Justice Dipankar Datta has emphasized the need to make judicial positions more appealing, pointing out that the current structure may not be sufficient to attract talented lawyers to the bench.
Speaking at a legal gathering, he noted that many accomplished practitioners hesitate to accept judgeship due to financial and lifestyle considerations. According to him, the gap between earnings in private practice and judicial salaries often acts as a deterrent for those who might otherwise be strong candidates.
He remarked that expecting lawyers to disregard such realities is impractical, adding that not everyone can approach the role with complete detachment from material concerns. His observation that “not everyone is a hermit” reflected the challenges faced in persuading professionals to transition into judicial roles.
Justice Datta also linked this issue to the broader functioning of the judiciary, suggesting that difficulties in attracting qualified candidates contribute to vacancies and rising case burdens. Strengthening incentives, he indicated, could play a key role in improving both the quality and efficiency of the system.
He further acknowledged the demanding nature of judicial work, noting that it requires sustained commitment and comes with significant responsibility. His remarks highlight the importance of rethinking how judgeship is structured so that it remains both prestigious and practically viable for experienced legal professionals.
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