CJI Surya Kant holds historic first interaction with law students
In a historic first, CJI Surya Kant held an open interaction with law students at CNLU Patna, discussing judicial reforms and student rights.
In a landmark moment for legal education in India, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice Surya Kant, conducted his first-ever open house interaction with law students at the Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna on Saturday. This direct engagement marks the first time a sitting CJI has held such a session with students of a law university.
The event, hosted at CNLU’s Ashoka Auditorium, saw the participation of Patna High Court Chief Justice and CNLU Chancellor Justice V Kameswar Rao. Organized by the university's Academic and Debating Committee alongside the Legal Aid Cell, the session provided a rare platform for the country's top judicial officer to engage directly with the next generation of legal professionals.
Protecting the Right to Protest
During the intense Q&A session, the CJI addressed several critical issues ranging from judicial reforms to the daily struggles of young practitioners. One of the most significant moments occurred when a female student questioned the police response to peaceful student demonstrations.
Justice Surya Kant provided an unequivocal response, reaffirming that the judiciary remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the fundamental right to peaceful protest. He sent a powerful message that the courts would not remain indifferent to violations of these rights.
Support for First-Generation Lawyers
Recognizing the uphill battle faced by those entering the profession without family connections, the CJI spoke about the specific hardships of first-generation lawyers. He highlighted the need for structural support rather than mere charity.
"It is a structural necessity for the future of the legal profession," the CJI remarked, suggesting the creation of a dedicated professional assistance corpus. This fund would provide much-needed financial stability to young lawyers during their formative initial years of practice.
Revolutionizing Legal Education
The interaction also touched upon the curriculum and the practicalities of becoming a lawyer. CNLU Vice-Chancellor Prof Faizan Mustafa introduced a significant proposal to restructure the five-year law degree. His suggestion includes:
- Four years of academic study: Focusing on core legal principles.
- Mandatory final-year apprenticeship: Integrating direct court experience into the degree.
- Streamlined career paths: Eliminating the separate one-year practice requirement for judicial service exams.
Justice Surya Kant reacted positively to the proposal, calling it a “new, welcome idea” that could reshape how legal experience is incorporated into the curriculum.
Transparency and Judicial Integrity
When questioned about the lack of public disclosure regarding dissenting opinions within the Collegium, the CJI offered a nuanced explanation. He noted that while transparency is a vital goal, it must be balanced against the dignity and reputation of the individuals involved.
He pointed out that making adverse observations public through Collegium minutes could make it difficult for a judge or a Chief Justice to continue functioning effectively, emphasizing that disclosure must not compromise professional standing.
Reforming Judicial Clerkships
Adding to the discussion on professional growth, Justice V Kameswar Rao advocated for reforms in judicial clerkships. He argued that to attract the finest legal minds, High Court clerkships must become more competitive, financially rewarding, and prestigious enough to rival the lucrative opportunities found in corporate law firms.