DNLU Jabalpur Holds Third Convocation; Justice J.K. Maheshwari Calls On Graduates To Cultivate 'Constitutional Imagination'

Delivering the Convocation Address, Justice J.K. Maheshwari reflected on the University's growth and addressed the graduating students on the responsibilities of a legal career. Emphasising the importance of a "constitutional imagination", he urged graduates to remain mindful of the individuals whose rights the Constitution seeks to protect. He observed that constitutions are tested by how they treat the powerless and unpopular, highlighted reason as the true currency of the courtroom, and underscored the value of honest dissent and disagreement without contempt.

In his Presidential Address, Justice Vivek Rusia reminded graduates that every legal file represents a human story and often a person's most difficult day. Stressing respect for ordinary litigants and trial courts, he observed that the rule of law is tested at its foundations. On the occasion, he announced the launch of a new "Certificate Course on Mediation: Transforming Conflict into Consensus", open to both lawyers and non-lawyers. He also advised graduates to prioritise timely and honest disposal of cases, use technology as a tool rather than a master, and safeguard their integrity above all else.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma spoke about the responsibility owed to future generations and the natural environment. Referring to the public trust doctrine, he observed that natural resources are held in trust for future generations and urged graduates to act as custodians of both environmental and institutional responsibilities.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, in his Special Address, spoke about the craft of advocacy and emphasised that preparation, clarity and credibility are the foundations of effective legal practice. He reminded graduates that credibility before the court is built over years and can be lost quickly. He also encouraged them to use their legal training for public service and to contribute towards making justice accessible to those who lack resources.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Rajendra Menon, a founder of the University, reflected on the institution's growth and highlighted the importance of discipline, public duty and service. Drawing from his experience at the Armed Forces Tribunal and his involvement in relief administration following a major industrial disaster, he observed that justice ultimately concerns whether a suffering individual has been made less alone.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha welcomed the dignitaries and presented the University's Annual Report. He highlighted several achievements, including DNLU students' victory at the Nuremberg Moot Court Competition in Germany, the organisation of national conferences and book launches, and the University's role as a regional centre for the CLAT and AILET examinations.

Prof. Sinha reported that the University currently has 716 students, including 47 doctoral scholars, and noted that women now constitute a majority of the student body. He also informed the gathering about the progress of the University's permanent campus, stating that Phase I has been completed while Phase II is well advanced. He acknowledged the support of the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the guidance of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh.

During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon 162 graduands, including 105 students of the B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) programme, 55 LL.M. students, and two doctoral scholars awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Ten gold medals were awarded across undergraduate, postgraduate and sponsored categories for academic excellence.

The Justice Dr. R.C. Lahoti Gold Medal was awarded to batch toppers Ishika Sharma and Poorva Sharma. Rashmi Mishra received the Meena Ram Gold Medal for topping International Law, while Poorva Sharma was awarded the Senior Advocate Shri R.P. Agrawal Memorial Gold Medal for best performance in Constitutional Law. Vasujit Dubey received the Dr. Baji Nath Sharma Gold Medal for Legal Theory (Jurisprudence).

Students recognised for outstanding academic performance included Poorva Sharma (B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) University Topper), Ishika Sharma (LL.M. University Topper), Sakshi Pandey (LL.M. Criminal Law and Human Rights), Pragati Rajak (LL.M. General Topper), and Ishika Sharma (LL.M. Business Law and Intellectual Property Rights).

The University also released a book titled "Procedural Jurisprudence of Justice R.C. Lahoti: A Thematic Study of his Lordship's Decisions on the Code of Civil Procedure." Edited by Dr. Praveen Tripathi and Devmani Bansal, with a foreword by Justice J.K. Maheshwari and published by Satyam Law International, the book examines Justice R.C. Lahoti's judgments delivered between 1988 and 2005 in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.