CJI Surya Kant Addresses NLSIU Convocation
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday urged graduating law students to uphold justice, personal liberty, and constitutional values. He emphasized that a legal career requires not only technical knowledge of the law but also the courage to stand for justice and the humility to listen to differing viewpoints.
Speaking at the 34th annual convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, CJI Surya Kant addressed the protests and controversies surrounding his visit. He noted that certain external forces had created unforeseen circumstances and uncertainty regarding the event, yet the students rose above these hurdles to champion open dialogue.
Overcoming Uncertainty Created by External Forces
Reflecting on the days leading up to the event, the Chief Justice remarked that the atmosphere was fraught with challenges. He acknowledged that unexpected and unfortunate situations had cast a shadow of doubt over whether the convocation would take place as planned.
Despite these disruptions, he commended the resilience and determination shown by the student body. Their commitment ensured that the institutional milestone was celebrated with the dignity it deserved, defying attempts to derail the proceedings.
Valuing Open Dialogue Over Coercion
Praising the student community, CJI Surya Kant stated that the talented minds at NLSIU proved that genuine determination cannot be easily suppressed. Instead of resorting to disruptive tactics, the students chose the path of constructive engagement and open discussion.
"The legal profession is not for the faint-hearted. It requires the courage to stand by what is right and the humility to listen to unvoiced concerns." — Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India
A Warning Against Professional Shortcuts
Concluding his address, the Chief Justice advised young legal professionals never to compromise their core values or resort to shortcuts for professional convenience. He reminded them that society looks up to them not merely as legal practitioners, but as guardians of justice and constitutional integrity.
