The Chief Justice of India was felicitated by Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur, on Sunday
Nagpur: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice U U Lalit on Sunday said that judges have been empowered by the society to judge any act, behaviour done by man. On the basis of this power, the judges can build a strong democracy by enforcing the law. Every student of law should consider the judiciary as a strong profession, appealed the CJI to the students of Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur.
The CJI was speaking at his felicitation by MNLU-Nagpur at its Waranga campus. Justice Bhushan Gavai, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Amita Lalit, wife of the CJI; Justice Dipankar Datta, Chief Justice of Bombay High Court; Justice Sunil Shukre, Administrative Judge, Nagpur Bench of Bombay HighCourt; Justice Prasanna Varale, Justice Atul Chandurkar, Justice Anil Kilor were also present on the occasion.Justice Vikas Sirpurkar, retired Judge, Supreme Court; Prof Dr Vijender Kumar, Vice Chancellor of MNLU-Nagpur, and others also shared the dais.
While studying in Government Law College, Chief Justice Lalit said, he had to acquire knowledge about law through demonstrations and experiential knowledge of experts. “The teachers were lawyers fighting cases in court. Back then, one had to complete the course by attending court and studying cases and judges’ decisions,” he recalled.
TheCJI said that, many preferred to make a career in law as the lawyers used to resolve issues pertaining to legal challenges faced by the poor, social issues and Constitutional matters. Even today, legal profession is the best option to resolve issues confronting the society. However, presently, he lamented, the number of lawyers is decreasing in the Supreme Court as well as in the High Courts. He urged the students to consider law as empowering profession.
Justice U U Lalit called upon the students to think about their contribution in social interest. Also, he appealed to them to accept the challenge and make a place for themselves while changing ‘pyramid-like’ structure in judiciary. The law students should also work hard to clear examinations for appointment as judges. He suggested a three-layered approach — scientific curriculum in law college, training in judicial training institute and qualifying examination — in law colleges, for students aspiring to join judicial services.
Justice Bhushan Gavai shed light on the career progression of the Chief Justice of India. Prof Dr Vijender Kumar felicitated Justice Uday Lalit, the CJI, and his wife Amita Lalit, with shawl, shreephal and memento.
During his visit to MNLU-Nagpur, the CJI also inspected the classrooms. Paramjit Singh Ahuja, noted architect, briefed the CJI on the architecture of the university campus. Earlier, Prof Dr Vijender Kumar made introductory remarks. Ashish Dixit, Registrar, proposed a vote of thanks.
