CJI Surya Kant Calls on Law Graduates to View Profession as Public Responsibility
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant delivered a powerful address to graduating law students at National Law University, Jodhpur, on Saturday, urging them to perceive the legal profession as a vital public responsibility within India's evolving democracy. He emphasized that the law must remain accessible, responsive, and deeply rooted in social realities to serve the nation effectively.
From Fortress to Forum: Law in an Unfinished Republic
Speaking at the 18th convocation ceremony under the theme "From Fortress to Forum: Law in an Unfinished Republic," the CJI highlighted the necessity for the legal system to adapt alongside society. He cautioned against allowing the law to become shielded by complexity or privilege, stressing that it should evolve dynamically rather than remain static.
Drawing inspiration from Jodhpur's iconic Mehrangarh Fort, which historically symbolized law's role in defending society from arbitrariness and disorder, Justice Kant noted that in a constitutional democracy, law cannot function merely as a defensive structure. "It must operate as a forum where citizens can question authority, assert their rights, and resolve differences through reasoned dialogue," he asserted.
Law as a Living, Evolving Framework
The CJI warned graduates against the misconception that the law they studied is complete or settled. "The law is not a finished edifice," he stated, explaining that its growth is continuously shaped by social change and lived experiences. He pointed out that the Indian Constitution was intentionally designed as a living framework, with each generation expanding its interpretation—from personal liberty and privacy to substantive equality.
Tracing the historical evolution of legal principles, Justice Kant observed that ideas of accountability and fairness have expanded over centuries, progressing from limited protections against arbitrary power to broader commitments to dignity and equal treatment. "The responsibility for carrying this process forward rests squarely with those entering the profession," he emphasized.
Preventing Exclusion and Promoting Accessibility
Justice Kant also issued a stern warning about the risks of the legal system becoming exclusionary if burdened by unnecessary technicalities or inaccessible language. He insisted that lawyers must actively resist turning the law into an elite domain and instead work diligently to widen participation and enhance public understanding.
In his concluding remarks, the CJI reinforced the call for legal professionals to ensure that the law serves as a tool for justice and empowerment, rather than a barrier. His address underscored the critical role of new graduates in shaping a legal system that is inclusive, adaptive, and truly reflective of India's democratic aspirations.
