Chief Justice of India (CJI) P. Sathasivam on Tuesday said the image of the lawyer must change in the eyes of the society.
Addressing a function organised by advocates’ associations to felicitate him on assuming the office of CJI, Mr. Sathasivam said the change would happen only when lawyers were willing to take up the role of advisors. He pointed out that at times, litigation could often be unnecessary and potentially destructive in some cases. Hence, the lawyers should be in a position to identify those cases and accordingly advise their clients to proceed further or not.
On the frequent conflicts between lawyers and police, Mr.Sathasivam told reporters that the two sides should sort out petty issues. “They are not enemies and they should realise that they have to serve the public.”
Mr. Sathasivam said there was no decision taken as yet to set up a Supreme Court Bench in the southern states.