Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the legal system must serve those in real need, not just people who can afford justice. Addressing law students in Patna, he urged young lawyers to bend the arc of justice towards the poor and voiceless.
Patna: Stressing that compassion and empathy must remain at the heart of the legal system, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday urged young lawyers to ensure that justice reaches those who need it the most.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna, the CJI reminded students that success in law should never come at the cost of human sensitivity.
Addressing graduating students, Justice Surya Kant said that empathy is what separates a just society from an unjust one and plays a vital role in delivering justice to oppressed and voiceless sections. He encouraged young lawyers to remain grounded and humane, even as they build their careers.
The CJI cautioned students against seeing law as a competition or a short race. He emphasised that legal practice demands patience, discipline and ethical commitment, asserting that
“law is not a sprint, but a long and deliberate journey”.
Explaining the deeper purpose of the legal profession, Justice Surya Kant told students that their work derives meaning from the people it serves.
He said,
“Whether you choose litigation or public service, academia, judicial service or any other path, never lose sight of the fact that law draws its legitimacy from the people it protects. When you use your skills to give voice to the unheard, voiceless, and you also give dignity to those who have been overlooked, you will be honouring not only your own education but the constitutional promise that underpins it.”
Referring to the university being named after Chanakya, the ancient thinker known for discipline and responsibility, the CJI highlighted the importance of actions over background. He quoted Chanakya’s belief and told students that greatness is defined by conduct, not birth or position.
He said,
“Your degrees are not symbols of where you come from; they are acknowledgements of what you have already demonstrated.”
Sharing insights from his long legal career, Justice Surya Kant spoke about the challenges of the profession and the importance of resilience.
He told students,
“After nearly four decades in the field, I can assure you that the law has an uncanny way of humbling even the most prepared minds. But that is not an indictment of your ability; it is an invitation to grow and to develop resilience.”
In another part of his address, the CJI underlined that access to justice should not depend on wealth or status. He asserted that
“the law was not just for those who could afford it, but for anyone who was in dire need of it.”
Reinforcing this idea, he said,
“There is a need to bend the arc of justice towards the communities that need it the most.”
He also reminded young lawyers of their ethical duties, urging them to be mindful of their “finer responsibilities” while pursuing professional success.
He reiterated that the legitimacy of law comes from the people it protects, regardless of whether one chooses litigation, public service, academia or judicial service.
During the ceremony, a total of 1,134 students received their degrees, including 34 PhD scholars, 339 postgraduates and 761 undergraduates. As many as 76 students were awarded medals for outstanding academic performance.
The event was presided over by Patna High Court’s Acting Chief Justice and CNLU Chancellor Sudhir Singh. Vice-Chancellor Faizan Mustafa presented the annual report, highlighting the university’s recent academic and institutional achievements.
State Education Minister Sunil Kumar, Supreme Court judges Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Rajesh Bindal, along with several judges of the Patna High Court and senior civil servants, were present at the ceremony. Registrar S P Singh led the academic procession.
On the occasion, the newly constructed Ashoka Auditorium and CNLU’s Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Centre were inaugurated.
The Chief Justice of India also laid the foundation stone for seven major infrastructure projects at the Patna High Court premises, marking a significant step towards strengthening judicial infrastructure in Bihar.
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