Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana Leads Delegation to Union Law Minister, Seeks Rollback and Review of LADCS

The Voice of Chandigarh News:

A delegation led by the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana, comprising representatives of Bar Associations and Bar leaders from Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory, Chandigarh,  met the Hon’ble Union Minister for Law & Justice, Government of India, at New Delhi to apprise him of the serious concerns arising from the implementation of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS). 

The delegation submitted that while it remains fully committed to the constitutional objective of providing free and effective legal aid, the existing LADCS framework has adversely affected the independent Bar by diverting a substantial share of criminal legal aid work away from practising advocates, particularly young and first-generation lawyers. The delegation urged the Government of India to initiate an immediate review and rollback of the present LADCS structure and to evolve any future reforms only after meaningful consultation with the Bar Council of India, State Bar Councils and Bar Associations. These concerns are consistent with the unanimous resolution recently passed by the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana and the sentiments of the legal fraternity. 

The delegation also highlighted that the traditional panel advocate system has, for decades, effectively delivered legal aid while ensuring equitable distribution of work amongst practising advocates. It was emphasized that legal aid must be strengthened in a manner that supports, rather than replaces, the independent Bar.

The Hon’ble Union Law Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and appreciated the concerns raised. He was receptive to the issues highlighted regarding the impact of the present LADCS model on the legal profession, particularly on young advocates, and assured the delegation that the matter would receive due consideration.