The 34th convocation of the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru was held as planned after a period of uncertainty, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Saturday.

Addressing the ceremony, the CJI referred to unexpected and unfortunate circumstances created by what he described as “external forces”. He said there had been a point when it appeared the event might not take place in the expected manner.

The ceremony ultimately went ahead according to plan, and students received their degrees. Surya Kant did not identify the external forces or explain which circumstances had raised doubts about the event.

CJI's remarks at the ceremony

Surya Kant said the uncertainty had created concern about whether the convocation could be conducted as expected. He did not name any person or organisation, nor did he provide details of the events behind the uncertainty.

His remarks drew attention to disruption within or around the institution, but the available account does not establish what caused the situation. The CJI's statement remains limited to his description of the circumstances and the fact that the ceremony was eventually conducted.

The address also focused on the responsibilities of students entering the legal profession. Surya Kant told them that law was not a profession for the faint-hearted. In his remarks, he stressed the importance of understanding the law and earlier judgments, while also having the courage to support what is right.

He urged the graduates to listen to differing views and understand another person's position before forming an opinion. Students were also advised to disagree without harming the dignity of others.

Advice for future lawyers

Surya Kant cautioned that professional life could bring pressure to choose an easier path or compromise on principles. He told the students to remain firm in their values when facing such situations.

The message placed professional integrity alongside legal knowledge. It also urged the graduates to approach disagreement with understanding and respect, while maintaining the courage required to stand by their principles.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who attended the convocation, asked the students to view law as more than a profession. He described it as a responsibility to protect the Constitution and citizens' rights.

Shivakumar also said justice should be accessible, affordable and delivered on time for everyone. He referred to plans to strengthen the state's legal framework, including a proposed startup law clinic at NLSIU.

The clinic is intended to provide free legal assistance to young entrepreneurs. Shivakumar also mentioned a proposed dedicated institution to help young lawyers prepare for judicial service examinations and continue their education.

Conclusion

The NLSIU convocation proceeded as planned despite the uncertainty described by CJI Surya Kant. The ceremony combined the awarding of degrees with calls for legal courage, respect for differing views, constitutional responsibility and stronger support for young lawyers and entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What happened at NLSIU's convocation?

The 34th convocation was held as planned, and degrees were awarded to students after a period of uncertainty.

Q. What did CJI Surya Kant say caused the uncertainty?

He referred to unexpected and unfortunate circumstances involving external forces, but did not identify them or provide further details.

Q. Did the CJI name any person or organisation?

No. He did not name any person or organisation in his remarks about the uncertainty.

Q. What advice did Surya Kant give the graduates?

He urged them to understand the law and earlier judgments, support what is right, listen to differing views and remain firm in their values.

Q. What did DK Shivakumar say about the legal profession?

He asked students to see law as a responsibility to protect the Constitution and citizens' rights, not merely as a profession.

Q. What legal initiatives were mentioned?

The plans mentioned included a startup law clinic at NLSIU offering free legal assistance to young entrepreneurs and a dedicated institution for young lawyers' examination preparation and continuing education.