Amritsar, August 2 (K.L. Jit Walia):Senior advocates Har Sangeet Singh and Nirmal Singh of Amritsar have expressed serious concerns over the implementation of the Legal Defence Counsel (LDC) System in Punjab. Speaking to the media, both senior lawyers stated that implementing the system in its current form would adversely affect both the judicial system and the independence of the legal profession.
They said that every citizen has the fundamental right to choose a lawyer of their own choice. If legal aid cases are restricted to only a select group of lawyers, it could negatively impact public confidence in the justice system and limit people’s access to fair legal representation.
Advocate Har Sangeet Singh said that the LDC system could significantly affect the practice and livelihood of thousands of young lawyers. Legal aid cases provide valuable experience to newly enrolled advocates, and limiting such opportunities would make it difficult for them to establish their careers.
Senior Advocate Nirmal Singh stated that while the government’s objective of providing free legal aid to poor and needy citizens is commendable, the policy should be designed in a way that does not compromise lawyers’ rights or the independence of the judiciary. He emphasized that any final decision should be taken only after detailed consultations with the Bar Council, Bar Associations, and legal experts.
Both senior advocates appealed to the Punjab Government to reconsider the LDC system and formulate a balanced policy that ensures effective legal aid for the underprivileged, protects employment opportunities for young lawyers, and preserves the independence and integrity of the justice system.
KL JIT WALIA
