patronisation, in spite of several years of waiting and struggle, no one can guarantee stability in the profession"

He further added that law was generally seen as a rich man's profession and was only limited to the rich and the privileged. However, currently due to a change in societal conditions, opportunities are opening up to all sections of the society, to be lawyers and judges.

Also Read: After 75 Years Of Independence We Have Now Achieved A Mere 11% Representation With Great Difficulty': CJI NV Ramana

Read full text of speech here.