Latest news with #22ndAnnualConvocation
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Trial delays forcing innocents to spend years in prison: Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai
HYDERABAD: Stating that India and the legal system are facing unique challenges that require urgent attention, Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai on Saturday asserted that the country has the talent to find solutions. Speaking at the 22nd Annual Convocation of NALSAR University of Law, the CJI said: 'Delays in trials can sometimes last decades. There are cases where individuals have been declared innocent after spending years in jail as undertrials. Our best talent can help resolve such issues.' Justice Gavai noted the disparity in perceptions surrounding legal graduates, saying a student from a national law school in a metro city is often considered better placed than one from a smaller university. 'This is not necessarily because of skill, but perception. It is unfair, but real. We need to confront it, not accept it,' he said. The CJI stressed the importance of core legal subjects such as the Constitution, Contract Act, Code of Civil Procedure and Criminal Law, stating that there is no shortcut to legal knowledge and no alternative to knowing the basics. He also referred to the rapid changes in law due to emerging areas like artificial intelligence and data privacy. Addressing the growing trend of pursuing foreign degrees, the CJI said such qualifications have become symbols of validation. 'If you wish to go, go. It teaches you how the world thinks. But go with scholarship and funding. Go with purpose, not pressure. I see young lawyers taking loans of `50–70 lakh for this. Do not put yourself or your family under such a burden. A foreign degree alone is not a stamp of your worth.' Justice Gavai said the trend also reflects a deeper structural concern, that of a lack of confidence in India's postgraduate legal education and research. 'If we want to keep our best minds or bring them back, we must create nurturing academic environments, offer transparent and merit-based opportunities, and most importantly, restore dignity and purpose to legal research and teaching in India.' SC Judge Justice PS Narasimha, CM A Revanth Reddy, Acting CJ of the Telangana HC were present.
United News of India
12-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
CJI Gavai urges lawyers to uphold integrity, mental health, and inclusion
Hyderabad, July 12 (UNI) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, CJI was delivering the convocation address at the 22nd Annual Convocation of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad today. During his address he urged the legal fraternity to uphold integrity, remain grounded in legal fundamentals, seek mentorship, and prioritise mental well-being. Praising NALSAR's journey since its inception in 1998, Justice Gavai described the institution as a beacon of legal scholarship in South Asia. 'NALSAR has carved a distinct identity not just in India but across the region, with its academic excellence and commitment to the spirit of law,' he said, highlighting its research in areas like disability rights, gender justice, tribal rights, law and technology, and constitutional governance. He acknowledged the achievements of NALSAR alumni many of whom subsequently became senior advocates in the High Courts and the Supreme Court, legal scholars, policy experts, and international researchers. 'Today, you are not just receiving degrees- you are joining a living tradition of impact and integrity,' he told the graduates. Justice Gavai offered candid advice about the challenges of the legal profession. 'It is noble and important- but never easy. You will often question yourself and face pressures, but your belief, persistence, and presence will keep you going,' he said. Highlighting the often-overlooked issue of mental health, he called it a vital strategy for survival in the legal world. 'This profession can be emotionally isolating and mentally demanding. Self-care is not indulgence—it is preservation,' he said, quoting activist Audre Lorde. He also addressed structural inequalities in the legal system. Citing global research, he noted that access to opportunity often depends more on institutional pedigree than on merit. 'This is unfair, but real. We must confront this reality without accepting it,' he said, urging the profession to become more inclusive and equitable. Encouraging students to build strong legal foundations, he emphasised the importance of mastering the basics- constitutional law, contract law, civil and criminal procedure. 'There is no shortcut to legal excellence,' he said. 'Trends will come and go, but clarity in fundamentals will carry you through.' Speaking on mentorship, he called it a game-changer. 'Not everything can be learned from books or judgments. Some lessons are passed on through conversation, guidance, and encouragement,' he said. 'Seek mentors with integrity, and one day, become a mentor yourself.' Justice Gavai also advised students to carefully consider foreign education. 'A foreign degree is not a stamp of worth. Do not put yourself or your family under financial stress for validation,' he said, advocating for thoughtful planning over peer pressure. Calling for investment in India's postgraduate legal education and research, he said, 'We must build nurturing academic ecosystems that retain and welcome talent, restore dignity to legal research, and offer transparent opportunities.' He ended his address with heartfelt advice to the graduates: 'Never ignore five things- friends, family, books, hobbies, health, and imagination. The law is not just a profession- it is a canvas to express, reform, and heal.' The convocation was presided over by Justice Sujoy Paul, Acting Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court and Chancellor of NALSAR. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Supreme Court Judge Justice P S Narasimha graced the ceremony as Guests of Honour. Several other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, along with Telangana Ministers, were present at the convocation, celebrating the achievements of graduating students, postgraduates, and Ph.D. scholars. UNI VV RKM
