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Justice Abhay Oka: District Courts Are Citizens' Courts; Lawyers Must Master Procedure and Ethics
Former Judge Justice Abhay Oka, speaking at the inauguration of a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Programme at in Pune, delivered a powerful message to the legal fraternity: district courts are the true “citizens’ courts,” and the lawyers who practice there are indispensable pillars of the justice system. He urged young advocates to build a strong foundation in both substantive and , to observe experienced counsel and judges in courtrooms, and to uphold the highest standards of .
The event marked the launch of a collaborative initiative between the and the , designed to train 150 early-career lawyers from across Maharashtra through a six-month blended learning programme. Each batch of 30 participants will undergo rigorous instruction aimed at enhancing their and professional competencies.
District Courts as the Foundation of Citizen-Centric Justice
Justice Oka’s remarks placed a sharp focus on the critical role of district and taluka courts. “District courts are citizens’ courts, and therefore lawyers practising in district courts are an important part of the justice system,” he observed. He noted that it is at this level that the common citizen most directly encounters the judicial process, and any errors committed at the trial stage can have cascading consequences for the entire case. This reality, he argued, demands that young lawyers recognise the profound importance of trial court practice.
“These courts are where citizens most directly experience the judicial system,” Justice Oka said, “and errors committed at the trial stage can have serious consequences for the entire case.” He therefore urged the gathering to view district court practice not as a stepping stone to higher courts, but as the very bedrock of a citizen-centric justice system.
Mastering and
Emphasising that hard work is the key to success in the legal profession, Justice Oka advised young lawyers to go beyond textbook knowledge. He encouraged them to learn advocacy by carefully observing experienced advocates and judges in action. “Learn advocacy not merely through books but also by carefully observing experienced advocates and judges in courtrooms,” he said. He called on them to remain curious, to ask questions, and to fully understand the rules, regulations, and procedures governing each stage of court proceedings.
A particular emphasis was placed on . Justice Oka stressed that effective advocacy requires not only a command of but also a thorough grasp of court processes. “Lawyers must strive to develop a strong command over ,” he noted, adding that is often what distinguishes a persuasive advocate from an ineffective one.
The Duality of Advocacy: Dignity and Firmness
In a profession often associated with aggressive courtroom tactics, Justice Oka offered a counterpoint: dignity and restraint. He underscored that lawyers must maintain the and respect judges and the judicial institution. “He cautioned young advocates against unnecessary aggression in court and advised them to learn to present their arguments firmly, effectively and with dignity,” the report noted. At the same time, he reminded them of their duty to remain fair and honest with their clients.
This call for was reinforced by , who described judges and lawyers as “the two wheels of the judicial system.” Kanetkar observed that the public places immense faith in the judiciary, and advocates therefore have a critical responsibility to present cases effectively and assist courts in reaching fair and just decisions for litigants.
Voices of Support: Legacy and Collaboration
Ms. Vaijayanti Joshi, Honorary Secretary of the , spoke about the Society’s 103-year legacy and its continued commitment to legal education. She highlighted how the Society’s long history of nurturing legal talent aligns perfectly with the goals of the new CLE initiative.
Dr. Deepa Paturkar, Project Director and Principal In-charge of , provided an overview of the programme. She explained that the training would combine offline and online learning, with 30 lawyers per batch, ultimately benefiting 150 early-career lawyers from across Maharashtra. The programme is steered by Project Director Dr. Deepa Paturkar and implemented by a dedicated team including Programme Head Dr. Varsha Khandagale, Programme Manager Ms. Hrucha Dhamdhere, and Assistant Programme Manager Mr. Rohan Ranjane.
Programme Structure and Practical Impact
The CLE programme is designed to fill a crucial gap in legal education: the transition from law school to competent courtroom practice. By focusing on , procedural knowledge, and ethical conduct, the initiative aims to equip young lawyers with tools that are often underemphasized in traditional curricula. The six-month duration allows for sustained mentoring and practical exercises, ensuring that participants not only learn theory but also apply it in simulated and real-world settings.
For the 150 participants, this programme represents an opportunity to build confidence and competence at a stage when many lawyers struggle to find guidance. The partnership with the underscores a broader commitment to improving access to quality legal services at the grassroots level, particularly in district and taluka courts where the majority of citizens seek justice.
Implications for the Legal Profession
Justice Oka’s address comes at a time when the legal profession is undergoing rapid transformation. Technology, changing client expectations, and the increasing complexity of litigation demand that lawyers continuously update their skills. His insistence on and serves as a reminder that no amount of digital tools can replace the foundational skills of reading a file, framing arguments, and addressing a judge with respect and clarity.
Moreover, his emphasis on ethics and dignity resonates in an environment where instances of unprofessional conduct occasionally make headlines. By placing these values at the centre of his message, Justice Oka has reinforced the idea that a lawyer’s credibility is their most valuable asset.
The CLE programme itself may serve as a model for other states and institutions. If successful, it could spur similar initiatives across India, helping to bridge the gap between law school education and the demands of trial practice. For the legal community, the message is clear: investing in continuous learning is not optional—it is essential.
Conclusion
Justice Abhay Oka’s call to action is both timeless and timely. By recognising district courts as the heart of the justice system and by urging young lawyers to master procedure, observe courtrooms, and act with dignity, he has provided a roadmap for meaningful legal practice. The Continuing Legal Education Programme at , with its structured approach and institutional backing, offers a concrete step toward realising that vision. As the first batch of 30 lawyers begins their training, the hope is that they will carry forward the values of competence, ethics, and service that define a truly effective advocate.
