In a groundbreaking revelation, former Supreme Court judge and head of the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) Legal Education Committee, Justice MR Shah, disclosed that the BCI is poised to introduce sweeping transformations to the nation’s legal education system. Speaking at the International Lawyers Conference organized by the BCI, Justice Shah emphasized the need for Indian lawyers to compete effectively with their counterparts in foreign law firms, necessitating a radical overhaul of curriculum and teaching methodologies.
“As chairman of the Legal Education Committee, I can affirm that we are on the cusp of proposing monumental changes. We are considering altering the curriculum and teaching methods. Give us the time, and we will deliver. BCI is unwavering in its commitment to elevate legal education to new heights,” declared Justice Shah.
Traditionally, law schools in India have focused on teaching subjects like the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Civil Procedure Code (CPC). However, Justice Shah stressed the urgency of incorporating commercial law and related subjects into the syllabus to meet the evolving demands of the legal profession, especially in virtual court settings.
Justice Shah went on to express his concern about the diminishing respect for legal professionals in contemporary society, lamenting the decline of the honor once bestowed upon them when they were affectionately referred to as “vakil sahab.”
This revelation comes as a beacon of hope for the legal education sector, with the BCI demonstrating its commitment to revamp and modernize legal education in India.
Justice Dipankar Datta Advocates for Mental Health and Gender Equality in Legal Profession
Supreme Court judge Justice Dipankar Datta has highlighted the imperative need for addressing mental health concerns among lawyers, ensuring a work-life balance, and combating gender bias within the legal profession. Speaking at the Bar Council of India’s International Lawyers Conference on the theme of ‘Equal Opportunities for Building a Sustainable Legal Profession: Way Forward,’ Justice Datta called upon stakeholders, including the Bar Council of India, to provide support for lawyers’ mental well-being, including proper working schedules and leaves.
Justice Datta underscored the significance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in the legal field. He emphasized that the legal profession should strive to undo deep-seated prejudices against women and create a more representative and inclusive environment.
The judge also highlighted the issue of bias within the profession and applauded the efforts to combat gender stereotypes. Justice Datta urged the promotion of outreach programs to encourage underrepresented groups to pursue careers in law.
Justice Anita Sumanth of the Madras High Court stressed the importance of creating a conducive work environment for women, focusing on parity in work and redressal mechanisms.
Justice Rekha Palli of the Delhi High Court emphasized the role of senior advocates in sustaining the legal profession by ensuring fair compensation for junior lawyers.
Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court drew attention to the broader issue of inequality, emphasizing that it affects individuals from various backgrounds and social strata.
The International Lawyers Conference served as a platform for legal luminaries to address critical issues and chart a course for a more inclusive and sustainable legal profession.
These recent developments in the legal landscape highlight the commitment of legal professionals and institutions to adapt and evolve in response to the changing demands and challenges facing the legal profession in India. The proposed changes in legal education and the call for greater inclusivity and gender equality are significant steps toward a more progressive and sustainable legal ecosystem.