Srinagar, April 06: In an exclusive interview with Voice of Kashmir, Advocate Shahzada Saleem offered a thought-provoking perspective on the rising tide of malpractice in the legal profession. With a deep sense of concern and responsibility, he addressed what he termed as a “silent crisis” within the legal system—one that poses a serious threat to public trust and judicial integrity.
“The legal profession is founded on the principles of justice, honesty, and accountability,” Advocate Saleem remarked. “But today, we’re witnessing an alarming increase in malpractice that threatens to undermine the very foundation upon which this noble profession stands.”
He elaborated on the various forms malpractice can take—ranging from deliberate misrepresentation of facts and suppression of evidence to manipulation of witness testimonies, unethical collaboration, and breaches of fiduciary responsibility.
“Such conduct,” he said, “not only taints individual cases but also chips away at the credibility of the entire judicial process. It leads to a dangerous erosion of public faith in the rule of law.”
Advocate Saleem emphasized the urgent need for introspection and reform within the legal fraternity. He called upon fellow practitioners to reaffirm their commitment to ethical standards laid down by the Bar Council of India.
“We must ensure that our profession is guided by strict ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. It is our duty as officers of the court to hold ourselves to the highest moral standards,” he stressed.
During the interview, he also urged judicial and regulatory authorities to enforce stronger disciplinary mechanisms. “Swift action against proven instances of malpractice, the promotion of continuing legal education in ethics, and the protection of whistleblowers are vital steps toward restoring public confidence,” he noted.
Concluding the interview, Advocate Shahzada Saleem delivered a powerful message:
“We, as custodians of justice, carry a sacred responsibility—not just to our clients, but to society at large. The fight against malpractice begins with us. Only by upholding integrity can we ensure that future generations inherit a legal system worthy of trust and respect.”
