Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed a packed room of Delhi lawyers on Thursday evening, underscoring that district courts are the first point of contact for people seeking justice. He compared lawyers to doctors, noting that just as a patient receives reassurance and treatment at a hospital, a client must be guided and informed when they step into a court.
The Chief Justice highlighted that a lawyer’s role extends beyond paperwork; they must explain possible outcomes and legal standing to clients who often arrive with fear and confusion. He urged the Bar to adopt a patient‑care mindset, emphasizing empathy as a key legal skill.
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, present at the felicitation, praised women lawyers for balancing professional and family responsibilities, calling their contributions "invaluable." He spoke of the growing presence of women in the Supreme Court and their ability to manage multiple roles without compromise.
Delhi Bar Council chairman Advocate Nitin Ahlawat announced a skill‑development programme aimed at strengthening advocates’ professional capabilities. He cited the recent Supreme Court ruling that cut the enrolment fee to Rs 750, a move that has strained the Council’s finances, and said the programme would be launched in a grand event soon.
The council’s review petition against the fee reduction is set to be heard in the coming weeks, and the Bar Council is rallying support to maintain its welfare schemes. The CJI’s remarks are expected to influence the legal fraternity’s preparation for the upcoming hearing and the broader push for systemic reforms.