Delhi lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin on Tuesday lamented the escalating fees of lawyers by saying that legal costs have made it impossible for the common man to seek access to justice.
“The role of civil society organisations is important because it has become almost impossible for a citizen to seek access to justice. The fees of lawyers have zoomed up like nobody’s business. This is where active NGOs, civil society organisations come to the rescue,” said Justice Sarin, as he hailed the civil society while addressing a seminar in the city.
Observing that it was difficult for common citizens to fight against “mighty” and “corrupt”, he said the Right to Information Act has done “wonders” in checking irregularities and graft.
“Right to Information has done wonders. We have got several cases. I have instituted several directions on the basis of information provided to me with RTI queries and answers. And in that process, we have uncovered illegal acquisition of public lands and roads, even by media houses,” Sarin said.
“Numerous cases have come before me where credible information was given, but identity was not disclosed. It is very difficult for a common man to fight against the mighty and those who are in power,” he said. Sarin also criticised those who ‘often’ question the lokayukta’s jurisdiction when it goes after the ‘corrupt’.