India's legal system maintains stability due to an autonomous judiciary and a robust legal profession, according to Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna.
Justice BV Nagarathna Urges Law Graduates to Embrace Public Service and Uphold Constitutional Values
In an inspiring address to the graduating law students at the National Law University, Delhi, Justice BV Nagarathna of the Supreme Court of India emphasized the crucial role of lawyers in upholding democracy and promoting human dignity.
Justice Nagarathna linked the survival of democracy to the mutual commitment of lawyers and judges, stating that the responsibility to work the Constitution extends to every lawyer, not just those in positions of power. She urged law graduates to view law as a tool to advance human dignity, and to approach their careers with a sense of public service, using their skills in pursuit of justice rather than private gain.
The justice emphasized that the Constitution's effectiveness depends on those entrusted to work it, and for lawyers, this means being lifelong stewards of constitutional values. She called for law to become a bridge, not a fortress for the rich and powerful, and warned against misusing legal technicalities for personal advantage at the cost of justice.
Justice Nagarathna highlighted the transformative nature of the Constitution, which redefines the relationship between citizen and State, and reconstructs society to remove entrenched inequalities. She noted that in a society with inequalities, the legal profession has the potential to be a vehicle for transformation.
In moments of ethical conflict, a lawyer's integrity is most important, according to Justice Nagarathna. She advised graduates to measure success not by financial gains but by the positive impact they bring to society. She told them that their duty is not only towards a client but also towards the Constitution and society.
Connected with separation of powers is the independence of the judiciary, according to Justice Nagarathna. This requires every generation of lawyers to carry forward the unfinished project of justice, she explained. She emphasized that law is about creating conditions for human dignity to flourish, and that graduates must take constitutional values into everyday life to ensure justice reaches beyond courtrooms.
Justice Nagarathna concluded by stating that the rule of law prevails in India due to an independent judiciary supported by an independent bar. She expressed her hope that the graduates would play a significant role in upholding this tradition and promoting the values of democracy and human dignity in their future careers.
