The Supreme Court has called on young advocates to volunteer their services to assist litigants who are unable to afford legal counsel due to financial constraints or lack of awareness.

Appreciating the efforts of a young advocate who provided legal aid to a party-in-person, a bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma emphasized that lawyers should offer their best legal assistance without expecting compensation in return.

The bench encouraged young advocates to step forward whenever an opportunity arises, to help those who cannot engage counsel due to limited means or knowledge.

"By assisting indigent litigants, advocates can make a powerful statement to society, demonstrating that the legal profession stands for access to justice and equality before the law—not just in theory, but in practice," the bench remarked.

The court further emphasized that individual acts of assistance contribute to a broader effort to resolve disputes amicably, particularly in sensitive areas like labor and matrimonial matters. Such efforts can play a crucial role in alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and conciliation, fostering a more just and equitable society.

The bench pointed out that the legal profession could gain goodwill from society, particularly among those who cannot afford expensive legal services, through these meaningful contributions. Referring to a case where Advocate Sanchar Anand represented a petitioner with limited financial resources, the court noted that the advocate had appeared before the court 14 times over two years without expecting compensation. Despite not being on the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee panel, Anand appeared diligently to ensure the petitioner received proper legal representation and contributed to the court's fair conclusion of the case.

Access to justice, the bench stressed, should not be hindered by financial limitations. The court called on members of the bar to provide necessary assistance to litigants from all backgrounds, ensuring that the cost of litigation does not burden the party or cause undue delays. This shift is in contrast to the growing trend where litigants, especially from remote areas, face exorbitant fees for top-tier legal services, often without substantial progress in their cases.

The bench also condemned the misconception that only those who can afford high professional fees can access justice, highlighting that this must be addressed. It reminded that the duty to provide accessible justice lies with every member of the legal profession, and this message should resonate from the corridors of the highest court of the land.