Delhi High Court Urges Young Advocates to Prepare Thoroughly Before Hearings, Warns Against Unprepared Proxy Appearances

The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over the growing practice of lawyers appearing as proxy counsel without properly preparing the case. The Court advised young lawyers to carefully read their case briefs before appearing in court.

A Division Bench of Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Amit Mahajan made these observations while hearing an appeal arising out of a matrimonial dispute between a husband and wife.

During the hearing, the Court examined the office report and found that the counsel representing the wife had not taken the necessary steps to complete the service of notice in the appeal. The matter had been pending for nearly two years due to this delay.

When questioned, the lawyer appearing for the wife informed the Court that he was only a proxy counsel. He stated that he was not aware of the facts of the case and did not know what steps were required to complete the service of notice.

The Court took serious note of this submission. It observed that under the Advocates Act, 1961, a lawyer who appears in a matter is expected to assist the Court meaningfully. A counsel cannot claim ignorance of the case after entering appearance.

The Bench stated that any counsel who appears before the Court must at least understand the basic facts of the case and the current stage of the proceedings. Without such preparation, the lawyer cannot properly assist the Court.

The judges further emphasised that for the better future of the legal profession, young members of the Bar must approach their briefs with seriousness. They should study the case files carefully before appearing in court and be fully prepared to address the issues involved.

In conclusion, the Court directed the counsel appearing for the wife to examine the file and relevant legal provisions properly so that effective assistance could be provided in future hearings.

The case is titled X v. Y.