How a Lawyer Can Influence Policy Decisions
How a Lawyer Can Influence Policy Decisions 1. Advising Governments Directly: Lawyers often become advisors to ministries or law commissions. They draft laws, suggest amendments, and structure legal frameworks. Example: Fali Nariman and K.K. Venugopal has advised the government on constitutional and international law issues. Path: Become legal advisors, standing counsels, members of law commissions. 2. Litigation Impact (Strategic PILs): Filing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) that force governments to make or change policies. Courts sometimes issue directions that governments must implement. Example: Vishaka Guidelines for sexual harassment → Supreme Court filled a legislative vacuum until Parliament made a law. MC Mehta cases → Led to massive environmental policies (like banning diesel vehicles, closing polluting industries). Path: Strategic constitutional and human rights litigation. 3. Drafting Private Member Bills Lawyers who become MPs (Members of Parliament) can draft Private ...