Gandhi harbored discontent towards the legal practitioners as he perceived them as agents upholding an inequitable legal framework that unduly favored the affluent and influential, while disregarding the plight of the masses. Perceiving the legal fraternity as an enabler of social disparity, he embarked on a mission to question and combat this system, employing the weapons of nonviolence.
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Gandhi’s disillusionment with lawyers sprang from his conviction that they upheld an unjust legal framework that favored the privileged elite while disregarding the plight of the masses. In Gandhi’s eyes, the legal fraternity played an active role in perpetuating a system that exacerbated social inequalities, compelling him to courageously defy and combat this disparity through peaceful methods.
One of the main reasons for Gandhi’s dissatisfaction was the view that lawyers represented the interests of the rich and powerful while often ignoring the plight of marginalized segments of society. He felt that he had lost sight of the true purpose of the legal profession, which, according to him, was to serve as an instrument for justice and equality. Gandhi once said, “The real role of the lawyer is to bring the disjointed parties together.”
In the eyes of Gandhi, the principles of accessibility, fairness, and impartiality were intrinsic to the essence of the law, as they safeguarded the welfare of every individual, irrespective of their societal status. Yet, he perceived the actual legal framework as a tool of subjugation and prejudice. This, in his view, constituted a profound defect impeding the advancement of society toward a more righteous and egalitarian state.
In response to these apprehensions, Gandhi undertook a noble quest to defy the establishment and advance societal transformation. He ardently championed the application of nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and tranquil demonstrations as a means to unveil the inequities perpetuated by the legal structure. Gandhi’s objective was to ignite consciousness and galvanize the populace in their battle against prevailing social inequalities, while aspiring for a harmonious and fair society.
Interesting facts about Gandhi’s perception of lawyers:
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Despite his criticism of the legal profession, Gandhi initially aspired to become a lawyer himself and studied law in London.
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Gandhi’s understanding of the law played a significant role in shaping his philosophy of nonviolence and civil disobedience, as he refused to abide by laws that he deemed unjust.
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In his autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” Gandhi reflects on his journey of disillusionment with the legal profession and his realization that the pursuit of justice lies beyond the confines of the courtroom.
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Gandhi’s critique of lawyers was not limited to India. He believed that lawyers worldwide should recognize the societal impact of their work and strive for a more equitable legal system.
The following table illustrates some key differences in Gandhi’s perception of lawyers:
| Traditional Role of Lawyers | Gandhi’s Perspective |
|---|---|
| Upholding the law and representing clients’ interests | Agents perpetuating an inequitable legal framework |
| Focusing on legal technicalities | Neglecting the needs of the masses |
| Individualistic approach | Inability to unite parties and create harmony |
| Serving the privileged and wealthy | Disregarding the marginalized and underprivileged |
In summary, Gandhi’s dissatisfaction with lawyers stemmed from his belief that they played a significant role in upholding an unjust legal system that favored the affluent at the expense of the less fortunate. He sought to challenge this system through nonviolent means, aiming to bring about a more just and equitable society. Gandhi’s critique of lawyers highlights his profound understanding of the impact of the legal profession on social dynamics and the need for lawyers to prioritize justice above all else.
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Gandhiji chided the lawyers for over-charging the poor peasants. When the peasants were so poor and crushed, it was inhuman to charge heavy fees from them. Gandhiji’s selfless service and devotion to the cause of the peasants put the lawyers to shame.
Gandhi chided the lawyers for collecting big fee from the poor
sharecroppers. He thought that taking such cases to the court did little
good to the crushed and fear – stricken peasants. The relief for them,
according to Gandhi, was to be free from fear.
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The video discusses the controversial aspects of Mahatma Gandhi, including his views on race and sex. It also covers his role in the Indian independence movement and his later work on behalf of the poor. The video ends with a quote from Gandhi criticizing those who chose to resist violence instead of using nonviolent methods.