`Lawyers’ independence under threat’: SC judge Justice Narasimha calls on Bar to uphold integrity

Hyderabad: Supreme Court judge Justice PS Narasimha called on the Bar to uphold integrity, collective strength, and continuous learning in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

He minced no words when he said lawyers’ professional independence is under growing threat.

Address at Telangana High Court

Justice Narasimha was addressing advocates and members of the Telangana High Court Bar Association. He described the interaction as a return to his professional roots, likening it to a reunion with colleagues who share similar values and experiences.

Changing client–lawyer dynamics

Justice Narasimha observed that while judicial independence is frequently debated, the autonomy of lawyers often receives little attention. He said the balance between lawyer and client has shifted in recent years, with increasingly informed and demanding clients sometimes pressing for results at the cost of ethical boundaries.

To counter this trend, he said advocates must stay intellectually ahead of their clients and act as a crucial safeguard against undue corporate or governmental influence on the justice system.

Integrity over mere expertise

Emphasising core professional values, Justice Narasimha said trust and personal integrity remain central to legal practice and cannot be replaced by technical skill alone. He cautioned against separating personal morality from professional conduct, arguing that ethical character is the foundation of a credible legal system and a healthy society.

Collective role of Bar Associations

Justice Narasimha underlined the importance of strong bar associations, saying collective institutional strength is essential to protect professional independence. Such bodies, he said, provide both moral support and an organisational framework to uphold the dignity of the legal profession.

Continuous Education and Mediation

Focusing on the future of the profession in Telangana, he called for institutionalised professional development. He proposed the establishment of a specialised law academy to provide regular training and skill upgradation for advocates, with scope for adoption at the national level.

He also highlighted the limitations of traditional adversarial litigation and advocated greater reliance on mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Success in this area, he said, would require rigorous training and specialised expertise among lawyers.

Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Profession

Justice Narasimha spoke on the growing impact of artificial intelligence on professional life, noting its vast potential as well as its risks. He cautioned lawyers to understand the limitations of AI, particularly concerns related to data security, and warned that uncritical reliance on technology could make professionals redundant.

Infrastructure and well-being

Beyond professional and technological issues, he stressed the need for better court infrastructure. He suggested facilities that support physical and mental well-being, including health amenities within court complexes, to improve the working conditions of legal professionals.

The programme was attended by Aparesh Kumar Singh and High Court judges Sam Koshy, Moushumi Bhattacharya, Kalasikam Sujana, Tirumala Devi, Renuka Yara, Gadi Praveen Kumar, and Alishetty Lakshminarayana.

THCAA President A. Jagan, Vice-President Rajeshwar Reddy, Secretaries Khaja Vizarath Ali and Indrasena Reddy, executive committee members, and a large number of advocates were also present.