Nagaland: Lawyers urged not to do anything illegal

May 27, 2023 24 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 27

Justice Kakheto Sema, Judge, Gauhati High Court and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Kohima Bench urged the lawyers not to do anything illegal. “As a lawyer, you must blatantly refuse the litigant who wants you to do something illegal. These days, there are many unscrupulous litigants who may insist you to do certain things which are not correct or which are not legal,” said Kakheto while speaking at the seminar on ‘Professional Ethics & Etiquettes’ for legal fraternity, jointly organised by High Court Bar Association & High Court Legal Services Committee at Bar Room, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench on May 26.

As a member of this noble profession, you cannot compromise your integrity, he asserted. Kakheto told the legal fraternity to refuse politely whenever a client approaches them to do something illegal, saying that “our profession does not allow us to indulge in such activities.”

“Knowingly or unknowingly, if you indulge in such kind of activities and once, unfortunately, you are caught, there may be action against you from professional misconduct and this may even lead to debarring you from practice,” he cautioned. ‘You should always be aware not to do anything illegal in this profession keeping in mind that this is a noble profession,’ Kakheto said.

‘Maintain mutual respect for each other’

Kakheto also stressed on the need to maintain mutual respect for each other. The juniors must respect the seniors, he said adding that the seniors must treat the juniors with efficient and try to assist them in whatever ways possible. ‘That is how we create healthy working relation among us. That way, we actually promote this profession and create conducive working atmosphere,’ he said.

To the juniors, he said, “By respecting your seniors does not mean that it has lowered your prestige, lowered your esteem in the profession. It will only promote you, Kakheto said.

To the seniors, he said, “If you have practice good ethics, if you have practice good behavior, if you have practice good conduct, your juniors will follow suit but if you have been casual, if you have disregarded all the sittings, then, one day, your juniors will also not respect you.”

‘Uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity’

Talking on ‘Etiquettes in the Court,’ Y Longkumer, secretary (Law), Department of Law & Justice, Government of Nagaland said as legal practitioners, “you have a profound responsibility to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity. It is within the courtroom, that the wheels of justice start turning, and our behavior there plays a critical role in ensuring the sanctity of the legal process.

She urged the lawyers to maintain a respectful demeanor towards the court, opposing counsel, witnesses and all participants. She told them to never do anything unethical or dishonest that could harm the integrity of the legal process.

“If people lose trust in the judicial and legal system, society itself will crumble and there will be chaos and anarchy,” she said adding “For many people, approaching the Court of law is their last and final resort. As such, you have a huge responsibility in ensuring that their hope in getting justice, at least ends up with fair and equitable results.”

Accept the court’s decisions gracefully, whether they favor your client or not, she said adding “Don’t show displeasure or disrespect publicly if you disagree with the court’s ruling.”

‘Stay updated on all new legal information’

Longkumer also stressed on the need to stay updated with new legal information, court decisions and any changes in the law. “It is so important for lawyers to keep learning and growing. We have to keep learning till the day we retire,” she said.

Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars can help you improve your skills, she said. “We should remember that lawyers bring the legal process to life through their conduct, capturing people’s attention, evoking emotions, and promoting justice. The way a lawyer conducts himself or herself in the courtroom and outside goes a long way in shaping the legal system and uplifting the court process,” she said and urged the legal fraternity to maintain integrity and honesty above everything else.

Ashish Dasgupta Senior Advocate, Gauhati High Court, talked on ‘Professional Ethics.’ The programme was chaired by Joshua Sheqi, secretary, High Court Bar Association while vote of thanks was proposed by CT Jamir, President, High Court Bar Association.