SUPREME COURT WARNS: HIGH LEGAL FEES SHOULD NOT BLOCK ACCESS TO JUSTICE:

SUPREME COURT WARNS: HIGH LEGAL FEES SHOULD NOT BLOCK ACCESS TO JUSTICE:

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court expressed deep concerns over the escalating costs of litigation, which have increasingly hindered individuals with limited financial resources from accessing justice. The Court acknowledged that the legal profession, which was once considered a service-oriented and noble vocation, has now succumbed to the forces of rapid commercialization and intense competition.

Highlighting the troubling implications of this shift, the Court warned that the soaring expenses associated with legal proceedings are rendering justice inaccessible to those from economically weaker sections of society. It emphasized the need for corrective measures to ensure that the fundamental right to seek justice remains within reach for all individuals, irrespective of their financial standing.

A bench consisting of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma remarked on the growing trend where litigants are compelled to pay exorbitant professional fees, even when their cases see little progress in court. The Court observed that, in an attempt to justify these fees, lawyers often provide clients with a "Record of Proceedings," despite the fact that no significant relief has been granted in their matters.

The Court expressed concern that such practices create the perception that access to hearings in the Supreme Court is reserved only for those with the financial means to bear the high costs of litigation. It warned that this trend risks making the doors of justice inaccessible to individuals who cannot afford the substantial legal fees, adding to the financial burden and uncertainty of litigation.

The Court emphasized the need to dispel the "misconception" that the Supreme Court is only accessible to the wealthy. It stressed that individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds should be able to seek justice without undue financial strain. Urging the legal fraternity to uphold their responsibility, the Court called on lawyers to assist litigants without inflating litigation costs or causing unnecessary delays in the judicial process.

"The duty to provide ease of access to justice rests upon every member of the legal profession and the requisite message needs to be disseminated from the portals and corridors of this Court in the first instance in both letter and spirit," the Court added.

The Court made these observations while commending a young lawyer, Mr. Sanchar Anand, for serving as amicus curiae to assist a senior citizen who was representing himself. The Court praised the lawyer for his dedicated legal service, noting that he had selflessly extended his assistance despite receiving no fees, as the litigant had limited financial means. Describing his actions as a "welcome change" from prevailing trends in the legal profession, the Court encouraged young lawyers to step forward and offer legal aid to the poor and underprivileged.