Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna urged law graduates to address climate change as a human rights issue, embracing adaptability and legal innovation while balancing professional ambition with public service in their careers.
Nagpur: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna emphasized that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a serious threat to human rights and social justice. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) in Nagpur on Saturday, he highlighted how legal professionals must tackle modern challenges like climate change, digital privacy, and evolving democratic structures.
The CJI pointed out that these issues demand legal innovation, stating:
“Today, we face challenges that our predecessors could hardly have imagined. Climate change threatens not just our environment but the very fabric of human rights and social justice. The digital revolution raises unprecedented questions about privacy, security, and the nature of human interaction. Democracy itself is being reshaped by new technologies and changing social dynamics. These aren’t just abstract problems – they’re fundamental challenges to humanity and liberty that demand innovative solutions.”
He reminded the graduating law students that lawyers have always been at the forefront of social change—from the Independence movement to modern-day struggles for civil liberties. He urged them to embrace adaptability, stressing that their legal education is only the beginning of their learning journey.
“The real learning begins now,”
he said, adding that today’s legal world requires an interdisciplinary approach—from constitutional lawyers engaging with scientific evidence to criminal lawyers analyzing digital forensics.
Addressing concerns about career paths, CJI Khanna reassured students that uncertainty is normal. He cited Nani Palkhivala, one of India’s greatest legal minds, who had not planned a career in law but achieved excellence through openness to opportunities.
He also highlighted the importance of legal aid and mediation, stating that India’s legal aid system covers nearly 80% of the population. He encouraged young lawyers to balance their professional aspirations with public service, following the principle:
“The policy of ‘one for the kitchen, one for the soul’ strikes a balance between our professional aspirations and realizing the full potential of our role as a lawyer.”
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The CJI advised graduates to stay authentic and avoid conforming to stereotypes.
“Your voice, your approach, your way of thinking—paired with excellence in your work—that’s an unbeatable combination,”
he concluded.
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