Declining Trend In Lawyers Taking Up Public Causes Worrisome : Former CJI NV Ramana

Former Chief Justice of India, Justice NV Raman, on Monday said that there is a “declining trend” in lawyers taking up public causes which unfortunately is not in accordance with the “rich legacy” that the profession has inherited.

“However, at present, it is worrisome to note the declining trend in lawyers taking up public causes. This trend unfortunately is not in accordance with the rich legacy that we have inherited. In addition, there is now a tendency to go for headline hunting through “Publicity Interest Litigation”; thereby subjecting a well- meaning and successful innovation of the Indian Judiciary to ridicule,” Justice Ramana said.

Any country, no matter how powerful, needs activists, NGOs, and public-spirited individuals to pursue the cause of justice, he added.

Further stating that the spirited bar and an encouraging judiciary sustains and promotes progressive reforms, Justice Ramana said:

“When we have a scientific document as our Constitution, with every conceivable safeguard provided for, why is it that the crusaders that we are honouring today had to struggle for years together to secure justice? Whose failing is it? Down the line, did all the stakeholders perform their duty as is expected under the Constitution? If not, what is the root cause of the problem and how to remedy it?”

Justice Ramana was speaking at the first edition of “Fight for Justice Awards 2023” organized by the Delhi High Court Bar Association and Live4Freedom LLP, to honour litigants who have won cases resulting into landmark judgments.

Justice Ramana said that the duty to render justice is not confined to the judiciary alone and the Constitution of India obligates the Executive and the Legislature to take measures that promote justice.

He added that it is only when the harmonious effort is lacking in discharge of assigned roles that the judiciary is burdened with deciding what is right and what is wrong.

“As judges, we should not allow procedural aspects come in the way of justice delivery. I know that we are faced with large pendency and huge caseloads, and it is difficult to manage and take the burden of the failures of the other systems. Yet, as judges, we cannot say no to a just cause. It would be contrary to the oath that we have taken. Justice is not empty rhetoric. The judiciary is perceived as the ultimate remedial institution,” he said.

Justice Ramana also said that judges have to go the extra mile and it is their responsibility to create confidence in the vulnerable sections of the society.

He added that if judges, lawyers, institutions, the administration, and the citizenry follow their “Dharma”, victory is guaranteed.

“Fighting for justice is a life of sacrifice. And today, we must acknowledge, salute, and honour these champions who sacrificed so much in their life for the cause of justice. Our awardees battled all odds for several years to secure closure to the litigations initiated by them. They have poured in financial resources and have endured the frustration that comes with adjournments and delays. But they refused to give up,” Justice Ramana said.