"Young Lawyers Bring Fresh Perspective To The Table Which Helps In Evolution Of Law And Legal Precepts" : Justice Indu Malhotra

"The journey to a successful career at the Bar is a long and adverse one. However it is immensely fulfilling and satisfying in the end of it.", said Justice Indu Malhotra, in her farewell speech on Saturday.Justice Malhotra, the only woman so far to be directly elevated to Supreme Court from the Bar, was speaking at the virtual farewell organised for her by the Supreme Court Young Lawyers Forum. She said that even though she came from a legal background, she did not inherit the practice and worked her way through the profession."I have worked my way up and I understand fully that the actual work of preparing drafts,doing research and the ground work, etc is undertaken by Junior Bar.Mr Fali Nariman had once told my friend when we were all starting out, no one has the time to teach you, you have to learn by observing senior counsels and emulate them" She saidJustice Malhotra further said that "Process of learning in legal profession is a continuous one and requires learning on a daily basis. One of the key issues that Junior lawyers should always keep in mind are time and diary management. These are key factors at the Bar." " I am of the firm belief that young lawyers bring a fresh perspective to the table which helps in evolution of Law and Legal precepts. Its for this reason I encourage each on of you to not accept legal concepts as they are, as legal concepts also go through process of evolution and change through dynamics of time. The sense of what is just, fair, right and reasonable evolves over a period of time and young members of the Bar bring forth temporary issues into realm of law." She said"The role played by voices against Section 377 comprised of young lawyers who were instrumental in spearheading move of challenging constitutional validity of Section 377 of IPC speaks volumes of efforts put I by this segment of the Bar" She opined.She added that the legal profession is filled with great uncertainty, and while there may be period filled with lull or where one may not get desired outcome from the Court, one should not let the uncertainties of profession undermine one's confidence" You have to be focused, persevere and be steadfast in pursuing the profession. I am reminded of Michelle Obama's words who said : The only limit to heights of your achievement is reach of your dreams and how you work hard for them."" If you put in requisite hardwork you are bound to succeed. I believe in principle of nature that a work well done will regenerate and grow." She opined.Justice Malhotra shared quotes from one of her favourite books, the autobiography of Justice MC Chawla, which read:" No one can assure success at Bar to anyone entering the profession, it ultimately depends on the man himself. There is no other profession which demands such patience and perseverance, because as Lord Hewart once said, Life at the Bar is never a bed of roses, its either all bed or no roses. It is where he passing through such a situation he must maintain a stout heart. It is then that he must work and slave in a spirit of single mindedness, it is also the time to learn all that there is to learn about the art of advocacy."Sharing some suggestions and tips for the young lawyers, Justice Indu Malhotra said that it is important to be professionally dressed."One issue I flagged when I was called by women lawyers to Bar room after becoming a Judge, I said Please don't wear fashionable clothes, which you must keep for the evening and not while you are at work. You must be professionally dressed as that is how you will be perceived by your clients, your colleagues, and the Bench." She saidShe also added that one must learn to draft in clear and concise manner, the idea is to convey your case as effectively in as simple terms as possible."I firmly believe if you are at it, you are bound to succeed. You'll find enormous opportunities to grow and prosper. Discharge your duties as a lawyer with utmost diligence. No brief is small and your are noticed in the Courtroom in all kinds of routine matters both by members of the Bar and the Bench."While concluding Justice Malhotra thanked Justice Chandrachud for being a great Bench partner to sit with."While we were on the Bench on the very first day, there was a case where certain guidelines had to be laid, CJI asked if Justice Chandrachud could do it, and I quicly said why don't you allow me to do it as it is my first day and I really want to write this order. Justice Chandrachud immediately said Indu I am sending you the file, please do it. That was the very first order I wrote. " She said.Justice Malhotra added "I believe Dr Chandrachud is the epitome of being collegial on the Bench. There was never a matter where he didn't seek my view, he was always encouraging and a great friend. I will cherish memory of sitting with him."Supreme Court Justice Chandrachud, while speaking at the virtual farewell, said that If he had the power of mandamus, he would have Justice Malhotra continue beyond...

"Young Lawyers Bring Fresh Perspective To The Table Which Helps In Evolution Of Law And Legal Precepts" : Justice Indu Malhotra

Srishti Ojha

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