Bar Council Seeks Rollback of Legal Aid Defence Counsel System
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The Bar Council has formally requested a review and potential rollback of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) system, citing concerns over its impact on the independence of the Bar.
The Bar Council of India has recently intensified its opposition to the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) system, a flagship initiative designed to provide professional legal representation to the underprivileged. The Council has formally requested a review and rollback of the scheme, arguing that the current implementation model—which involves hiring lawyers on a full-time, salaried basis under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)—adversely affects the independent nature of the legal profession.
The LADC system was introduced to mirror the public defender models seen in other jurisdictions, aiming to provide high-quality, dedicated legal assistance to those in need, thereby strengthening the constitutional mandate of 'Access to Justice' under Article 39A. However, the Bar Council contends that this institutionalization of legal aid creates a 'state-sponsored' cadre of lawyers, which may undermine the traditional, independent role of the Bar and potentially lead to a conflict of interest or a decline in the quality of advocacy due to bureaucratic oversight.
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