New Delhi, Dec 19: Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said on Sunday that very few students who graduate from National Law Schools are interested in joining litigation or taking up public causes, let alone practice at the district level.
“Very few students who graduate from National Law Schools are interested in joining litigation or taking up public causes, let alone practice at the district level,” justice Ramana said this, while addressing the 18th annual convocation of NALSAR, Hyderabad.
The CJI also said that there is a fascination to only practice before the Supreme Court and High Court while completely ignoring the importance of trial courts.
“To succeed at trial advocacy, one requires a separate skill-set, wherein the requirement of presence of mind and intellectual inputs is immense. Moreover, considering the highest pendency before the trial courts, there is both a demand and the need for specialized lawyers. I urge you all to consider gaining experience at trial court level before moving on to practice at higher forums such as High Courts and the Supreme Court,” he said.
There is an urgent need to introduce courses which are more practical and allow students to interact with people and their issues at the grassroot level, he said.
While remembering his own personal journey, he said that his personal career started with his appearance before a tehsildar in tenancy matter. Ever since then, I have appeared before tax authorities, stamp registrar, magistrate court, munsif court, etc.
“I still remember my first assignment as a judge appointed commissioner. I was paid a princely sum of 100 rupees for that assignment as Commissioner. I must say, the experiences I gathered from these endeavors shaped my understanding of the system and the people. No university can teach you this. You must understand that there is no substitute for direct experience,” the CJI said.
It is only when you work at the grassroot level, you understand the rigors of law on common man. But, let me caution you, the path will not be filled with roses. The courtrooms are nothing like ones you see in a movie or a moot court hall. It will be cramped, dingy and the judge may not even have a fan, the CJI said.
Stressing on the need of grabbing the right kind of opportunity at the right time, he said, “opportunity comes to everyone, and when the opportunity knocks, be ready. You must put into practice all that you have learnt here.”
“I assure you there is no success like the success in the profession of law. There is no satisfaction like the satisfaction in bringing justice to those in need. Remember, you are entering one of the most independent. professions. Be fearless and be upright. Stand by constitutional oath taken by you,” he urged the young professionals.
