RGNUL Punjab Holds 7th Convocation; CJI Surya Kant Urges Graduates To Be “Nation Builders”

The University conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) upon Justice Pankaj Mithal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, for his outstanding contribution to the justice delivery system. The same honour was also conferred upon Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, in recognition of his contributions to the judiciary and the cause of justice.

Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, graced the occasion and delivered the convocation address. In an inspiring speech, he urged graduating students to uphold constitutional values and dedicate themselves to the service of society, describing lawyers as “nation builders” and custodians of India's constitutional future.

Justice Surya Kant observed that every generation inherits the Republic in an unfinished form and bears responsibility for shaping its future. He emphasised that the true strength of the Constitution lies not merely in institutions or judicial interpretation, but in the values and actions of lawyers themselves.

Drawing a distinction between “case builders” and “nation builders,” he cautioned against reducing the legal profession to a narrow pursuit of winning cases or procedural expertise alone. While acknowledging the importance of professional competence, he stressed that lawyers must also consider the long-term impact of their actions on justice, fairness, and public trust in the legal system.

Highlighting the evolving challenges of a rapidly transforming India, Justice Surya Kant noted that legal disputes today increasingly intersect with technology, digital assets, environmental concerns, and cross-border complexities. He said lawyers are expected not only to argue and advise, but also to innovate, interpret, and humanise the law. Judicial reforms and modernisation, he added, would find real meaning only when young lawyers translate ideas into action at the grassroots level.

Justice Surya Kant identified integrity, compassion, and curiosity as the three essential pillars of a meaningful legal career. He described integrity as the backbone of the justice system, without which public trust cannot survive. Compassion, he said, is fundamental to justice and prevents the law from becoming mechanical or detached from human realities. Curiosity, he emphasised, is vital to keeping the law relevant amid rapid technological and social change.

He encouraged students to remain lifelong learners, engage responsibly with technology, and ensure that technological tools serve justice rather than replace human judgment. He concluded by blessing the graduates and wishing them success in their future endeavours.

Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Chancellor of RGNUL, stressed the importance of passion, sincerity, and ethical conduct in the legal profession. He reminded students that law is not merely about winning arguments but about imparting justice. He also urged alumni to remain connected with their alma mater and contribute to its growth and reputation.

Prof. (Dr.) Jai Shankar Singh, Vice-Chancellor, RGNUL, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the University's achievements, underscoring the role of legal education in national development.

The ceremony was attended by Justice Augustine George Masih, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Jammu & Kashmir High Court; Justice Ramesh Kumari, Justice G.R. Swaminathan, Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul, and Justice Ranjit Singh (former judges), along with M.S. Bedi, Advocate General, Punjab; Rakesh Gupta, Chairman, Bar Association; members of the University's General Council, Executive Council, Academic Council, Finance Committee, and faculty and staff of RGNUL.