Today, On 6th November, The Supreme Court declined to consider a petition focused on the mental well-being of lawyers, emphasizing that addressing mental health issues within the legal profession falls under the purview of Bar Associations. The court suggested that Bar Associations should take responsibility for supporting lawyers’ mental health rather than seeking intervention through litigation. This stance reflects a call for internal support systems within professional bodies to address mental wellness.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court declined to hear a plea regarding the mental well-being of advocates, advising the petitioner to submit a representation to the Bar Council of India (BCI).
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, suggested that bar associations should voluntarily address the mental health needs of their members.
The bench observed that mental well-being is a concern across various professions, noting,
“The Union of India will say why only for lawyers? What about chartered accountants, engineers, doctors, and others?”
Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing the petitioner, highlighted that the Indian Medical Association has a system to support the mental health of medical professionals. Unable to persuade the court to hear the plea, Singh requested permission to approach the BCI instead.
The Supreme Court permitted him to withdraw the petition, noting that the bar council could take the initiative forward.
Recognizing the need for policy-level attention, the Chief Justice remarked,
“Bar associations must take the lead and address the issue of mental health.”
This statement highlighted the expectation that bar associations should establish resources and support systems to assist lawyers dealing with mental health issues, which are often exacerbated by the demands and pressures of the profession.
The mental health of lawyers is a growing concern, as legal practitioners often face high levels of stress due to the demanding nature of their work. Long hours, heavy caseloads, and the pressure to win cases can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Despite these challenges, mental health support and resources specifically targeted at legal professionals remain limited in many parts of India.
In a global context, several countries have established programs to support mental wellness within the legal profession. For example, bar associations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom offer counselling services, mental health awareness programs, and dedicated hotlines to provide support for struggling lawyers.
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In India, however, such resources are relatively rare, highlighting the need for structured support from professional bodies like the BCI and local bar associations.
This approach encourages bar associations to take proactive steps toward fostering a healthier work environment for lawyers and aligns with global best practices in mental health support. If the BCI and local bar associations act on this opportunity, they could lay the groundwork for a more supportive and mentally resilient legal community in India.
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