At GNLU’s 15th convocation, Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar emphasized the importance of ethics in law, urging graduates to define success by the positive impact they make, not just case victories. He highlighted that integrity should always come before expediency.
On April 26: during the 15th convocation ceremony of Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in Gandhinagar, Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar addressed the graduating law students, delivering a powerful message about the significance of ethics in the legal profession.
Justice Kumar began by emphasizing the need for lawyers to not focus solely on brilliance but rather on the ethical aspects of their work.
he said,
“The world does not need more brilliant lawyers, it needs more ethical lawyers,”.
ALSO READ: Gujarat HC Stays Suspension of GNLU Student from Hostel | A Major Win for Student Rights
This statement underscored the growing importance of integrity and ethics in an era where lawyers are often under pressure to succeed at any cost.
As he spoke to the young graduates, Justice Kumar highlighted how their success in the legal field should not be solely determined by the number of cases they win, but by the positive difference they make in people’s lives.
he added,
“Law graduates should not let their career be measured by the number of cases they win but by the number of lives they have touched “.
The esteemed judge also shared a piece of wisdom, telling the students that while brilliance may help them in the classroom and competitions, real-life practice will present challenges that require more than just technical skills. “Character beats cleverness,” Justice Kumar remarked, urging the students to focus on building strong personal ethics.
He went on to explain how the legal profession, although often glamorous, is demanding. He compared law to a “jealous mistress” — something that demands complete devotion and respect.
He also stressed that it is not in the controlled environment of moot courts but in real-life courtrooms that a lawyer’s true test of ethics will be made. “The law is a jealous mistress, but it is also a demanding teacher,” Justice Kumar said, underscoring the importance of dedication to the profession and its responsibilities.
Justice Kumar also warned against the temptation to cut corners in legal practice, highlighting the challenges lawyers may face in compromising their ethics for quick gains. “You will be tested not in the moot courts, but the real ones, not on case briefs but on moral dilemmas.” He made it clear that the pressures to compromise one’s principles may come from different sources, but that maintaining integrity must always remain a priority.
Justice Kumar advised,
“The temptation to cut corners, to compromise ethics for expediency may come dressed in silk robes, but remember, integrity is not negotiable,”
In his concluding remarks, Justice Kumar’s words were meant to inspire the new graduates to embrace the law not just as a profession, but as a means to serve society. His speech encouraged them to remain true to their ethical values, no matter the challenges they may face in their careers.
ALSO READ: GNLU Registrar Apologizes to Gujarat HC Over Rape, Harassment Allegations
The 15th convocation ceremony of GNLU was a significant milestone for the law school, with Justice Kumar’s address adding a thought-provoking perspective on the role of ethics in the legal profession. His message resonated deeply with the young law graduates, encouraging them to pursue not only legal excellence but also personal integrity as they begin their careers.
Click Here to Read More On Pahalgam Terror Case
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
