Chennai: “A good judge should be articulate, patient, well read, firm but not draconian, kind but not soft, open-minded and master of his court,” said Chief Justice of India, Justice P. Sathasivam.
Inaugurating a conference on ‘Redefining Legal Practice for Advocates - Generation Next (0 –10 years practice), in Chennai on Sunday, he said above all, judges must be incorruptible.
He said the bar and the bench have a duty to remain vigilant to prevent parties from abusing the court and rules. Lawyers and judges, even though they are not elected, are ultimately accÂountable to the people. They should ensure that litigants get easy access to courts and end disputes, upholding the integrity and efficiency of the institution.
Pointing to the remarks of Justice Sahai, “Justice is a virtue which transcends all barriers. Neither rules of procedure nor technicalities of law can stand in its way,” the Chief Justice stated, and said it was in this role that the court had tried to fill in a number of cases like providing protection to women from sexual assault in the Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan case. The role of a judge is a moral one and not merely a bureaucratic post. As a result, a judge has to encounter many moral dilemmas.
Over the years, new avenues such as human rights, environment law, cyber law, intellectual property rights, have been opened in the legal profession. A good judgment reflects the assistance received from the bar on either side. A great bar endowed with ability, integrity and independence is necessary to keep the stream of justice pure and unsullied, Justice Sathasivam noted.
Supreme Court Justice F.M. Ibrahim Kalifulla said the advocate was an officer of justice and a friend of the court. The cooperation of bench and bar was a fundamental necessity. Advocates should have integrity and should never do anything to erode the credibility of their profession. They should believe that the legal profession has an element of service to the people.
Madras high court Chief Justice, Justice R.K. Agrawal advised young lawyers to open the case instead of seeking adjournments on the ground that their seniors were busy elsewhere. “Only a good lawyer commands respect from his/her colleagues and the bench alike,” he added. More than 100 advocates from various districts took part in the programme.
