Let’s remove ‘shark’ tag from lawyers: CJI

Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir Saturday urged budding professionals of the legal fraternity to try to "get rid of" the image of lawyers as "sharks".

Addressing the 4th convocation of the Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in Gandhinagar, Justice Kabir said, "Advocates are often called 'sharks'. Let us work to get rid of this tag. A lot of change in the mindset is required to alter this situation."

He said the moment one takes oath and becomes member of the Bar Council of India to practice law, one must deport himself or herself in a manner where it can stand true to what people think of lawyers.

Justice Kabir, who was accompanied by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, said for an advocate it is important to ensure justice, liberty, equality and fundamental rights as mentioned in the constitution, which he said is the Bible, the Qur'an or the Gita for legal fraternity. He said that due to the five-year course in law and advent of information and technology there has been an enormous change in the profession. Earlier, he said, people used to learn about the profession after passing out of college but today students are focused.

"Law is one of the best career options. It's not dry or static but dynamic. It deals with human beings," Justice Kabir said.

In his address, Modi said the institute is like a "mini India" where students from all over the country study together. He said these students are the brand ambassador of Gujarat's prosperity.

Appealing the students to help the poor in their professional life, Modi said that right from a chaiwala to the washerman everyone contributes in a student's life, therefore it's their duty to help them.

Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court Prakash Tatia, Supreme Court Justice A R Dave and state Law Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasma were present among others at the function.

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