CM Sukhu Honours NLU Shimla Graduates with Gold Medals
Himachal CM Sukhu emphasizes fairness in justice and technological adaptation at the 3rd NLU Shimla convocation ceremony.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended the third convocation ceremony of the Himachal Pradesh National Law University (NLU) in Shimla on Sunday. During the event, the Chief Minister honoured meritorious students with gold medals, celebrating their academic excellence and potential to shape the legal landscape of the country.
Justice Must Go Beyond Judicial Orders
Addressing the graduating class, Chief Minister Sukhu delivered a profound message on the essence of the legal profession. He asserted that in a thriving democracy, justice should not be limited to mere judicial orders. Instead, he argued that true justice must be guided by fairness, wisdom, and a deep understanding of circumstances.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the real significance of the law lies in providing hope to the most vulnerable members of society. He stated that the legal system must ensure the voices of the needy are heard and that every citizen feels secure in the protection of their fundamental rights.
Success Defined by Social Contribution
Reflecting on his own journey, Sukhu shared that he obtained his law degree from Himachal Pradesh University. While his primary calling has always been politics, he noted that his legal education has proven to be an invaluable asset in his political career. He encouraged the graduates to view success through a broader lens, suggesting that true achievement is measured not just by professional status, but by one's contribution to society.
Balancing State Exchequer and Employee Rights
The Chief Minister also touched upon the complexities of governance and the judiciary. He described the judiciary as a vital pillar of democracy, working alongside other constitutional organs to serve the citizens. However, he noted that challenges arise when judicial decisions impact public interest initiatives.
Specifically addressing public employment, Sukhu mentioned that certain judicial decisions granting financial benefits beyond established rules place a significant burden on the state exchequer. He clarified that while no elected government seeks to deprive employees of benefits, the state must maintain fiscal responsibility, citing the 2003 decision regarding seniority and increments for contractual employees.
Infrastructure and Shared Resources
Discussing the unique geography of Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister pointed out the difficulty of constructing playgrounds in mountainous terrain. He advocated for the shared use of school and community spaces to maximize limited land. He noted that the state government recently paid ₹5 lakh for Independence Day celebrations after the High Court permitted the use of a government school playground under specific conditions.
The Future of Law: AI and Social Engineering
Supreme Court Judge Justice M.M. Sundresh, who was also present, praised Himachal Pradesh as a "paradise on earth." Addressing the graduates, he described them as "social engineers, social doctors, and social architects."
Justice Sundresh emphasized that legal expertise requires more than theoretical knowledge; it demands a strong sense of social responsibility. He specifically urged the students to prepare for the future by developing expertise in emerging fields, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that AI is set to significantly transform both society and the legal profession.
The Chief Minister concluded by assuring the graduates that the state government remains committed to strengthening the infrastructure of both Himachal Pradesh University and NLU Shimla to establish the institution as a premier centre for excellence in education and research.