CJI Says 'External Forces' Created Uncertainty Around NLSIU Event, Urges Law Students To Respect Dignity Of Dissenters

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while addressing the 34th annual convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru on Saturday, urged graduating law students to uphold justice, defend liberty and remain committed to constitutional values. The legal profession demands courage, integrity and the ability to listen to voices that often go unheard, he asserted.

CJI Raises Concerns Over Attempts To Disrupt NLSIU Event

Acknowledging the attempts by the "certain external forces" to disrupt the NLSIU event, he said a few unexpected and unfortunate circumstances brought with them a sense of uncertainty, reported TOI. The CJI said for a while it seemed that this occasion might not unfold quite as it was hoped. Justice Kant is also the university’s chancellor. His statement was referred to recent controversies around the NLSIU. However, he did not specify in his speech.

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The CJI cautioned the graduates against compromising their principles for convenience or taking shortcuts in their professional lives. He urged them to remain guided by the values they had imbibed at the institution.

VIDEO | Bengaluru: Speaking during an event at National Law School of India University (NLSIU), CJI Surya Kant, said, "Mr. D.K. Shivakumar, honourable Chief Minister and Law Minister of state of Karnataka, the chief guest of the day very respected Madam Arundhati Nag, Justice Vibhu Bakhru, honourable Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Sudhir Krishnaswamy, very distinguished members of the governing body of the National Law School of India University, NLSIU, Bangalore, very distinguished dignitaries who are present at the occasion. I think this is an occasion not really for delivering a speech, but just to celebrate a very meaningful and very timely addition of the infrastructure for this institute, which has already earned a name at the global level. As the learned professor pointed out that the student strength has multiplied in couple of last years and therefore the corresponding infrastructure is definitely required and we need to provide all basic facilities to our students. And that's another way of attracting best of the talent to this institute, which is already one of the most prestigious and as everybody would acknowledge, number one in the country in terms of the National Law Universities." "My heartiest congratulations to the entire Governing Council, to the management of the National Law University, and my special thanks to the State of Karnataka for giving this seven acres very prime land, which is extremely necessitated and a very urgent need for this development of the requirements. I am aware of that in the executive council and the governing council we have seen the conceptual plan and the drawings, the kind of facilities that are going to be added, particularly the hostels and residential area for the faculty and for the students, I think that's a very meaningful addition to the entire campus. Thank you very much for each one of you for joining us on this occasion, and once again, heartiest congratulations to all of you." #CJISuryaKant #NLSIU (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 17, 2026

The legal education must go beyond academic learning and prepare students to engage with diverse perspectives and serve society, he said, adding that the purpose of legal education extends beyond learning the principles of criminal or constitutional law; it rests in the invigorating experience of encountering those who see the world differently than they do.

Emphasising the responsibilities of the legal profession, Justice Kant said it required not only knowledge of statutes and precedents but also the courage to stand up for justice and the humility to hear the concerns of those whose voices are often overlooked.

"The legal profession is not for the faint of heart. It demands not only the mastery of statutes and precedent but also the courage to defend what is just, and the humility to listen to voices that are often unheard," he said.

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Hear Different Viewpoints Before Forming Judgments: CJI

He also stressed the importance of intellectual independence and fairness, urging graduates to hear different viewpoints before forming judgments and to respect the dignity of those with whom they disagree.

"This intellectual independence also calls for fairness: hearing before judging, distinguishing a person from a position and disagreeing without denying another person's dignity," he said.

The CJI said the law was not static but evolved through the minds and actions of those who practised it, with every case argued, contract drafted, advice given and judgment written contributing to the larger architecture of justice in the country. He said the years spent at law school had prepared graduates to navigate the complexities of the profession, combining intellectual agility with ethical responsibility and the resilience to withstand pressure.

(With PTI Inputs)