Second Generation Reforms to Rid Legal Sector of ‘Kith-and-kin’ Tag: Moily

Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily has said that the second generation reforms to be brought in legal education aim at making sure a ‘level playing field’ for aspiring lawyers, said media reports.

“Our hope is to usher in changes in the legal education so that first generation lawyers, those who aren’t related to leading lawyers or judges, are nurtured and given proper exposure so as to facilitate their growth in the legal sector. For this, we also aim to have world-class infrastructure for legal education,” Moily was quoted as saying.

Modi replied in affirmative a question whether the reform was intended to rid the sector of the ‘kith-and-kin’ tag, reports said.

“Everybody should get an equal chance. Better jobs and cases in the courtroom should not be restricted only to those related to leading lawyers and members of the judiciary. There are so many posts vacant in various High Courts across the country but no names are being recommended, mainly because there may not be deserving candidates. We want to correct this anomaly. For this, we want systematic development of the legal education sector,” the minister was quoted as saying.

Answering another query as to what role he expected from the Bar Council of India to play in the changing scenario, he was quoted as saying, “The norms for allowing new law colleges to be opened should be stricter and the entire process should be completely transparent. The Bar Council has to be more pro-active to push continuing education for lawyers, training and capacity building. It would also have to assume the responsibility of identifying talent and nurturing it.”

Besides, Moily said that his ministry wanted to ready a data bank of law practitioners in the country, said reports.

When asked whether he was in favour of an examination for law graduates before they are permitted to practice, a proposal that has already found favour with the Bar Council of India, the minister said, “Most certainly. It is a good step. Along with our plan to introduce a common law entrance test for admission to law colleges across the country, this proposal would ensure that only deserving candidates enter the courtrooms.”

(Based on internet reports)