The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala, Punjab, celebrated a significant academic milestone this week. The university successfully conducted its seventh annual convocation ceremony, bringing together students, faculty, and distinguished members of the judiciary.
Degrees Conferred on Hundreds of Graduates
During the ceremony held on Tuesday, a total of 725 students from the batches of 2023, 2024, and 2025 received their degrees. The graduates were awarded in person and in absentia. Beyond the undergraduate and postgraduate scholars, the university also conferred degrees upon two LLD students and nine PhD scholars, marking their advanced research accomplishments.
In a moment of high honour, the university bestowed the prestigious Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) degree upon two sitting judges of the Supreme Court of India. Justice Pankaj Mithal was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the justice delivery system. Similarly, Justice Rajesh Bindal received the honour in recognition of his significant contributions to the judiciary and the cause of justice.
CJI Justice Surya Kant's Call to the Future of Law
The ceremony was graced by the presence and inspiring words of Justice Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India, who delivered the convocation address. He urged the new graduates to become custodians of India's constitutional future and dedicate themselves to societal service.
Justice Surya Kant presented a powerful framework for the young lawyers, drawing a crucial distinction between being mere 'case builders' and true 'nation builders'. He cautioned against reducing the noble legal profession to a narrow focus on winning cases or procedural technicalities alone. While acknowledging the importance of professional competence, he stressed that lawyers must always consider the long-term impact of their work on justice, fairness, and public trust in the legal system.
He highlighted the evolving challenges in a rapidly transforming India, where legal practice now intersects with technology, digital assets, environmental law, and cross-border complexities. In such times, he stated, lawyers must not only argue and advise but also innovate, interpret, and humanise the law. He emphasised that judicial reforms would gain real meaning only when young lawyers translate ideas into action at the grassroots level.
Three Pillars for a Meaningful Legal Career
The CJI outlined three essential pillars for a fulfilling and enduring career in law: integrity, compassion, and curiosity.
He described integrity as the non-negotiable backbone of the justice system, noting that public trust cannot survive without unwavering ethical conduct and moral courage. On compassion, he clarified that it is not contrary to law but fundamental to its proper functioning. Justice risks becoming hollow when it ignores the human realities behind legal disputes. Simple acts like listening patiently or explaining procedures can decisively sustain faith in the system.
Finally, he underscored curiosity as vital for keeping the law relevant amidst rapid technological and social change. He encouraged the graduates to be lifelong learners, engage with technology responsibly, and ensure that tools remain servants of justice, not substitutes for human judgment.
Other Dignitaries Impart Wisdom
Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Chancellor of RGNUL, also addressed the gathering. He emphasised the importance of passion and devotion in one's chosen field, stating that genuine passion leads to excellence and provides resilience against challenges. He reminded the students that the legal profession demands unwavering honesty and ethical conduct, and that law is ultimately about imparting justice, not just winning arguments.
Justice Nagu also spoke about the enduring duty of alumni towards their alma mater. He encouraged the graduating class to remain connected with RGNUL and contribute to its growth and reputation, noting that an institution's strength is reflected in the values and achievements of its former students.
Prof Jai Shankar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of RGNUL, welcomed the guests and highlighted the university's recent achievements. He reiterated the critical role of quality legal education in the development of the nation.
The convocation concluded on a note of hope and responsibility, sending forth a new cohort of legal professionals armed with degrees and a solemn charge to build a more just and equitable society.
