Supreme Court Advocates for Traditional Legal Training
The Supreme Court of India recently expressed its concern over the diminishing emphasis on traditional legal training and decorum among young lawyers. The issue was highlighted during the case of Puja Entertainment India Ltd v. TIPS Industries Ltd & Ors., where Justices BV Nagarathna and AG Masih underscored the importance of young lawyers training under seasoned professionals to acquire essential soft skills and advocacy techniques.
Importance of Mentorship in Legal Profession
Justice Nagarathna remarked, “We are informed that some young lawyers are starting their own practices without any formal training, which is concerning. The intricate skills of advocacy and the nuances of the profession can only be learned through mentorship.” She emphasized that ambition must be coupled with proper training to ensure the future vitality of the Bar.
Case Background and Court’s Observation
The Court’s observations came during the hearing of a plea challenging a Bombay High Court decision, which refused to stay the release of the film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai amid a copyright dispute over the songs ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ and ‘Ishq Sona Hai’. The High Court had previously declined an urgent interim stay on the film’s release, citing concerns of forum shopping as Puja Entertainment had earlier initiated similar proceedings in a Bihar civil court.
Guidance on Professional Etiquette
During the session, a young lawyer representing one of the respondents strongly objected to the arguments made by the senior counsel for Puja Entertainment, labeling them as “absolutely wrong.” Justice Nagarathna addressed the young lawyer, urging professionalism and restraint. She advised, “You need to know when to speak and when to not. You cannot dismiss a senior counsel’s submission as ‘very wrong’ in this manner.”
Reflecting on Legal Training Culture
Justice Nagarathna recounted her own experiences at the Bar, stressing how observing seasoned judges served as a key component of her training. “In our early days, we would attend court sessions, especially before strict judges, to acclimate ourselves to their rigor and learn how to respond effectively,” she recalled.
Current Case Status
The Supreme Court noted that the interim applications were still pending in the High Court and subsequently closed the petition while directing the High Court to expedite the decision on pending applications.
For live updates and more information on the proceedings surrounding the Hindi movie Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and the associated copyright controversy, stay tuned to our coverage.
