Supreme Court judge B. V. Nagarathna said moot courts and practical training build confident advocates, strengthening legal education, advocacy skills, courtroom practice, and professional ethics. Delhi University and Nirmal Luthra Foundation highlighted law education and future careers in India.
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna remarked that having only academic knowledge is insufficient for those in the legal field, emphasizing the importance of activities like moot court competitions in developing essential skills for advocates.
Speaking as the chief guest at the award ceremony for the KK Luthra Memorial Moot Court Competition organized by the Campus Law Centre of Delhi University in partnership with the Nirmal Luthra Foundation she stated,
“Mere academic knowledge of the law as learnt in a classroom setting cannot adequately prepare you for the legal profession. This gap is actively bridged by participation in activities such as moot court competitions, where students are given the opportunity to hone their critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking abilities.”
Justice Nagarathna pointed out the swift advancements in artificial intelligence, noting that law students are fortunate to benefit from AI’s capabilities in handling clerical tasks and quickly answering questions.
However, she insisted,
“But I always say, natural human intelligence is always better to rely on than AI. To know how to independently peruse a judgment, identify the law and cull out what it holds and come to an independent conclusion as to its merits, without the assistance of artificial intelligence, will hold one in good stead.”
She commended the presence of all-women teams in the competition and addressed the unique challenges that young women are likely to face in the legal profession.
She asked,
“What does the individual do then, if presented with such systemic challenges?”
Justice Nagarathna reminded participants that, despite the common belief that the legal field is oversaturated and that success is elusive except for those already established.
She said,
“I would say every single one of you has a place in the legal profession and is capable of finding sufficient opportunities.”
She encouraged women students to believe in their right to belong in the profession and to validate their ambitions, free from self-doubt.
She said,
“You must volunteer to do tasks and take up cases that seem daunting, and you may not have too much experience with. If you are making a submission and feel spoken over or ignored, you must stand your ground.”
Moreover, she advised them,
“You must demand to be treated at par with your male colleagues and not settle for differential treatment out of fear of conflict. In doing so, your actions form the bedrock of systemic change that prevents any form of exclusion.”
Justice Nagarathna also urged all law students to engage in pro bono and legal aid cases, emphasizing that these cases should be given the same importance as others.
She said,
“While these cases are not accompanied by famous names or the promise of high remuneration, they possess the ability to completely alter the course of an individual’s life and must be treated with the accorded significance.”
She cautioned against unethical or illegal practices in law, highlighting that a lawyer’s first responsibility to their client is to present the case effectively within the law.
The Justice stated,
“The onus is on you to reject favourable outcomes that are tainted and obtained through unethical and unfair means or subterfuge. While such outcomes may temporarily enrich you, they will have a necessarily deleterious impact on both your career and your conscience in the long run,”
Justice Nagarathna stressed the broader responsibility of the legal profession, which goes beyond the courtroom.
She said,
“As officers of the court and constructive citizens, your advice must not negatively impact the rule of law, public interest, or embolden criminals and cheats who pose an obvious threat to society. In an increasingly polarised world, you have the responsibility and unique opportunity to bridge divides and foster understanding.”
She encouraged the next generation of lawyers to take an active role in protecting the environment.
Justice Nagarathna advised.
“Consider incorporating environmental consciousness into your practice, advocating for sustainable policies, holding polluters accountable, and representing social action groups in climate action litigation,”
Seventy-two teams from various institutions participated in the moot court, which challenged them to examine criminal liability concerning interference with life-supporting medical technology and the evolving legal questions related to AI-enabled medical devices and emergency decision-making. Symbiosis Law School, Noida, emerged victorious in the competition, with Lloyd Law College, Greater Noida, finishing as the first runner-up.