NHRC Chairperson Stresses Legal Profession's Fundamental Duty to Serve the Poor
In a significant address in Mysuru, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian declared on Sunday that the true duty of the legal profession lies in providing justice to the distressed and the poor. He emphasized that a lawyer's professional life gains meaning only when a client departs with a smile after receiving justice, underscoring the human element in legal practice.
Inauguration of Pioneering Legal Workshop in Karnataka
Justice Ramasubramanian was speaking after inaugurating the first zonal workshop titled 'From Classroom to Courtroom – Law Students as Catalysts for Social Justice'. This innovative program is jointly organized by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Hubballi-based Karnataka State Law University, State Bank of India, Canara Bank, and Punjab National Bank. The workshop aims to bridge the gap between legal education and practical social justice initiatives.
Historical Context of Free Legal Aid Systems
During his speech, Justice Ramasubramanian provided historical perspective, noting that England introduced provisions for free legal aid through legislation as early as 1930. In India, he highlighted, free legal services have been available since 1987 under the Legal Services Authorities Act. This landmark legislation enables the poor and distressed to access justice without financial barriers, ensuring that economic status does not impede legal recourse.
Karnataka's Comprehensive Legal Awareness Initiative
Karnataka High Court judge Justice Anu Sivaraman explained that the program specifically aims to create awareness about organizing legal aid camps and clinics. With participation from 13 law colleges across the Mysuru region, the initiative will see legal aid camps conducted in 29 villages to spread crucial legal awareness among rural populations.
Addressing Justice Delivery Disparities
Karnataka State Legal Services Authority member secretary Shashidhar Shetty stressed that justice should not be delayed due to the rich-poor divide. He revealed that Karnataka boasts 155 law colleges and urged students to actively participate in legal awareness initiatives in rural areas, thereby democratizing access to legal knowledge.
Academic Perspectives on Legal Responsibility
University of Mysore vice-chancellor NK Lokanath contributed to the discourse by stating that the study of law transcends mere profession—it embodies a responsibility to ensure justice for the oppressed and marginalized. Similarly, Karnataka State Law University vice-chancellor C Basavaraju remarked that the Constitution was framed to ensure justice for even the last person in society, asserting that its true purpose will be fulfilled only when social justice reaches everyone equitably.
Broad Participation in the Legal Workshop
The event saw participation from numerous legal luminaries, including senior civil judge and member secretary of the Legal Services Authority KK Amarnath, among others. This collective presence underscored the legal community's commitment to enhancing social justice mechanisms and empowering future lawyers to become catalysts for change.
