Doors of temples of justice too narrow for most, says Justice Kant

NEW DELHI: Presenting the stark realities of litigation, Justice Surya Kant Wednesday said the doors of temples of justice in the country continue to be too narrow for most of the citizens whose total monthly income is not enough to engage a seasoned advocate and pay their appearance fee.

Delivering a lecture organised by SC Bar Association on 'Justice for all - Legal Aid and Mediation', Justice Kant said professional fees of lawyers exceed the monthly income of most citizens, and court procedures demand literacy, while court corridors are more intimidating than welcoming.

"We have built temples of justice with doors too narrow for the very people they were meant to serve. The scales of justice cannot balance when only one side can afford to place their grievances upon them," he said. Justice Kant, who will succeed CJI B R Gavai on Nov 24, said that as a judge he often feels like a student when seasoned senior advocates give a nuanced presentation of law and facts in the courtroom, only for the thought to cross his mind - how many can afford these brilliant lawyers?

Legal aid is thus the empowering tool for litigants who often go unheard and unrepresented in litigation, he said.