CJI Surya Kant Tells NLSIU Grads: Law is Not for the Faint of Heart
CJI Surya Kant urges NLSIU graduates to defend constitutional values and maintain integrity in the legal profession during the 34th convocation.
Addressing the 34th convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant delivered a powerful message to the graduating class, urging them to prioritize professional ethics, safeguard liberty, and remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and constitutional values as they enter the legal arena.
A Calling Beyond the Textbook
Serving as the University’s Chancellor, CJI Kant emphasized that the legal profession is far more than a career—it is a calling. He warned the new graduates that the path they have chosen is "not for the faint of heart," requiring a combination of technical mastery and moral fortitude.
According to the CJI, succeeding in law demands more than just a deep understanding of statutes and precedents. He stressed that lawyers must possess the courage to stand up for what is just and the humility to amplify the voices of those who are frequently ignored by society.
The Pillars of Intellectual Independence
The Chief Justice highlighted the importance of intellectual independence, but cautioned that it must be balanced with fairness. He outlined several key principles for the graduates to follow:
- Hearing before judging: The necessity of listening to all sides of a story before forming a conclusion.
- Separating the person from the position: The ability to critique a role or a decision without attacking the individual.
- Dignified disagreement: The skill of disagreeing with others without stripping them of their human dignity.
He further noted that legal education is an experience that transcends textbooks, as law schools provide a unique environment where students are exposed to diverse perspectives and learn to engage with conflicting beliefs and interpretations.
Integrity Over Convenience
In a stern reminder about the pressures of the profession, CJI Kant cautioned the graduates against the temptation to compromise their integrity for the sake of convenience. He urged them to stay guided by the core values they developed during their tenure at NLSIU.
"As you leave this campus, you step not only into a profession but into a calling—to be guardians of autonomy and servants of the people," the CJI stated, noting that the true satisfaction of the law lies in righting wrongs and upholding the Constitution.
A Moment of Remembrance
The ceremony was also marked by a poignant tribute to Urvashi Krishnatra, an NLSIU LLB graduate who passed away before the convocation. CJI Kant expressed his sadness that she could not be there to celebrate the milestone with her peers and extended his heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Concluding his address, the Chief Justice acknowledged the vital role played by parents, faculty, and staff in the students' success, calling upon the graduates to ensure their professional journeys result in meaningful contributions to society.