In the early years of India’s struggle for independence, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi popularly known as Gandhiji often clashed with many segments of society who, in his eyes, perpetuated injustice, even unknowingly. Among those he criticized were lawyers. Although Gandhiji himself had trained as a barrister in London and practiced in South Africa, he came to question the role of legal professionals in Indian society. His critique was not out of disdain for the law itself, but rather for how lawyers, in his view, contributed to the continuation of a system that exploited the common people. Understanding why Gandhiji chided the lawyers sheds light on his deeper philosophy of self-reliance, justice, and ethical responsibility.
Context of Gandhiji’s Criticism
Gandhi’s South African Experience
Gandhiji’s legal career began in South Africa, where he experienced racial discrimination firsthand. During his time there, he observed the legal system being used as a tool for upholding injustice, especially against people of color. Although he initially took pride in being a lawyer, his experiences began to shift his perception. He saw that legal procedures often prolonged conflict, increased costs, and benefited the wealthy at the expense of the poor. This realization played a foundational role in shaping his critique of the legal profession as a whole.
Return to India and the Champaran Movement
Upon returning to India in 1915, Gandhiji immersed himself in the struggles of the rural poor. One of the most significant moments occurred during the Champaran movement in 1917, where he fought for the rights of indigo farmers who were being exploited by British landlords. Lawyers in the region had been representing these farmers, often charging them high fees for limited outcomes. Gandhiji observed that the legal system had done little to empower the oppressed. This experience made him more vocal in criticizing lawyers for failing to address the root causes of injustice.
Reasons Behind Gandhiji’s Critique of Lawyers
Failure to Empower the Poor
One of Gandhiji’s main arguments was that lawyers did not serve the interests of the poor and oppressed. Instead, they often took advantage of the vulnerable by charging fees for cases that were dragged out for years. He believed that justice should be fast, simple, and accessible to all, not a luxury for the wealthy.
Encouraging Litigation
Gandhiji felt that lawyers encouraged litigation rather than resolving conflicts peacefully. He viewed litigation as a form of violence because it bred hostility and division. In contrast, he advocated for conciliation and mutual understanding. He often promoted panchayats, or village councils, as a more effective way to resolve disputes than through formal courts.
Contributing to Colonial Exploitation
Gandhiji believed that lawyers, by upholding British laws, were complicit in maintaining colonial rule. The legal system was designed to support British economic and political interests, and lawyers played a central role in that system. In his view, they acted as intermediaries between the British authorities and the Indian masses, often benefiting from the very structures that oppressed their own people.
The Champaran Example
A Model of Direct Action
During the Champaran Satyagraha, Gandhiji chose not to rely on lawyers to bring about justice. Instead, he encouraged peasants to tell their own stories and keep detailed records of their suffering. He believed that the power of truth, when organized and presented collectively, could bring about more meaningful change than court proceedings.
Criticism of Local Legal Practitioners
Many local lawyers in Champaran were upset by Gandhiji’s approach, as it bypassed the legal system entirely. However, Gandhiji stood firm. He insisted that social transformation could not be achieved through technicalities in courtrooms but through grassroots action and moral authority. Eventually, many of those same lawyers joined his cause, inspired by the results he achieved through nonviolent resistance and direct engagement with the people.
Gandhiji’s Alternative Vision
Justice through Truth and Reconciliation
Gandhiji promoted the idea of Satyagraha the force of truth as a more ethical and effective means of achieving justice than legal confrontation. He saw the law as something that should evolve from within the community, not imposed from above. Lawyers, in his view, should become servants of truth and facilitators of reconciliation, not mere professionals seeking profit.
The Role of Lawyers in a Reformed Society
Despite his criticisms, Gandhiji did not believe that all lawyers were inherently corrupt. Instead, he challenged them to reevaluate their roles. He urged them to become instruments of social change, to educate the masses about their rights, and to use their knowledge for the common good rather than personal gain. He envisioned a new kind of legal practice rooted in ethics, compassion, and simplicity.
Reactions and Legacy
Initial Resistance
Many lawyers, especially those benefiting from the colonial system, were uncomfortable with Gandhiji’s views. His criticism was seen as an attack on their livelihood and social status. Some dismissed his approach as impractical or overly idealistic.
Long-Term Influence
Over time, however, Gandhiji’s message began to resonate. Many young lawyers, including future leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, were deeply influenced by his philosophy. They joined the independence movement not just as legal minds but as activists, working toward a just society. Gandhiji’s emphasis on moral responsibility and public service helped transform how many Indians viewed the legal profession.
Gandhiji chided the lawyers not out of hatred, but out of a deep commitment to justice and human dignity. He believed that the legal system, as it stood under British rule, served to exploit rather than uplift the people of India. By challenging lawyers to rethink their roles, he sought to awaken a higher sense of duty within them. His vision remains relevant today, reminding us that law should be a tool for empowerment and reconciliation, not division and delay.
Understanding why Gandhiji criticized lawyers helps us appreciate the depth of his moral philosophy and his unwavering commitment to the poor. It also invites ongoing reflection on how legal institutions can better serve justice in the modern world.