In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Delhi High Court Bar Association Elections- 2024, Rohan from FICL sat down with Abhijat, a prominent legal professional and candidate for the post of President for an interview.
With a strong track record of leadership and advocacy within the legal community, Abhijat discusses his motivations for running, his vision for the future of the Bar, and the key issues he intends to address if elected. In this candid conversation, he outlines the reforms he hopes to bring, aiming to foster a more dynamic and supportive environment for legal practitioners at the Delhi High Court.
I am committed to reviving the ‘Placement Cell’ of the Delhi High Court which was started when I was elected Hony. Secretary of the Bar Association in 2014.Abhijat
FICL: What are your key priorities and vision for the Delhi High Court Bar Association if you are elected as President?
Abhijat: With immense pride I say that our Delhi High Court is one of the best courts in the country. If elected president, my vision for the Delhi High Court, is for it to be an institution that apart from being one of the top courts in the country, also offers high standard working conditions to all its members, but especially to those who do not have chambers and other necessary resources at their disposal. I am cognizant that there are many of my colleagues who would benefit immensely should we as an institution, provide conference facilities, common workstations, facilities to attend on-line hearings in different courts/foras, e-libraries, assistance with filings etc.
It would be my priority to ensure that these facilities are made available, to my colleagues, at the earliest possible opportunity and at the lowest cost possible.
I also deem it important to put in place a scheme where regular academic interactions on myriad topics, can be held with talks/seminars being delivered by Hon’ble Judges, eminent lawyers, noteworthy academicians- for the benefit of all those, who may choose to attend them.
FICL: How do you plan to address the challenges faced by young lawyers, especially in terms of mentorship, professional growth, and financial sustainability?
Abhijat: I am committed to reviving the ‘Placement Cell’ of the Delhi High Court which was started when I was elected Hony. Secretary of the Bar Association in 2014. I propose to facilitate it to become a robust, functional and recognizable platform that is available to all young lawyers, passing out from colleges who may need the services of the Placement Cell. The cell would have a database of Senior Lawyers, lawyers as well as firms readily available for my young colleagues to be able to use the same, to apply to one or many lawyers or firms of their choice. The Cell would then facilitate the process of hiring of all those young lawyers that are selected from recruitment by the respective lawyers or firms.
I also propose to request the Courts to appoint younger lawyers as amicus curiae and mediators. The more senior members can be appointed Arbitrators and Commissioners to record evidence etc. I am also committed to exploring how we as an institution be a bridge between institutions such as legal services and young lawyers hoping for empanelment.
Young lawyers are our future. I am committed to do everything in my power, to offer them, the best that the institution would permit me to offer.
FICL: What specific steps will you take to improve the infrastructure and facilities at the Delhi High Court, including better access to technology and resources for lawyers?
Abhijat: My foremost endeavour would be, to urge the Hon’ble Court to commence immediately, the construction of a dedicated covered elevated corridor which connects all the court buildings with all the chamber blocks for efficient passage of lawyers without being troubled by inclement weather.
I also intend to work on a solution towards streamlining and decongestion of the parking facilities in the High Court including the multi-level underground parking. Emphasis will also be towards de-congestion of the peripheral roads surrounding the High Court to facilitate smooth ingress and egress of lawyers.
Another priority, as President, would be refurbishing and renovating both the Old Court Building and the Extension (Criminal) Wing with emphasis to augment facilities available to the Bar and enlargement of court room sizes.
Also, on the list is an effort to persuade the competent authorities to acquire areas within the vicinity of the High Court like Bapa Nagar and Kaka Nagar for construction of more Chamber Blocks.
FICL: How do you intend to strengthen the relationship between the Bar and the Bench, ensuring smooth communication and addressing any concerns raised by the legal fraternity?
Abhijat: I am of the firm belief that the the Bar Association must be the bridge connecting the Bar and the Bench. I believe that the Association is an ideal platform to espouse just causes of lawyers. I promise to introduce a scheme for holding of regular interactive sessions for lawyers with the Hon’ble Judges for discussions and interactions which may varying in range beyond just academic topics. I believe that the need of the hour is a scheme/programme- which can make the Bench cognizant of the needs, aspirations, feedback of lawyers and the lawyers aware of aspects where the Bench perceives need for improvement. Interaction and communication to my mind are the keys to success.
FICL: What are your proposals for enhancing the welfare and support programs for lawyers, especially in light of the challenges brought about by the pandemic and other professional pressures?
Abhijat: During my tenure as Secretary of DHCBA, the Executive Committee had started a Pandemic Relief Fund from which ex gratia payments were made to thousands of lawyers falling in various categories of the DHCBA Pandemic Relief Scheme. On the same lines, the Pandemic Relief Fund as also a Fund from which members can be helped during medical emergencies shall be augmented. I am committed to exploring the setting up of a ‘Wellness Centre’ at the High Court, where my colleagues would have access to wellness experts – to help them navigate the pressures that they may be facing.
FICL: On behalf of FICL, we thank you for your time and sharing your thoughts with us. We wish you all the best for the upcomming DHCB elections.
Abhijat: Thank you FICL for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with your members.