‘Legal Profession About Service To Society, Not Maximising Profit’, Says CJI Ramana

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana stressed that the importance of legal services authorities in India is to achieve the “constitutional goal of access to justice” for all.

CJI NV Ramana (File Photo)

New Delhi: Sharing views about the legal profession Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana on Tuesday said the legal profession is not about profit maximization but about service to the society. Talking at a function to mark the Legal Services Day, the CJI recalled the history of the legal aid movement in the country, pointing out that several legal stalwarts offered their pro bono legal services to the freedom fighters and fought against the might of colonial power.

He stressed that the importance of legal services authorities in India is to achieve the “constitutional goal of access to justice” for all. The CJI said the continuous upward trend of reaching an amicable solution through alternate dispute resolution mechanisms would proportionally reduce the burden on courts.

He also launched the iOS version of the Legal Services application and also informed that NALSA's online portal opened its services in more languages.

The CJI also expressed happiness looking at young law students exhibiting enthusiasm in participating in the moot court competitions organised by the legal services authorities.

Enlightening young generation on the legal profession, the CJI said , "Your decision to join the legal aid movement will pave the path for a great career. This will help you inculcate empathy, understanding and a sense of selflessness. Remember, unlike other professions, the legal profession is not about profit maximization, but about service to the society," the CJI said.

Union law minister Kiren Rijiju, who was also present at the function expressed concern over unpalatable remarks being made on social media against judges. Rijiju praised the role played by the national, state and district legal services authorities in giving legal aid.

The CJI further said: "I hope that under his leadership, the existing roadblocks in the growth of legal services authorities including the infrastructural issues will be taken care of with prompt intervention. I am glad that he fully understands the hard work put in by Judges."

He mentioned that it is your duty to remain alert about the social realities around you and be mindful about your role in responding to the same. “I find it immensely beneficial for the law students that through the legal services authorities, they are coming face to face with the grass-root realities of our country,” he added.

(With inputs from PTI)