New Delhi: During his farewell on Tuesday, Justice Sanjay Karol expressed concern over what he described as a changing attitude among junior members of the Bar towards senior advocates and other senior members of the legal profession.

Speaking during the farewell proceedings, Justice Karol said he was deeply pained that Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Secretary Pragya Baghel had to request junior advocates to offer their seats to senior members of the Bar.

The issue has also raised concerns about basic professional courtesy within court premises. Senior advocates, including those in their 60s and beyond, are at times seen standing in court auditoriums while younger advocates and interns remain seated.

The concern, however, goes beyond the simple question of offering a seat. Courtesy towards senior members of the profession has traditionally been regarded as an important part of the culture of the Bar. For many, such gestures reflect the broader values of dignity, discipline and mutual respect that are expected from members of the legal profession.

At the same time, respect within the profession cannot be viewed as a one-way obligation. Young lawyers often face difficult working conditions, including demanding seniors, long working hours and, in some cases, inadequate remuneration. Such experiences deserve to be acknowledged and addressed. However, the conduct of one senior should not become a reason to judge an entire generation of lawyers or the wider fraternity.

Professional relationships at the Bar require respect from both sides. Senior members have a responsibility to treat juniors with dignity and fairness, while younger members are expected to maintain basic courtesy and professionalism towards their seniors.

The larger message is therefore not simply about who should occupy a seat in an auditorium. It is about preserving the values that have historically shaped the legal profession. Disagreement, difficult professional experiences or differences between generations should not come at the cost of basic civility.

The legal profession is built not only on legal knowledge, advocacy and courtroom arguments, but also on dignity, discipline, courtesy and mutual respect. What is considered wrong when done to a junior does not become right when the same conduct is directed towards a senior.

AsJustice Sanjay Karol Raises Concern Over Changing Courtesies Between Juniors and Seniors at Bar

New Delhi: During his farewell on Tuesday, Justice Sanjay Karol expressed concern over what he described as a changing attitude among junior members of the Bar towards senior advocates and other senior members of the legal profession.

Speaking during the farewell proceedings, Justice Karol said he was deeply pained that Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Secretary Pragya Baghel had to request junior advocates to offer their seats to senior members of the Bar.

The issue has also raised concerns about basic professional courtesy within court premises. Senior advocates, including those in their 60s and beyond, are at times seen standing in court auditoriums while younger advocates and interns remain seated.

The concern, however, goes beyond the simple question of offering a seat. Courtesy towards senior members of the profession has traditionally been regarded as an important part of the culture of the Bar. For many, such gestures reflect the broader values of dignity, discipline and mutual respect that are expected from members of the legal profession.

At the same time, respect within the profession cannot be viewed as a one-way obligation. Young lawyers often face difficult working conditions, including demanding seniors, long working hours and, in some cases, inadequate remuneration. Such experiences deserve to be acknowledged and addressed. However, the conduct of one senior should not become a reason to judge an entire generation of lawyers or the wider fraternity.

Professional relationships at the Bar require respect from both sides. Senior members have a responsibility to treat juniors with dignity and fairness, while younger members are expected to maintain basic courtesy and professionalism towards their seniors.

The larger message is therefore not simply about who should occupy a seat in an auditorium. It is about preserving the values that have historically shaped the legal profession. Disagreement, difficult professional experiences or differences between generations should not come at the cost of basic civility.

The legal profession is built not only on legal knowledge, advocacy and courtroom arguments, but also on dignity, discipline, courtesy and mutual respect. What is considered wrong when done to a junior does not become right when the same conduct is directed towards a senior.

As the Bar continues to evolve, maintaining these values while also ensuring fairness and dignity for lawyers at every stage of their careers remains an important responsibility for the entire legal fraternity. the Bar continues to evolve, maintaining these values while also ensuring fairness and dignity for lawyers at every stage of their careers remains an important responsibility for the entire legal fraternity.