Justice Vaidyanathan specifically urged the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to ensure that only lawyers of the highest honesty and integrity are elected as office bearers of bar associations.
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CHENNAI: Justice S. Vaidyanathan of the Madras High Court has issued a stern warning against the perilous rise of “fake lawyers” within the profession, urging the legal fraternity to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the integrity of their vocation. His remarks underscore the critical need for the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to ensure that only lawyers of the highest honesty and integrity are elected as office bearers, reflecting on the profession’s esteemed status in society decades ago.
Justice Vaidyanathan’s cautionary words highlight a concerning trend that threatens the very fabric of the legal profession.
“Growing trend of fake lawyers”
-poses a significant challenge, not only undermining the trust between clients and their legal representatives but also jeopardizing the quality of justice delivered.
He emphasized the responsibility of the legal community to act decisively against this menace, stating-
“if any lawyer comes to know of fake lawyers accepting briefs, they must inform the court immediately.”
The justice also reflected on the noble perception of lawyers in the past, where they were regarded as gentlemen of the highest order, embodying the virtues of integrity, honesty, and dedication to the pursuit of justice.
“As is known, in the profession of advocacy the advocates are referred to as Gentlemen. Every lawyer must try to fit into that word,”
-he remarked, advocating for a return to these foundational principles.
Moreover, Justice Vaidyanathan advocated for the prioritization of mediation in legal disputes, suggesting that
“Advocates must also ensure that once a litigation starts, mediation should be given preference so that matters can be settled at the earliest point of time within a short duration.”
This approach not only expedites the resolution process but also alleviates the burden on the judicial system, promoting a culture of amicable dispute resolution.
The justice’s observations about the diminished respect for lawyers in contemporary society serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the legal profession today.
“Each and every lawyer must realise that genuine lawyers are going to be deprived of briefs on account of touts and fake lawyers and it is the duty of every lawyer to bring it to the notice of the court about the fake lawyer,”
-he stated, highlighting the detrimental impact of unscrupulous individuals on the profession’s reputation.
Justice Vaidyanathan’s earnest plea to the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to elect leaders with unwavering honesty and integrity is a call to action for the legal community to introspect and reaffirm its commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards.
“Why I wish so is because, lawyers, several decades ago had high level of good will in the society. Whether they get such respect now, is a question?”
-he pondered, urging a collective effort to restore the profession’s esteemed standing in society.
As the legal community contemplates Justice Vaidyanathan’s poignant message, the imperative to combat the proliferation of fake lawyers and to champion the values of honesty, integrity, and professionalism has never been more critical. It is a clarion call for the legal profession to unite in preserving the sanctity of their noble calling, ensuring that the legacy of the law as a force for good remains untarnished for generations to come.
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