Freedom to Question Govt is Key to Strong Democracy: DK Shivakumar
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar emphasizes the right to question government and announces a new judicial coaching campus in Bengaluru.
Addressing the 34th annual convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar delivered a powerful message on the nature of democratic resilience. He asserted that a truly strong democracy is not characterized by uniform compliance or total agreement with the ruling administration, but by the fundamental freedom of every citizen to question those in power.
The Essence of Democratic Accountability
During his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that public accountability serves as the bedrock of a healthy society. He urged the graduates and students to embrace their constitutional rights and take an active role in the democratic process.
"A strong democracy is not one where everyone agrees with the government. A strong democracy is one where every citizen has the freedom to question the government," Shivakumar stated.
He further noted that current global and domestic democratic structures are being tested, with institutions facing significant pressure. In this climate, he called for a new generation of thinkers who are not afraid to debate, challenge established ideas, and propose viable solutions. He reminded the audience that while questioning is essential, it must be coupled with the responsibility of seeking answers.
A Call for Integrity in the Legal Profession
Speaking directly to the future legal minds of the country, the Chief Minister highlighted the difference between being a professional and being a leader. He argued that while knowing the law provides professional standing, a true understanding of justice is what creates leadership.
Shivakumar called upon legal professionals to serve as the custodians of constitutional morality, stressing that India requires lawyers defined by courage, compassion, and integrity rather than just a high number of practitioners. He described the Constitution as the ultimate guide for legal professionals, comparing its importance to that of the Bible, Bhagavad Gita, or Quran.
New Judicial Coaching Campus for Karnataka
Beyond his philosophical reflections on democracy, Chief Minister Shivakumar announced a significant academic initiative to support aspiring judicial officers. He revealed that the state government plans to establish a dedicated coaching institution and campus specifically for those preparing for judicial service examinations.
Key Details of the New Institute:
- Purpose: To provide specialized preparation and education for young lawyers aiming for the judiciary, similar to existing institutions for UPSC and IPS services.
- Location: The campus will be situated on the Racecourse premises in Bengaluru.
- Scale: The proposed model building will be spread across 15 to 20 acres.
The Chief Minister informed the gathering that the proposal for this new campus will be presented for formal clearance during the upcoming state Cabinet meeting.
Foundation Stone Laying
The event also marked a milestone in the infrastructure development of the university. Earlier in the day, CM Shivakumar, accompanied by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant and Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, laid the foundation stone for several new facilities at NLSIU, including the South Block, a new auditorium, and a student centre.