Justice BR Gavai said, “We must ensure justice is accessible to every person, irrespective of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.”
NEW DELHI: A day after the President of India approved his name as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai addressed his first official public event, focusing on “Today’s Pressing Concerns.” He is set to assume office on May 14, 2025, following the recommendation of the current Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
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Speaking at a special felicitation ceremony organised for a national-level short film and reel-making competition for law students, Justice Gavai strongly emphasized the importance of inclusivity and fairness in the legal system.
He said, “We must ensure justice is accessible to every person, irrespective of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.”
Justice Gavai is also the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), which hosted the event under the theme “Connecting with the Cause.”
The initiative aimed to engage young law students from across India in creating short films and reels on key legal topics. The goal was to spread legal awareness using modern, digital-friendly methods.
“This initiative was designed to encourage our young legal minds to connect with today’s pressing causes, which are access to justice, legal awareness, and the upliftment of weaker sections of the society. This competition is an effort of meeting people where they are, as we broaden the horizons of legal outreach and public engagement. The entries received in the competition have been heartening. We received over 100 entries from across 32 States and Union Territories, truly giving this competition a pan-India outreach,” Justice Gavai stated.
Justice Gavai stressed the importance of making law more meaningful by considering the real issues people face in their day-to-day lives.
“There is a pressing need to place greater emphasis on understanding the socio-economic and cultural realities of our society. The law does not operate in a vacuum. It affects people, especially those at the margins of the society. Therefore, clinical legal education, including practical engagement with real-life legal problems must form an integral part of a student’s journey,” he said.
Justice Gavai also encouraged young legal minds to serve communities and support those who are usually unheard or overlooked by the legal system.
“I urge all of you to remain connected with the Legal Services Institutions in your regions. These institutions are the frontline of justice delivery for those who are voiceless, vulnerable, and often invisible to the system. Your journey in the legal profession must also include service to the community. As future lawyers and leaders, never lose sight of the marginalized and the vulnerable. Let their struggles inform your understanding of justice. Let their voices echo in your decisions and in your conscience. Remember, the law is not merely an instrument of order — it is a living promise of justice which must be delivered with empathy, compassion, and courage,” he said.
The competition was launched on 3rd January 2025, to mark the birth anniversary of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher and a strong voice for social reform. Law students from across the country were invited to creatively showcase legal themes like NALSA schemes, Lok Adalats, and Mediation in the form of short videos and reels.
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Entries were invited from four zones—North, South, East, and West—in two categories: Reels and Short Films. Each zone had its own theme, and the competition saw enthusiastic participation from even remote states such as Assam and Manipur. Over 100 entries were received, reflecting the diverse talent and commitment of India’s future legal professionals.
A total of 16 teams were honoured — one winner and one runner-up from each zone in both categories. The event was graced by top dignitaries, including Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Surya Kant.
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Justice Surya Kant, addressing the audience, reflected on the changing times and how the legal field must evolve.
“Change is the only constant. In an age of rapid technological advancement, the black-and-white text of the law must be enriched with the vibrant colours of modern communication including audio-visual,” he said.
