Justice Nagarathna Calls for Bar Councils to Introspect on Ethics, Role
SC judge B V Nagarathna urges bar councils to introspect on ethics and professional competence to sustain justice delivery.
Supreme Court judge B V Nagarathna on Saturday expressed concern over the mounting challenges facing the legal system, including case pendency, procedural delays, and escalating litigation costs. Speaking at the 13th convocation of National Law University in Delhi, she called on the legal fraternity to reassess its approach and responsibilities.
Justice Nagarathna emphasised that bar councils must examine their own functioning, particularly in upholding professional ethics, morality, and competence. She noted that when a bar council fails to command the respect of its members, it reflects poorly on the profession as a whole.
The judge also urged lawyers to reflect on their duties toward litigants seeking justice and their broader role in sustaining democratic institutions. She stressed the need for the bar to speak with a unified voice and rethink its role in the justice delivery system.
Her remarks come amid growing public discourse on judicial delays and access to justice, with the judiciary itself acknowledging the strain on institutional capacity.