Lawyers are court’s officers: Justice Oka at Luthra Memorial Moot Court Competition

Supreme Court judge justice Abhay S Oka was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the competition at DU’s Campus Law Centre

Supreme Court judge justice Abhay S Oka on Sunday underscored the fundamental duty of lawyers, saying that they are officers of the court and not mere mouthpieces for their clients. He said that in every legal battle the ultimate objective must be the pursuit of justice.

Supreme Court judge justice Abhay S Oka at the event. (HT Photo)

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 21st KK Luthra Memorial Moot Court Competition at the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, justice Oka advised aspiring lawyers to master trial advocacy, as it forms the backbone of legal practice. According to the senior judge, a thorough study of briefs, keen observation of court proceedings, and understanding the judge presiding over the case are critical skills for every advocate.

He also called for a shift in the nature of moot court problems, advocating for greater focus on civil and criminal appeals rather than international law. He argued that such a shift would better prepare students for real-world litigation and strengthen the legal profession. He also praised the increasing participation of women in litigation and judiciary, lauding the all-women teams that reached the final round.

The competition, which saw participation from 127 institutions across India and abroad, culminated in SASTRA (Deemed to be University), Thanjavur, winning the championship. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University was declared the first runner-up, while Lloyd Law School, Greater Noida, bagged the award for Best Memorial.

The KK Luthra Memorial Moot Court was established in 2005 in honour of senior advocate KK Luthra.