Supreme Court judge Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha emphasized the enduring role of lawyers as the primary gateway to justice while highlighting the mounting challenges of modern legal practice. He made these remarks on Monday at an event organized by the Telangana High Court Advocates' Association (HCAA) in Hyderabad.
The New Age Litigant and Mounting Pressures
Justice Narasimha observed that the profile of today's litigant has transformed significantly. Modern clients are far more informed, often consulting multiple legal experts and arriving with precise expectations before even hiring a lawyer. This shift, he noted, has made the practice of law more demanding than ever before for advocates across the board.
Embracing Technology and Mediation for Efficiency
Addressing the critical issue of case backlog, the judge stressed the urgent need for timely justice delivery. He called upon the Bar Council to lead the way in meaningfully integrating technology into legal practice. Justice Narasimha stated that embracing artificial intelligence is no longer a mere choice but a necessity to improve efficiency and expedite the disposal of cases.
Furthermore, he strongly advocated for mediation as a powerful parallel dispute resolution tool. Justice Narasimha urged Bar councils and advocates' associations to take the initiative in training lawyers to become professional mediators, thereby creating an effective alternative to lengthy court battles.
Building Trust and a Robust Support System
The Supreme Court judge pointed out that a lawyer's success is fundamentally built on personality, trust, and the confidence they inspire. He cautioned that any erosion of these core attributes could severely undermine client faith. To bolster the profession, he proposed the establishment of a dedicated Telangana Academy to provide structured and rigorous training for both aspiring and practising advocates.
Drawing an analogy, Justice Narasimha likened the legal system and its independence to the two wheels of a cart, underscoring that judicial autonomy is vital for a functioning democracy. "For individuals to succeed, the system's support is crucial," he said, acknowledging the vital role Bar councils and associations play in safeguarding lawyers' rights and independence. He added a personal note, promising to extend support to the legal fraternity in his capacity as a Telugu person.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Telangana High Court Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Advocate General A Sudarshan Reddy, and numerous senior judges and officers of the high court.
