Today, On 6th November, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition regarding lawyers’ mental health, urging Bar Associations to provide support instead of seeking court intervention. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of proactive measures for mental wellness in the legal profession, highlighting a significant lack of targeted resources in India compared to other countries.
The Delhi High Court has ordered the government to report on the Advocate Protection Act’s implementation in response to rising violence against lawyers. The Bar Council of India has proposed the Advocates Protection Bill, 2021, to safeguard lawyers, emphasizing the need for legislation similar to the recently passed Rajasthan Advocates Protection Bill, 2023.
The Delhi High Court Bar Association rejected a proposal to reserve four out of ten executive committee posts for women, despite a Supreme Court recommendation for better gender representation. The decision, opposed mainly by male members, contradicts ongoing appeals for women’s reservations in legal leadership, with upcoming court reviews set to influence future elections.
The Allahabad High Court condemned the frequent strikes by lawyers, emphasizing their detrimental effects on the legal profession’s reputation and justice delivery. It instructed district judges in Uttar Pradesh to stop circulating strike resolutions from Bar Associations, highlighting that such actions hinder court operations and public trust. The court urged lawyers to fulfill their duties responsibly.
The Tamil Nadu government today has formed a one-man committee to suggest changes to new criminal laws. Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the committee to consult stakeholders and submit a report within a month. The laws, criticized for lack of proper discussion, sparked protests nationwide. Karnataka also seeks state-level amendments. The Union Government passed the laws in haste and without proper consultation.
The Bar Council of Kerala has declared July 11 as a “protest day” against the proposed increase in court fees for cases related to negotiable instruments and family court matters. Practicing advocates are urged to wear black badges during court hours to oppose the fee hike, aiming to highlight the challenges faced by lawyers and litigants.
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Today, On 26th June, The Bar Council of India urged the suspension of new criminal laws amid nationwide protests, emphasizing the need for careful reconsideration due to public dissent. Legal experts have expressed serious concerns about the potential threats to fundamental rights and democratic principles. The BCI plans to engage with the government and appeal for temporary halting of protests for dialogue.
A plea filed in the Allahabad High Court seeks a health insurance policy for lawyers, citing their significant health risks and financial burdens. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlights the lack of medical insurance coverage for legal professionals and urges the court to order the implementation of a comprehensive health insurance policy.
On 3rd May: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) executive committee expressed concerns about the Supreme Court’s recent order mandating one-third of positions in the SCBA elections to be reserved for women. They objected to the order, citing potential negative impacts on the independence of the Bar. The SCBA has called for a meeting to discuss these issues and uphold the role of the judiciary in bar matters. The directive aims to increase gender diversity within the SCBA and ensure inclusivity for women lawyers. Elections for the 2024-25 term are scheduled for May 16th, with results to be announced on May 19th.
Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, criticized the limited representation of women in Bar Councils and Associations, describing it as an entrenched “old boys club”. He called for a more supportive environment for women to participate and succeed in elections, stressing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders and encouraging women advocates to contest elections and take on positions of responsibility.