Rule of Law vs Rule by Law: CM Yogi’s Powerful Address at RMLNLU Convocation
CM Yogi Adityanath speaks on the rule of law, the 1975 Emergency, and Article 370 at the RMLNLU convocation ceremony in Lucknow.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a profound discourse on India's legal and constitutional journey while addressing the fifth convocation ceremony of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University (RMLNLU) in Lucknow on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Speaking at the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Auditorium, the Chief Minister urged the new generation of legal professionals to understand the deep-rooted values of the Indian Constitution.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The ceremony served as a milestone for hundreds of students who have spent years mastering the complexities of law. During the event, a total of 260 degrees were conferred upon the graduates. The breakdown of the recipients included:
- 173 students who completed their BA LLB (Hons).
- 47 students who earned their LLM degrees.
- Various PhD scholars and recipients of postgraduate diplomas.
To honor exceptional academic performance, 21 medals were awarded to the top achievers, consisting of 11 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
Lessons from the 1975 Emergency
In a significant portion of his speech, CM Yogi Adityanath reflected on the darker chapters of India's constitutional history to highlight the importance of judicial independence. He specifically referenced the 1975 Emergency, noting that it was imposed just 13 days after the Allahabad High Court annulled an election on June 12.
The Chief Minister emphasized that this era taught India a critical lesson: the difference between the "rule of law" and "rule by law." He paid tribute to the courage of former Supreme Court Justice Hans Raj Khanna, whose lone dissent during the Emergency stood as a beacon of judicial integrity. CM Yogi noted that the Supreme Court eventually affirmed the correctness of Justice Khanna's dissent in 2017.
Landmark Precedents and Legal Milestones
Beyond the Emergency, the Chief Minister touched upon other pivotal moments that have shaped the legal landscape of modern India. He cited the abrogation of Article 370 as a key milestone and urged students to study landmark legal precedents, including the Kesavananda Bharati and Puttaswamy cases, as they remain essential to contemporary legal discourse.
Governance and the Vision for 'Viksit Bharat'
Shifting his focus to state administration, CM Yogi reiterated the "zero tolerance" policy toward crime adopted by the "double-engine government." He asserted that this strict stance has successfully established the rule of law across Uttar Pradesh, creating an environment where citizens can live without fear.
The Chief Minister also pointed toward social and economic progress, highlighting the increase in female labor force participation within the state. However, he warned that the path to 'Viksit Bharat@2047' is hindered by those with a "yathasthiti vaadi" (status quo) mindset, identifying them as the primary obstacles to India's vision of becoming a developed nation.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The convocation was a gathering of some of the highest legal minds in the country. The ceremony was presided over by University Visitor and Supreme Court Judge Justice Vikram Nath. Other prominent attendees included Justice Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, who served as the guest of honor, and Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, who attended as a distinguished guest.