"Lawyers can play an important role in reducing pendency by advising clients to settle disputes at the pre-litigation stage," says Justice NV Ramana

Supreme Court Judge, Justice NV Ramana said that the staggering pendency of cases is because of poor quality of education and reduction in pendency can be by lawyers advising their clients to settle the disputes at the pre-litigation stage itself.

In Niti Aayog’s 2018 strategy paper named “New India @75” it says that at this rate of disposal of cases by courts, it would take around 324 years to clear the backlog.

Addressing students at the Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Vishakapatnam, Justice Ramana reminded law students that their main duty as a lawyer is to unite people. 

He also said that the quality of legal education is poor and a lot of colleges in the country are below par. Hence, the judiciary was also making efforts to improve the situation. He pointed out that 150,000 students graduate from law colleges every year but only 25% of them are prepared for the profession. He then pointed out that this comment is not on the graduate themselves, who certainly possess the essential attributes for being a successful lawyer.

He then said, “As young advocates, you are best placed to strongly oppose the same through legal action. You must be the conscience bearers of the nation. Educate people as to their rights, and provide legal guidance whenever you can. These are heavy burdens to bear, but I am sure you are all strong enough to bear it”.

Justice Ramana also said that during their studies, students should get practical experience by associating with Lok adalats, legal aid centres, arbitration and mediation centres.

Justice Ramana asked the graduates to come forward and provide a voice to the voiceless and contribute to society.