Too many changes to laws leave legal professionals confused: CJ

Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee has said that it is unfortunate that a few laws in India are amended even before they are introduced.

Addressing a gathering during the 10th graduation day of JSS Law College here on Saturday, he said that due to constant amendments, legal professionals find it difficult to give an opinion on an Act. “The Civil Procedure Code was introduced in 1882, followed by an amendment in 1885, then total replacement in 1908 and substantial amendment in 1976, which came into effect on February 2, 1977. In Transfer of Property Act, 1882, the first amendment came in 1926. Therefore, repeated changes to laws make it difficult for legal professionals to give an opinion,” he said.

Addressing the law graduates, Justice S K Mukherjee said, “It’s the beginning of your life as your education is partially complete. Budding lawyers should work hard and not be disheartened in the first five years of their professional experience. Open your eyes and ears to the world to be a good advocate. Be conscious, not only about the fundamental rights, but also duties. When it comes to profession, involvement in personal matters is not a good thing. There should be minimum detachment,” he advised the graduates.
Lokayukta P Vishwanath Shetty said that a Lokayukta with 1,500 staff alone cannot eradicate corruption in the state.

“We need the support of people, including students. Law graduates should spread the message in this regard. The culture of honouring corrupt people should come to an end. Good administration in the state can be made a reality by the young generation,” he said.

As many as 109 students from four courses — BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB and LLM — received their certificates. While J Anusha topped in BA LLB, Sayed Qudrat, Bhavya and Albert Mhina secured first ranks in BA LLB, LLB and LLM courses respectively.