Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud delivered a seminal speech at the 200-year celebrations of the Calcutta High Court Bar Library Club, while fully emphasizing the need for creating a level playing field in the legal profession. It was soaked with astuteness through its regard to the historicity of the occasion and strongly put through the message of inclusiveness and accessibility in the legal fraternity.
He said, Justice Chandrachud, “The Bar Library Club has, since colonial times, contributed overwhelmingly towards legal education and professionalism amongst its practitioners.” The institution deserves kudos for having fostered a culture of learning and mentorship that has benefited generations of lawyers, irrespective of their background or connections.
The speech of the Chief Justice revolved around the changing dynamics of the legal profession and emphasized meritocracy and equal opportunity. Traditionally, access to legal education and forward career progression in law would depend on highly placed connections and family affiliations. With the changing times and advancements made in legal education, Justice Chandrachud is therefore focused on breaking barriers to opportunities for aspiring lawyers who are not empowered with influential connections.
Justice Chandrachud said the meeting would zero in on how technology and legal reforms were playing key roles in democratizing access to legal services, wanting lawyers to embrace innovation and be capable of adapting to the evolution of the profession. He also said, “In doing so, ethical standards and the integrity of the legal system must be upheld while modern challenges and opportunities are adapted.”.
Thus, the Kenneth-Stubbsian spirit of the statement by the Chief Justice has sunk into the audience of lawyers, scholars, and students, which mirrored broader aspirations for a more inclusive and diverse legal profession in India today. His plea for a level playing field sounds similar to the recent moves within the fraternity of law toward greater equity in opportunity, merit-based selection, and social justice.
Justice Chandrachud address at the bicentennial milestone of the Calcutta High Court Bar Library Club is a shot in the arm not only for any institution with the requisite legacy but also for its continued participation in shaping the future of legal education and practice. His vision of a more equal legal profession underlines the urge to continue striving for excellence and inclusivity in legal education and professional development across the country.