“Judges emerge from the Bar and often return to it. The stronger the Bar, the better the judiciary. Lawyers represent varied backgrounds and bring the lived experiences of individuals into the courtroom, aiding judges in understanding nuanced realities. This collaboration between the Bench and the Bar is vital for upholding justice,” he observed.
NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, during an event organized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to honor his recent elevation, endorsed the BCI’s proposal to introduce a minimum stipend for junior lawyers.
CJI Khanna emphasized that financial insecurity compels many young lawyers to opt for corporate roles or managerial positions instead of pursuing a career in litigation.
“Today, we observe a concerning trend where talented young lawyers are drawn toward corporate law firms or even leaving the profession altogether to pursue non-legal careers. While corporate practice has its value, this shift indicates deeper structural challenges in the legal profession, including insufficient financial and social security, particularly for first-generation lawyers. We must question whether we, as custodians of the legal system, are failing to inspire young lawyers to engage in public interest work. Without them, who will represent the common citizen in the future?” he remarked.
CJI Khanna also stressed the integral role of lawyers in the justice system, underscoring that the judiciary is not just about judges but includes lawyers as a fundamental component.
“Judges are an essential part of the judiciary, but the system is incomplete without advocates. Lawyers serve as the first bridge between citizens and the judiciary. They shape the interpretation of laws and bring diverse perspectives to the courtroom, enriching both the judiciary and democracy,” he said.
He noted the symbiotic relationship between the Bench and the Bar, highlighting that the quality of advocacy directly impacts judicial outcomes.
“Judges emerge from the Bar and often return to it. The stronger the Bar, the better the judiciary. Lawyers represent varied backgrounds and bring the lived experiences of individuals into the courtroom, aiding judges in understanding nuanced realities. This collaboration between the Bench and the Bar is vital for upholding justice,” he observed.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the legal system, such as case backlogs and delays, CJI Khanna called for a collective effort to address these issues. He emphasized that criticisms regarding adjournments or delays should not be seen as confrontational but as part of the judiciary’s accountability to the public.
“Both judges and lawyers are accountable to the people. Addressing inefficiencies like long adjournments reflects the judiciary’s commitment to improving as a system. Although unelected, we are constantly under public scrutiny and must acknowledge the obstacles that hinder the functioning of the Bench, the Bar, and the judiciary as a whole,” he stated.
The CJI also highlighted the growing acceptance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms like mediation as a means to enhance access to justice and reduce case backlogs.
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“Lawyers today are increasingly guiding their clients towards mediation and pre-litigation negotiations, helping to resolve disputes more efficiently. This proactive approach demonstrates a shift toward resolution-oriented practices that benefit both the courts and the litigants,” he noted.
CJI Khanna concluded by urging the legal fraternity to rise to the challenges of ensuring quality and timely justice, emphasizing the collective responsibility of judges and lawyers to uphold the integrity of the legal system.
