CJI Surya Kant Urges Young Lawyers to Uphold Ethics, Reject Shortcuts

Bengaluru, Oct 17 : Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant on Saturday urged young lawyers to uphold professional ethics, remain committed to constitutional values and resist the temptation to take shortcuts or compromise their principles for personal gain.

Addressing the 34th annual convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, Justice Surya Kant cautioned graduates that their professional journeys would bring situations in which convenience and personal interests could conflict with ethical responsibilities.

“There will come times when compromise tempts, when expediency entices, and when others take breezy shortcuts. And it is in those moments that you must let the wisdom imparted here be your compass and stay true to the values you have imbibed in this eminent institution,” he said.

Emphasising that the legal profession demanded more than intellectual ability and knowledge of statutes, the CJI said lawyers needed the courage to defend what was just, the humility to listen to unheard voices and the fairness to engage with people holding opposing views.

He said honesty would ultimately shape a lawyer’s professional reputation, particularly when ethical principles came into conflict with convenience or personal interests.

Justice Surya Kant also highlighted the importance of intellectual independence and fairness in professional conduct. Lawyers, he said, must hear others before passing judgment, distinguish individuals from their opinions and engage in disagreements without undermining anyone’s dignity.

Describing law as a living and evolving discipline, he said the legal system was continuously shaped by the actions and decisions of those practising it.

“The law, as you will soon discover in its living form, is not static. It breathes and evolves through the minds and actions of those who practice it,” he said.

The cases argued by lawyers, contracts they drafted, advice they provided and judgments they delivered would collectively contribute to the broader framework of justice in the country, he added.

The CJI observed that legal education extended beyond textbooks and case law, requiring students to engage with diverse perspectives and develop the ability to analyse complex issues. He said the demanding academic environment at NLSIU had prepared graduates to face the challenges of professional life.

Describing law as a vocation requiring patience, ethical conviction and courage, Justice Surya Kant said it also offered opportunities to correct wrongs, defend liberty and uphold the Constitution.

He urged graduates to view themselves not merely as legal practitioners but as guardians of individual autonomy and servants of the people, stressing that their work should contribute meaningfully to society.

Drawing a comparison between a river emerging from a mountain spring and a lawyer’s professional journey, he said graduates were about to enter a vast and unpredictable world marked by human conflicts, responsibilities and competing interests. Their challenge would be to navigate these complexities while remaining conscious of the wider social impact of their work.

Acknowledging the contributions of parents, faculty members and university staff, the CJI said the graduates’ achievements reflected years of support, sacrifice and mentorship. He wished them success in their careers and called upon them to serve society with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice.

The convocation was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister and state Law Minister D K Shivakumar, Supreme Court judge Justice Aravind Kumar, Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, NLSIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Sudhir Krishnaswamy, legal professionals, faculty members, parents and graduating students.