Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday urged graduating law students to cultivate intellectual independence, fairness and respect for differing viewpoints, emphasising that disagreement must not come at the cost of another person's dignity.

Addressing the 34th convocation ceremony of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, in his capacity as Chancellor, the CJI said the legal profession demanded not only mastery of statutes and precedents but also the courage to defend what is just and the humility to listen to voices that are often unheard.

"This intellectual independence also calls for fairness: hearing before judging, distinguishing a person from a position and disagreeing without denying another person's dignity," he said.

Reflecting on the role of legal education, CJI Surya Kant said law school was a place where ideas collided, convictions were tested and dialogue was forged. The purpose of legal education, he said, extended beyond learning the principles of criminal or constitutional law and lay in encountering people who saw the world differently.

He observed that listening to divergent perspectives reminded students that law was a living conversation shaped by voices that might not always harmonise but could collectively contribute to justice.

"The law, as you will soon discover in its living form, is not static. It breathes and evolves through the minds and actions of those who practice it," the CJI said.

He told the graduates that the cases they argued, contracts they drafted, advice they gave and judgments they wrote would contribute to the larger architecture of justice in the country.

CJI Surya Kant also cautioned the graduates against compromising their professional integrity for expediency. Their pursuit of honesty, he said, would cement their professional reputation, particularly at times when shortcuts appeared tempting.

"There will come times when compromise tempts, when expediency entices, and when others take breezy shortcuts. And it is in those moments that you must let the wisdom imparted here be your compass and stay true to the values you have imbibed in this eminent institution," he said.

Describing the legal profession as a calling, the CJI said law graduates would become guardians of autonomy and servants of the people. While the profession would test their patience, ethics and courage, it would also offer the satisfaction of righting wrongs, defending liberty and upholding the Constitution.

During his address, CJI Surya Kant also remembered Urvashi Krishnatra, an NLSIU graduate who had passed away. Expressing condolences to her family and friends, he said she should have been present at the convocation to receive her degree and celebrate the milestone with her classmates.

Concluding his address, the CJI told the graduates that the nation looked to them not only as legal practitioners but also as "heralds of hope", wishing them success and fulfilment in their careers.

Ms Arundhati Nag, co-founder of Ranga Shankara as well as a Padma Shri awardee, graced the occasion as the ceremony's Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address.

NLSIU had initially cancelled its 34th convocation, which was scheduled for September 12, citing “unavoidable circumstances”. The cancellation came amid the dispute over the students' opposition to the proposed attendance of the CJI and the BCI Chairman. The university subsequently rescheduled the ceremony for October 17, with the revised date approved by its Executive Council and General Council at meetings chaired by CJI Surya Kant in his capacity as Chancellor

It may be recalled that the University on August 27, had announced the cancellation of its 34th Annual Convocation, which was previously scheduled to be held on September 12, citing 'unavoidable circumstances'. The decision to cancel the ceremony was taken in the context of a section of students' opposition to the participation of the CJI in the ceremony.