I Am Not Sachin Tendulkar, It Is Team Effort [Full Text Of Chief Justice NV Ramana's Speech At BCI Event]

1. I am happy that we are meeting in person and exchanging good wishes after a long time. Considering the covid situation, though I had certain reservations, but ultimately I could not resist the request of the Bar Council. Bar Council and Bar Associations are my weakness. I have enjoyed my life as a member of the Bar more than as a Judge. Only a lawyer can have the freedom to speak his mind. I lawyer feels proud of representing a cause without any restrictions. A judge has an onerous responsibility. Today, I feel that more than being felicitated, I am being reminded of my responsibilities as the Chief Justice of India. 2. I have spoken enough in my earlier speeches about the legal profession and the role of the lawyers in shaping our societies. Undoubtedly, lawyers being the crusaders for rights, are an important wheel in the chariot of justice. 3. The Bar Council as a statutory body was visualised in 1960's and ever since then it has been functioning for promoting wellbeing and ethics within the profession. From regulating legal education to legal profession, from creating awareness about the law, to providing legal aid, the Bar Council of India truly is an institution of great social significance. 4. The Bar Council plays an indispensable role in formulating the legal landscape of the country. Recently, in spite of tremendous work pressure, I could not resist an invitation to chair the Advisory Board for the Development of Legal Education and Legal Profession organised by the Bar Council and I have already raised various concerns and have given my opinion regarding the growth and future of legal profession. 5. Law was often seen as a rich man's profession. Access to the profession was limited to the rich and privileged. 6. Slowly, the dynamics are changing within the profession. Due to change in social conditions, opportunities are opening up to all sections of the society, to be lawyers and judges. 7. But I feel, majority of aspirants from rural and vulnerable communities are not getting enrolled into the profession. Law still somehow remains an urban profession. 8. 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. 9. Another area which needs to be highlighted is that majority of women advocates struggle within the profession. Very few women find representation at the top. Even when they do, they still continue to face significant challenges. After 75 years of independence, one would expect at least 50% representation for women at all levels, but I must admit, with great difficulty we have now achieved a mere 11% representation of women on the bench of the Supreme Court. Some States, because of reservation policy may reveal higher representation, but the reality remains that the legal profession still has to welcome women into its fold. 10. I want to highlight a new trend in the profession. This is similar to what has happened in foreign countries. I am referring to 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. 11. Even though we are strongly providing access to justice, still lakhs of people in India are unable to approach the Courts to seek remedy. The high expenditure and the long delay which is a part of our legal process is the biggest challenge. Although this might not be the right occasion to mention, but as an experienced member of the judicial family, it is my duty to bring to your notice certain hard facts. The judicial system is facing difficult challenges like that of deficient infrastructure, shortage of administrative staff and huge vacancies of judges. I have been emphasising on augmenting the infrastructure for very long. I have a proposal to address this issue in a time bound manner. A comprehensive proposal for creation of National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation is under preparation. We have collected the status report from across the country. A proposal in this regard will reach the Hon'ble Law Minister very soon. I expect full cooperation from the Government. 12. It has been my endeavour to address the issue of vacancies in the higher judiciary on an urgent basis. A while ago, I was referred to as Sachin Tendulkar. I must correct the perception here. Like any game, it is a team effort. Unless all the members of the team perform well, it is difficult to win. Here, I must place on record my sincere thanks to my colleagues in the Collegium - Brothers U ...

I Am Not Sachin Tendulkar, It Is Team Effort [Full Text Of Chief Justice NV Ramana's Speech At BCI Event]

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

Tags