The Supreme Court mandated that lawyers must cite judgments that support both sides of their case, warning against inconsistent judicial opinions. This directive aims to enhance legal clarity and ensure fair representation.
Supreme Court Directs Lawyers to Cite Judgments Opposing Their Cases
The Supreme Court of India has issued a critical directive requiring lawyers to present not only judgments that support their position but also those that may be adverse to their case. This observation was made as the Court reviewed a matter concerning the deductibility of compensation received under a Mediclaim policy.
The Bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Vipul M Pancholi, stressed that the duty of lawyers goes beyond advocating for their clients; it includes an obligation to uphold the integrity of legal proceedings by providing the Court with comprehensive legal perspectives. The Court underscored that failing to present opposing judgments can lead to uncertainty and inconsistency in legal interpretations.
This ruling serves as a reminder for legal practitioners to maintain thoroughness and transparency in their submissions. It emphasizes the role of attorneys as officers of the court in ensuring that justice is served not only for their clients but for the legal system as a whole.
Citations
- The New India Insurance Company Limited v. Dolly Satish Gandhi & Anr. (2026)
