SC judge emphasizes Bar Council's respect and role in upholding professional ethics
Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna stated that a Bar Council losing its members' respect is detrimental to the legal profession. Speaking at National Law University Delhi, she urged Bar Councils to introspect on their role in upholding ethics and competence. Her remarks gained resonance following the BCI's aborted attempt to restrict professional enrolment for NALSAR University students, which the CJI called 'unwarranted interference.' Justice Nagarathna stressed the importance of legal professionals safeguarding their autonomy and adapting to changing realities.
Key Points
- Bar Councils must uphold professional ethics, morality, and competence to earn and maintain the respect of their members.
- The NALSAR University of Law controversy highlighted concerns about the Bar Council of India's (BCI) overreach and interference.
- The legal profession is a liberal pursuit where disagreements should lead to civilised implications.
- Lawyers have a responsibility to preserve the autonomy of their profession from external pressures and adapt to the 21st-century's rapid changes.
- The independence of the Bar is crucial for democracy, with lawyers acting as safety valves.
Exam Facts
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna made these remarks at the 13th convocation of National Law University Delhi.
- The controversy involved the Bar Council of India (BCI) and NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
- BCI chairperson and senior advocate: Manan Kumar Mishra.
- The Chief Justice of India (CJI) termed BCI's intervention as 'unwarranted interference'.
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