Today (February 29), the Kerala High Court stated, “Law is not a money-making profession. If anybody who enters this profession believes that this is a machine that behaves like an ATM—you put in the hours and you get the money—they are sadly and grossly mistaken. Law being a profession where you charge by the hour is a misconception. It may be true in other parts of the world, but not in Kerala. And I don’t want it to happen in Kerala, and preferably in the rest of the country. None of us have worked like this, nor do I work like that even now.”
Kerala: On Thursday, February 29th, the Kerala High Court reiterated the societal service aspect of the legal profession, emphasizing that it should not be viewed merely as a means for financial gain.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, during a session, emphasized that the perception of charging for legal services by the hour is a misconception, particularly in Kerala, and cautioned against adopting practices solely based on American standards found on the internet.
He rejected the notion of law as an automated cash dispenser, emphasizing that it requires a deeper understanding beyond monetary transactions. He noted that both judges and government pleaders invest extensive hours, often sacrificing personal rest, to fulfill their duties effectively.
“Law is not a money-making profession. If anybody who enters this profession believes that this is a machine that behaves like an ATM – you put in the hours and you get the money – they are sadly and grossly mistaken. Law being a profession where you charge by the hour is a misconception. It may be true in other parts of the world but not in Kerala. And I don’t want it to happen in Kerala, and preferably in the rest of the country. None of us have worked like this, nor do I work like that even now,”
the judge orally observed.
He emphasized that success in the legal field hinges on dedication and competence, rather than a mere focus on financial gains.
“How many hours do you think we are putting in? We don’t blow our trumpet for that. How many hours do you think the government pleaders are putting in? Many of them don’t sleep in the night because in my court they will have 200-250 matters to look up each day. We don’t work by the hour,”
he remarked.
Background
These remarks surfaced during a hearing concerning a petition filed by a practicing lawyer from Kottayam. The petitioner, appointed as an advocate commissioner, faced discrepancies regarding the possession of scheduled premises. Despite her efforts, complications arose during her duties, leading to a dispute with the bank involved.
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“The impugned order demonstrates a clear disregard for the legal principles governing the appointment and duties of advocate commissioners, setting a dangerious precedent for the administration of justice. The impugned order is unreasonable and in violation of principles of natural justice, as it penalises the petitioner without proper adjudication and consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case“,
the petition stated.
The petitioner, represented by a team of advocates, challenged the magistrate’s order, citing it as arbitrary and in contravention of established legal principles.
The High Court, in response, is set to deliberate further on March 5, considering the petitioner’s plea to quash the magistrate’s ruling.
