Lawyers urged to uphold ethics
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 02 2026: Access to justice is a fundamental mandate under Article 39A of the Constitution, and lawyers must uphold the highest standards of professional ethics while discharging their responsibilities, said M Sundar, Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur today.

He said this during a State level capacity building programme for Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Panel Lawyers and Remand Lawyers organised by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) at the auditorium of the High Court of Manipur, Imphal.

Lawyers urged to uphold ethics

Justice A Bimol Singh, Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, and Fakhrul Islam Choudhury, Deputy Member Secretary, MASLSA attended the event.

Opening the programme, the Chief Justice underscored the significance of legal aid, and stated that legal aid defence counsels, panel lawyers and remand lawyers play pivotal roles in preserving the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice.

He stated that the legal aid is not an act of charity but a Constitutional entitlement.

He observed that justice must be delivered swiftly and through competent and effective legal representation, particularly for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized sections of society.

The Chief Justice highlighted that the true effectiveness of the legal aid system is measured not by the number of cases handled but by the quality of legal assistance rendered.

Stressing that excellence is a professional habit, he observed that legal aid lawyers must uphold the highest standard of competence, integrity, diligence, confidentiality, punctuality and professional ethics while discharging their responsibilities.

He further remarked that every remand hearing, bail application and consultation with an indigent client presents an opportunity to reinforce public confidence in the justice delivery system.

He further described legal drafting as the "architecture of legal thought," emphasising that clarity, precision and persuasive reasoning in pleadings are essential for the effective administration of justice.

He also called upon legal aid functionaries to combine legal acumen with empathy and human sensitivity while representing disadvantaged litigants.

The Chief Justice also urged the legal aid functionaries to reaffirm their commitment to Constitutional values, professional excellence and the mission of ensuring equal access to justice for all.

Over 170 legal aid defence counsels, panel lawyers and remand lawyers participated in the programme.