CJI Surya Kant Warns Young Lawyers: NLU Degree Isn’t a Shortcut to Supreme Court Glory
CJI urges young lawyers to begin in district courts, not rush to higher courts with NLU degrees.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has cautioned young lawyers against assuming that a law degree from a National Law University (NLU) or other prestigious institution automatically grants them access to practice in the High Courts or Supreme Court. Addressing a gathering of Delhi’s legal fraternity, he emphasized that starting one’s legal career in district courts is crucial for gaining foundational experience.
The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) felicitated CJI Kant on Monday at a ceremony held on the lawns of the Delhi High Court, which was also attended by judges of the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, senior advocates, and representatives from all bar associations in the capital. In his speech, CJI Kant highlighted the importance of the district judiciary in cultivating professional skills and a strong ethical foundation.
“District courts are the breeding grounds of professional culture and where lawyers first engage with real clients and real issues,” CJI Kant said. He noted that young lawyers must spend time at the grassroots level before transitioning to appellate forums to understand the practical realities of law and the humane approach it demands.
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Reflecting on his own career, CJI Kant recalled joining the office of a senior civil lawyer early on, where he learned essential skills such as drafting petitions, plaints, and affidavits, as well as preparing for witness examinations. He attributed much of his later success to the experience gained in the district courts during his formative years.
CJI Kant also recounted that after one year of his juniorship, senior lawyers often requested him to draft petitions due to the proficiency he had developed at the grassroots level. He stressed that justice is first experienced in district courts, where law takes tangible form, making these courts indispensable to the legal system.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya, speaking at the event, praised CJI Kant as a first-generation lawyer whose journey exemplified persistence over privilege. He highlighted that Kant’s dedication and hard work, rather than familial or institutional backing, had built his path to the Supreme Court. The event saw the participation of notable figures, including Senior Advocates Manan Kumar Mishra, Maninder Singh, Vikas Singh, N. Hariharan, and ASG Chetan Sharma.
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