Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Justice Nagarathna Urges Bar Councils to Rebuild Professional Trust
Justice B V Nagarathna spoke to students graduating from National Law University Delhi.
She said Bar Councils should behave in ways that earn the respect of lawyers.
She also said lawyers must help improve a justice system affected by delays, high costs and too many pending cases.
Lawyers should protect democracy and the rule of law, not only pursue successful careers.
She called law an office of trust rather than simply a job selling legal knowledge.
Lawyers should understand the larger problem behind a dispute and consider negotiation or mediation when appropriate.
Technology may help with research and drafting, but lawyers must check that information is correct.
She especially warned them not to cite fake judgments created by artificial intelligence.
She urged the graduates to serve as officers of the court and stewards of the Constitution.
Justice B V Nagarathna said Bar Councils must uphold professional ethics, morality and competence.
She said councils that fail to earn members’ respect pose a troubling sign for the legal profession.
She urged lawyers to address pendency, delays and litigation costs while protecting democracy and the rule of law.
Nagarathna described law as an office of trust and urged lawyers to serve clients while protecting public institutions.
She warned lawyers to verify AI-generated judgments and develop skills in negotiation, mediation and other alternative dispute mechanisms.
- Who
- Supreme Court Justice B V Nagarathna addressed graduating law students, Bar Councils and the wider legal profession.
- What
- She called for Bar Council introspection, stronger professional ethics, protection of the Bar’s independence and responsible use of technology.
- When
- She made the remarks on Saturday at the 13th convocation of National Law University Delhi, reported as August 29.
- Where
- National Law University Delhi.
- Why
- She said the justice system faces pendency, delays, high litigation costs and uncertainty, while the legal profession must preserve public trust and the rule of law.
Calls for Bar Council accountability
BCI’s stated response
NALSAR enrolment directive
Calls for Bar Council accountability
Sections of the legal community criticised Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra and demands for his resignation followed an August 13 directive concerning the 2026 NALSAR batch.
BCI’s stated response
Mishra withdrew the circular hours later and said proceedings had been closed after the BCI concluded that the students had no role in any disturbance or movement.
- Speaker
- Supreme Court Justice B V Nagarathna
- Event
- 13th convocation of National Law University Delhi
- Bar Council concern
- Justice Nagarathna said councils that do not earn members’ respect are not a good sign for the legal profession.
- Justice-system challenges
- Pendency, delays, litigation costs and uncertainty
- Professional ideal
- She described law as an “office of trust” and lawyers as “safety valves of democracies.”
- Technology warning
- Lawyers should verify AI-generated judgments before citing them in court.
- Dispute resolution
- She highlighted arbitration, mediation and conciliation as increasingly important parts of the justice system.
