In an impassioned call to the next generation of India’s judicial leaders, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant addressed the 34th annual convocation of the premier National Law School of India University (NLSIU), urging graduating students to fearlessly uphold justice, guard personal liberties, and anchor their careers firmly in constitutional values. Serving in his capacity as the Chancellor of the university, the Chief Justice reminded new legal practitioners that the pursuit of law demands unwavering ethical courage, moral resilience, and the empathy to champion marginalized citizens whose grievances routinely go unheard. He stressed that legal schooling extends far beyond classroom textbooks, asserting that the ultimate essence of legal scholarship lies in actively encountering, understanding, and defending divergent perspectives across a multifaceted society.
Beyond Bookish Knowledge: Why the Legal Arena Demands Moral Courage Over Convenience
The Chief Justice highlighted that entering the courtroom requires much more than memorizing statutes and legal precedents:
No Place for the Faint-Hearted: Addressing the auditorium, CJI Surya Kant asserted, “The legal profession is not for the faint of heart. It requires not only a strong grasp of laws and past judgments, but also the courage to stand up for what is right and the humility to listen to voices that often go unheard.”
True Essence of Legal Learning: The CJI noted that the foundational purpose of legal education is not merely mastering technical principles of criminal jurisprudence or constitutional theory, but training the mind to empathize with individuals whose life realities differ vastly from one’s own.
The Living, Evolving Nature of Law: Emphasizing that statutory doctrine is never static, he stated that jurisprudence evolves through everyday practice—where every petition argued, contract drafted, opinion tendered, and ruling authored strengthens the nation’s justice framework.
Resilience Under Pressure: The demanding years spent at law school, he remarked, serve to instill ethical accountability, intellectual sharpness, and the temperament needed to handle acute professional stress without compromising fundamental principles.
Safeguarding Intellectual Freedom: The Power of Impartiality and Dignified Disagreement
Underlining the necessity of objective reflection in an increasingly polarized world, the Chief Justice urged young advocates to uphold rigorous intellectual standards:
Dignified Disagreement: CJI Kant observed that authentic intellectual freedom necessitates genuine impartiality—listening patiently to opposing viewpoints before arriving at conclusions, assessing individuals independently of their titles, and voicing disagreement without injuring their human dignity.
Rejecting Professional Shortcuts: The CJI warned graduates against falling prey to easy compromises, noting that while expedient shortcuts may seem lucrative in the short run, unyielding commitment to professional integrity remains the only path to building an enduring reputation.
Guarding Against Compromise: He cautioned students that moments will arise when compromising core principles appears tempting, urging them to let the institutional values instilled during their university tenure guide them through moral dilemmas.
Protecting Fundamental Liberties: Describing law as an instrument of social justice, he remarked that eliminating oppression, defending individual freedom, and protecting the Constitution offer deeper satisfaction than material gains alone.
Emotional Homage to Late Graduate Urvashi Krishnatra and Gratitude to Families
The convocation was marked by moments of heartfelt reflection as the Chief Justice acknowledged the collective support systems behind the graduating batch:
Tribute to Urvashi Krishnatra: In a touching moment, CJI Surya Kant paid homage to Urvashi Krishnatra, a deceased graduate of the university’s LLB program, stating that she should have been present to walk the stage, receive her hard-earned degree, and celebrate the milestone with her peers.
Recognizing Family and Faculty Sacrifices: The Chief Justice acknowledged the tireless devotion, financial sacrifices, and emotional backing provided by parents, while commending university faculty and administrative staff for nurturing exceptional legal talent.
A Higher Duty to the Nation: Concluding his convocation address, CJI Kant reminded the outgoing scholars that society looks to them not merely as technical legal practitioners, but as beacons of institutional hope entrusted with serving the nation with distinction.