December 17,2017:

Justice DY Chandrachud while delivering the keynote address at the two day event organized by Harvard Law School’s Center on the Legal Profession on the topic “The Corporate Legal Sector’s Impact on India” stated that,”Lawyers’ job can often be very stressful and, thus, the lawyers are prone to addiction and struggle with the mental health issues like depression, both at the higher rates than general population”.

Event was hosted by David B Wilkins, Professor of Law and Director of Center on Legal Profession.

Apart from Justice Chandrachud, the event was graced by Senior Advocate Fali S Nariman.

Justice Chandrachud further added that,“This is supported by findings of the various research studies in United States and Australia which have concluded that the lawyers suffer from significantly lower levels of the psychological and psychosomatic health wellbeing than the other professionals. Various law firms abroad have now started taking the mental health issues very seriously. They are offering on-site psychologists and incorporating the mental-health support alongside the other wellness initiatives”.

Regarding Indian Perspective, he stated that.”There have never been any empirical studies in India regarding mental health of the legal professionals due to general stigma in the Indian society regarding the mental health issues.

Justice Chnadrachd while discussing the Role playrf by law colleges in assessing and remedying the flaws in the system said that,“The steep increase in number of the suicides in India’s premier legal institutions is indicative of systemic flaws. Efforts have been made by made by law colleges and their students, such as Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) or National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) in Hyderabad, to recognise need for addressing these concerns and provide avenues for students to reach out within the institution”.

He suggested that the law firms in India definitely need to be more sensitive to their employees concerns about the unsatisfactory work culture and a complete lack of work-life balance. While stating that we must collectively work to create a healthier work environment.

Justice Chandrachud concluded that,“Change on an institutional level requires creation of the support structures, a massive change in our attitude, and de-stigmatisation of the mental-health issues amongst the members of profession”.