Bengaluru, October 17, 2026: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday asked young law graduates to protect justice, freedom and the values of the Constitution. He was speaking at the convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, where he is the Chancellor. A convocation is the ceremony where students receive their degrees.
“Outside forces” and a shaky start
The CJI spoke about the trouble that came before the event. He said the days leading up to the ceremony were not free of challenges. According to him, some unexpected and unfortunate situations, caused by outside forces, made people unsure whether the event would happen as planned.
The ceremony had been in doubt for weeks. The row began at another law school, NALSAR in Hyderabad, where students had opposed the CJI attending their convocation. The CJI did not name the “outside forces” in his speech, as per the reports available so far. barandbench
Praise for the students
The CJI said the graduates had shown that a strong spirit cannot be crushed easily. He praised them for rising above voices that created obstacles. Instead of silencing others, he said, they chose open discussion and respectful debate.
He also said the students had shown that the will of an honest majority can win over the plans of a few dishonest people.
“The legal profession is not for the faint-hearted”
Turning to the graduates’ future, the CJI said that knowing the law is not enough to succeed. A good lawyer or judge also needs courage and humility. Courage is needed to stand up for what is fair. Humility is needed to listen to people whose voices are often ignored.
He warned students not to give up their principles just to make life easier. He also told them not to take shortcuts to reach success.
Honesty builds reputation
The CJI said that a steady commitment to honesty will build the graduates’ reputation in their careers. He added that he was speaking to them not only to congratulate them but also because he had high hopes from them.
He explained that legal education is about more than learning criminal or constitutional law. It also means understanding the views and experiences of people who see the world differently from us.
Messengers of hope
The CJI said people who work in law can find real satisfaction in removing injustice, protecting personal freedom and upholding the Constitution. He told the graduates that the country expects more than professional skills from them. It expects them to take responsibility towards society.
“When you step out of this institute,” he said in essence, “remember that the country sees you not just as legal professionals but as messengers of hope.”
What it means
For the students, the day marked the end of their studies and the end of weeks of uncertainty. The CJI’s message was clear: be skilled, be honest and be brave enough to speak up for others.
