Last Updated:
Addressing the graduating students, Justice Kant emphasised dialogue and respect for differing opinions.
CJI Surya Kant urged the graduates to uphold honesty and professional integrity. (X/@DKShivakumar)
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday described young people’s questioning of institutions as a “healthy sign of a vibrant democracy”, saying the judiciary must remain open to the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation. He stressed that young people are not just the country’s future but also active stakeholders in the present.
“I believe that young people questioning institutions is a healthy sign of a vibrant democracy. The judiciary is no exception. We must be willing to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation…Disagreement should never be seen as a threat in itself. What matters is that we remain committed to constitutional values, even when we disagree,” Justice Kant told Hindustan Times in an interaction on the sidelines of the 34th convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
He presided over the ceremony as the university’s chancellor.
Responding to a question on how the judiciary should engage with a generation increasingly expressing its disagreements through public statements and social media, the CJI called for greater dialogue, transparency in institutional functioning and legal education that enables young people to understand their rights as well as responsibilities.
“At the same time, it is important to understand that the judiciary functions through established constitutional processes. Not every issue can be addressed in the court of public opinion, and judges must ultimately decide cases based on the Constitution, the law and the evidence before them,” he emphasised.
NLSIU Convocation Takes Place After Row Over Ceremony
The ceremony took place on Saturday after uncertainty over its organisation, following the earlier cancellation of the convocation amid objections from some students and alumni to the proposed participation of the CJI and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.
At A Glance
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant described young people questioning institutions as a healthy sign of a vibrant democracy.
Justice Kant made the remarks on the sidelines of the 34th convocation of the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru.
The convocation took place following an earlier cancellation caused by objections from some students and alumni.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru attended the event.
Addressing the graduating students, Justice Kant emphasised dialogue and respect for differing opinions. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Ranga Shankara co-founder Arundhati Nag were among those who attended the event.
CJI Stresses Debate, Dissent And Independent Thinking
In his convocation address, the CJI said legal education should go beyond mastering laws and principles to develop intellectual independence, encourage open debate and equip students to engage with opposing viewpoints.
“The purpose of a 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 we do,” he said.
Describing law school as a place where ideas clash, convictions are challenged, and dialogue takes shape, Justice Kant said the legal profession required both the courage to stand up for what was right and the humility to listen to voices that often went unheard.
“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 added.
His remarks at the convocation echoed his comments to HT on the need for institutions to engage with younger people and listen to their concerns. However, he reiterated that judicial decisions must be based on constitutional processes rather than public opinion.
‘Uphold Integrity And Constitutional Values’
Justice Kant urged the graduates to uphold honesty and professional integritycautioning them against compromising their convictions when faced with difficult choices or the temptation to take shortcuts. He also encouraged them to draw on the lessons learnt at NLSIU as they make decisions throughout their careers.
He reminded the graduates that entering the legal profession meant embracing a greater responsibility to society, calling it a commitment to protect autonomy and serve the people.
“Law will challenge your patience, test your ethics, and call upon the deepest reserves of your courage. But it will also reward you with the singular joy of service, the serene satisfaction of righting a wrong, the pride of defending liberty, and the honour of upholding the Constitution,” he said.
The CJI also acknowledged the sacrifices and faith of the graduates’ parents, along with the contributions of faculty members and staff in shaping the students’ journey. He described the graduating class as “heralds of hope” and said the nation looked towards them with expectation.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Chief Justice of India Surya Kant described young people questioning institutions as a healthy sign of a vibrant democracy, stating that the judiciary must remain open to the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation.
Ask News18About the Author
Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More
Karnataka, India, India
October 18, 2026, 09:38 IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
