The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice Sanjiv Khanna, recently emphasized the importance of maintaining the democratic spirit of the Indian Bar through curiosity and active engagement. Speaking at the Grand Finale of the AmiQuiz Curiae National Legal Quiz, Justice Khanna, represented by his law clerk due to illness, urged young lawyers to embrace debate, discussion, and quizzing as essential tools for staying updated on social developments and evolving legal issues.
Justice Khanna posed four critical questions for the legal community to deliberate on, stressing that the Bar must play a proactive role in strengthening the rule of law and advocating for necessary reforms.
Justice Khanna highlighted that the Bar is more than just a participant in the justice system. It is a vital force that ensures the law evolves with society. He stated:
"A proactive bar strengthens the rule of law by critically engaging with legal developments and advocating for reforms when necessary. It must actively contribute to the growth of the law. Participation in competitions like quizzes and debating ensures that the justice system is constantly evolving."
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In this context, he suggested four key issues for the Bar to actively debate and discuss:
- How do senior advocates raise the bar?
- Is legalese the antithesis of justice?
- Do Indian courts excessively rely on foreign jurisprudence?
- Is there nepotism within the Indian Bar?
These questions, according to Justice Khanna, are crucial for contemporary deliberation and reflect the need for self-reflection within the legal profession.
Justice Khanna also emphasized the importance of staying connected with society and adapting to changing times. He noted that young lawyers often mistake certainty for strength, but true strength lies in the ability to grow and adapt.
"The legal field is unique. It demands constant learning. Every case, argument, and courtroom experience is an examination. Unlike other professions, law goes beyond individual success. It involves engaging with society at large."
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He further added:
"In a world driven by quick reels and changing opinions, changing one's perspective is often seen as a weakness. Certainty is mistaken for strength. However, true intelligence is not about knowing it all; it's about staying curious and striving to grow."
Concluding his address, Justice Khanna underscored the need for a vibrant and self-reflective Bar that actively shapes the profession and the justice system.
"A vibrant, engaged, and self-reflective bar is essential to our democracy. It must not be a passive observer but an active force in shaping the profession and the justice system at large."
The event was also attended by Justice DK Upadhyaya, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court; Senior Advocate Dr. S. Muralidhar; and Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Justice Khanna’s address serves as a reminder to the legal community to remain curious, adaptable, and engaged. By addressing the four key issues he raised, the Bar can contribute significantly to the evolution of the justice system and uphold the rule of law in a rapidly changing world.
