'Continuous Learning Is Hallmark Of Outstanding Legal Professional': Justice Vikram Nath At 300th Friday Group Meeting

Introducing the programme, Advocate G. Seshagiri Rao, Founder and Organiser of the Friday Group, said the initiative was launched on July 10, 2015, in Library-2 of the Supreme Court. He said the Friday Group has since hosted lectures by Supreme Court judges, senior advocates and members of the Bar.

Manoj Kumar Sinha, President of the Indian Society of International Law, welcomed the gathering and referred to the Supreme Court's directions issued in July 2026 regarding the establishment of a national training centre for lawyers. Stressing the importance of continuing legal education, he said the Friday Group had been contributing to that objective through its regular lecture series.

Former Justice R. Basant said the Friday Group reflected the constitutional value of "striving for excellence" under Article 51A(j) of the Constitution. Former Justice S. Nagamuthu said the initiative had benefited lawyers, particularly those practising in mofussil courts, through its online lectures.

During the felicitation ceremony, Gitanjali Sharma presented a citation honouring Justice V. Mohana on her elevation to the Supreme Court.

Justice V. Mohana said the Friday Group had contributed to her professional development by promoting continuous learning and careful preparation. Recalling that lawyers had earlier met informally every Friday in Library-2 of the Supreme Court to discuss judgments, she said G. Seshagiri Rao later developed the initiative into a structured platform for legal education. Referring to the Friday Group Young Talents initiative, she said it had provided opportunities for young lawyers to research, prepare and deliver lectures.

Justice K.V. Viswanathan congratulated Justice V. Mohana on her elevation and said it would encourage young women advocates aspiring to join the Bench.

Justice P.S. Narasimha described the 300th lecture as an important milestone and said the Friday Group had evolved into an "academy" through the commitment of its members despite the absence of formal institutional infrastructure.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme "Continuous Learning – The Hallmark of an Outstanding Legal Professional," Justice Vikram Nath said everyone attending the Friday Group came "as a student" and observed that the willingness to continue learning, accept correction and remain open to better arguments distinguished an outstanding legal professional. He said learning often came through discussions with colleagues, juniors and one's own mistakes.

Referring to Justice V. Mohana, Justice Vikram Nath recalled a matter argued by her shortly after his elevation to the Supreme Court in which her submissions persuaded the Bench to reconsider its initial view and remand the matter for adjudication on merits. He said the incident demonstrated the importance of a well-prepared argument and judges remaining open to persuasion.

Justice Vikram Nath also spoke about the need for lawyers and judges to adapt to developments such as digital records, virtual hearings and AI-assisted legal research. Congratulating G. Seshagiri Rao on the completion of 300 Friday Group meetings, he expressed hope that the initiative would continue in the same spirit.