Maintain integrity, sincerity: Mangalore varsity VC tells lawyers

Mangalore, November 26: If corruption creeps into the education system, it will destroy generations of students, but, if it creeps into the legal system, it will destroy the society, said Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University T C Shivashankara Murthy.

Speaking at the 'National Law Day' celebration organised by Mangalore Bar Association, Mangalore, and District Legal Service Authority, Dakshina Kannada, here on Monday, he said that the National Law Day was an occasion to rededicate ourselves to the legal profession and to the cardinal principles of the constitution.

“It is the first and foremost duty of lawyers to safeguard the generations of people, the society and our country. Members of the legal fraternity must be true to the principles of their profession and should not underestimate the value of morals and ethics in their lives. Disputes are inevitable, but litigation is not. As former US President Abraham Lincoln said, discourage litigations. Persuade others to compromise whenever possible. You will be engaged in securing justice for your clients by fighting litigations which come before you, but do make your lives more meaningful for others,” he said.

Appealing to maintain the integrity and standard of sincerity and honesty, he said that people sought legal help as the last resort to their problems, hence the day ought to be celebrated by every citizen of the country.

Delivering the presidential address, Dakshina Kannada Principal District and Sessions Judge Ashok G Nijagannavar said that the rights of the people were being deprived by people of the legal fraternity themselves.

“We have the vibrant democracy, versatile sections of society, variety of religions and languages, but still we are lacking. We must have that zeal, integrity to uphold our nation, and fight for it. Although there are differences among the sections of our country, we should not create a barrier amongst us. We should have commitment and dedication in our cause,” he said.

Shimoga Principal District and Sessions Judge Rajashekhar M Shettar was felicitated on the occasion.

Secretary of District Legal Service Authority, Dakshina Kannada, Subramanya J N proposed a vote of thanks.

President of the bar association Ashok Adiga, and members of the legal profession were present on the occasion.