Law Graduates must be the conscience bearers of the nation: Justice NV Ramana

Recently, Justice NV Ramana, the newly appointed 48th Chief Justice of India, while addressing the Convocation ceremony of Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), dealt with the issue of increasing sub-standard law colleges in India. He said that around 1.5 lakh students graduate from law schools all over the country, but only about 25% of them are prepared for this profession. He described the legal profession as a rich man’s profession. Despite having so many advocates in the country, there are almost 3.8 crore pending cases. He said that it has always been quality over quantity, but this concept is changing, which is a worrying trend today. He asked the graduating law students to be conscience bearers of the country as they can be the drivers of social change.

Justice Ramana shared that being a first-generation lawyer, he had to face various struggles, but the present generation is fortunate to have abundant resources, facilities, and unlimited access to information. He stressed that a pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, but an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. The process of nation-building lies on the teacher, but it is a disappointment to notice that students are caught in a rat race. Therefore, there is a need to revamp the present educational system. He advised that besides theoretical understanding of the law, one should also be aware of the challenges and problems in society. Every law school should expose students to clinical educations through Lok Adalat, Legal Aid Centers, Arbitration and Mediation Centers for becoming “Social Engineers” because law is considered as “an instrument of social change.” Law graduates should raise their voices on behalf of those rendered voiceless and always remember their nation.