When lawyers lapse, litigants suffer

 

There's no denying the fact that lawyers are hired by people who want to resolve their disputes through legal procedure.                                                                    

 

In other words, if a lawyer abstains from work or doesn't prepare for a case, the litigant suffers for no fault of his.

 

Engaging a lawyer is essential for meeting the requirements of speedy justice and equality. These rights are now part of right to life. Otherwise, the basic feature of the justice dispensation that envisages the right to be heard or natural justice is violated.

 

But when lawyers go on strike for days, justice becomes the victim. “Courts and litigants should not be targeted in respect of actions for which they are in no way responsible,” said a SC judgment striking down lawyers claim to observe strike.

 

If lawyers go on strike should litigants suffer? In most cases, the answer would be in the negative. A contrary view could rake up a debate on a recent SC brief order adjourning the hearing of an imprisoned litigant's appeal for a year, as his lawyers were not ready with the arguments.

 

In cases where lawyers fail in their duty towards their clients, courts are expected to dispense justice. Judges can't be silent spectators to gross negligence by lawyers who are paid to defend their clients.