The Supreme Court lauded senior counsel and former judge R Basant for providing pro bono assistance as an Amicus Curiae to resolve a long-drawn family dispute.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court expressed its appreciation for senior counsel and former judge R Basant for his pro bono assistance as an Amicus Curiae in resolving a prolonged family dispute. The commendation highlights the significant role of legal professionals in facilitating amicable settlements and the importance of pro bono work in the judicial system.
The Court disclosed that Basant had refused any payment for his services. As a gesture of gratitude, the parties involved volunteered to make a substantial donation to a charitable trust established in memory of Basant’s mentor.
The Court’s order dated May 17 noted-
“Since the Amicus did not agree to receive any amount as honorarium for the work done, the parties have made a voluntary donation of Rs 45,00,000/ (Rs 15 lakhs each) to a registered public charitable trust – Adv. K. Bhaskaran Nair Foundation, a public charitable trust registered under the Income Tax Act, 1961 to perpetuate the memory of Late Advocate K. Bhaskaran Nair, Calicut under whom the Amicus had started his legal career as a junior.”
The Bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Sanjay Karol also acknowledged the contributions of other lawyers who worked alongside Basant to settle the long-standing case.
The Court stated-
“It is the duty of the Court to acknowledge the assistance rendered by Mr. R. Basant, learned Amicus Curiae, the ESCROW Mr. A. Karthik, assisted by Mr. Akshay Sahay, to bring this litigation into a happy settlement between the members of the family. The Court is grateful for rendering such service by them and we acknowledge their assistance. We also acknowledge the cooperation rendered by Mr. Nazmi Waziri, Sr. Adv, Mr. Khowaja Siddiqui, Adv, Mr. Sanchit Garga, Adv. Ms. Mithu Jain, Adv. for disposal of this long-drawn litigation.”
This particular case arose from a family dispute involving multiple parties. Basant, along with his associate A Karthik, had previously received praise from the Supreme Court in 2017 for their efforts in facilitating a settlement in the same matter without charging any fees.
However, non-compliance with the settlement terms by one of the parties led to the matter returning to mediation in 2022. Following another successful settlement, the Court finally disposed of the case with its May 17 order.
The acknowledgment of R Basant’s efforts underscores the impact that dedicated legal professionals can have in resolving disputes and the value of pro bono contributions to the legal system.
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