Stop chasing Media Attention through PILs, Focus on Profession: SC to Young Lawyers

On Monday, the Supreme Court issued a sharp caution to young lawyers against filing public interest litigations merely for publicity, dismissing a plea that sought sweeping directions to address deaths allegedly caused by “civic negligence.” The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, observed that vaguely drafted PILs only consume valuable judicial time and reminded early-career advocates that the initial years of practice should be devoted to learning the craft of law rather than chasing visibility through litigation.

The petition attempted to highlight incidents where alleged failures in maintaining civic infrastructure, such as open pits on roads, had resulted in accidents and fatalities. The counsel argued that such instances reflected a larger systemic problem and required nationwide judicial directions. The Court, however, questioned why specific complaints had not been pursued against the responsible authorities instead of approaching the Apex Court through a generalized PIL seeking sweeping relief.

The Bench examined the maintainability and practical feasibility of the relief sought. Noting that the counsel had been in practice for only a few years, the CJI advised young members of the Bar to spend time learning the craft of law under senior practitioners rather than filing vague petitions. The Court observed, “Instead of working in offices, learning law, you are drafting baseless petitions, only because you will come in social media.”

Finding the plea vague and unmanageable in terms of the directions sought, the Court dismissed the petition.

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