At the ninth convocation of the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi), Supreme Court Justice DY Chandrachud, who is set to become the 50th Chief Justice of India on November 9, 2022, imparted astute insights to young law graduates.
“Kindness is the foundation for justice,” he emphasized. Leo Tolstoy once observed that if a person can find more kindness in others, the kinder and more compassionate he or she is. Being kind to others fosters empathy. By making us aware of concerns pertaining to the principles of justice and fairness, empathy plays a crucial role in the development of moral judgement and reasoning.
“Empathy enables us to discern the discriminatory effects of a law’s hidden layers on people’s lives, particularly those who are marginalised and at their most vulnerable in our society,” Justice Chandrachud stated.
Addressing the facilitation event, Justice Chandrachud stated the importance of incorporating feminist thinking in the way to deal with the law and said that “it’s time to think about how we can establish circumstances so that the potential exhibited via their medals translates into a genuine transformation in our society.”
“The driving force for young women’s aspirations is mobility to go above the barriers that women face in our community, resulting in a significant part of the success that they are experiencing. It is important for us to reflect and explore how we might foster circumstances in which this potential translates into meaningful societal changes. “Converting this opportunity into a change in Indian society is going to be a big undertaking for our time, in my opinion.” –Said the Justice, appreciating the gold medals that were bagged by female students.
In addressing the facilitation event, Justice DY Chandrachud stated the importance of incorporating feminist thinking in the way to deal with the law and also added, “I think it’s time to think about how we can establish circumstances so that the potential they exhibit via their medals translates into a genuine transformation in our society.”
The Honorable Justice D.Y. Chandrachud of the Supreme Court stated that the aspirational goal of the rule of law rests not only on the Constitution or laws but also, especially, on the political culture and behaviour of individuals, particularly young lawyers.
The Hon. Justice DY Chndrachud reminded the young graduates of the inherent and core aspiration of the Rule of Law; “defense against oppressive structures such as casteism, patriarchy, and ableism.” He indicated the people in the legal profession are merely a “means” to achieve the said “ends,” and in that sense, addressing the congregation, he said, “All of you are the guardians of our constitutional and democratic traditions.”
Giving insights into the harsh truth of mundane life, Justice Chandrachud said, “The responsibility to make judgments that aren’t always between right and wrong but instead between right and right or wrong and wrong is the true difficulty you’ll face every day.”
Concluding with the idea of true redemption of justice and the importance of having a good hobby as part of our everyday life, Justice Chandrachud wished all the students the best in their future endeavors.
