Shahin Akhtar
The Supreme Court has taken a significant step towards addressing the issue of breach of lawyers’ privileges. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has issued notices to the Centre, the Bar Council of India, and other stakeholders, seeking their responses on a plea filed by advocate Aaditya Gore. Gore’s petition highlights the need for a committee to be constituted under Section 10 of the Advocates Act, 1961, to safeguard the privileges of lawyers.
The plea is significant, given the crucial role that lawyers play in upholding the justice system. Gore’s efforts to get the Advocates Bill enacted, which has been pending before the Centre since 2014, have been met with limited success. The petition cites instances of lawyers being targeted and assaulted, affecting not only their personal dignity but also the administration of justice. Such incidents can have a profound impact on the legal community, making it challenging for lawyers to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
The Bar Council of India, as the regulatory body, has a crucial role in protecting lawyers’ privileges. However, the plea alleges that it has not taken adequate measures to address this issue. The Supreme Court’s decision to tag Gore’s plea with a pending suo motu matter on investigating agencies summoning lawyers underscores the significance of this issue. The Court’s intervention is expected to bring clarity and relief to the legal community.
The issue of breach of lawyers’ privileges has broader implications for the justice delivery system. When lawyers are threatened or assaulted, it can chill their ability to represent clients fearlessly and independently. This, in turn, can erode the public’s trust in the justice system and undermine the rule of law. The Supreme Court’s initiative is a step towards ensuring that lawyers can perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
As the Court deliberates on this issue, it is essential to recognize the critical role that lawyers play in upholding the justice system. By protecting their privileges, we can ensure a robust and effective justice delivery system. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the legal community and the justice system as a whole.
The Supreme Court’s decision will likely have a significant impact on the legal landscape in India. If the Court rules in favor of the petitioners, it could lead to the establishment of a committee to protect lawyers’ privileges, providing much-needed relief to the legal community. The Court’s intervention is a welcome development, and its decision is eagerly awaited by the legal fraternity and the public at large.
Case Name: Aaditya Gore Vs. Union of India
Case Number: W.P. (C) No. 000632/2025
Bench: Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta
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