LI Network
Published on: February 17, 2024 at 10:05 IST
During the inauguration ceremony of the recently established Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU) in Prayagraj, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the existing bias in the Indian legal education system towards English-speaking students.
He urged the management of RPNLU to adopt Hindi as the medium of instruction, aiming to broaden access to legal education and bridge the gap for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
CJI Chandrachud underscored the necessity to address the language barrier prevalent in legal education, pointing out that traditional components like internships and moot courts often favor students with elite English-speaking backgrounds. He stressed the importance of creating inclusive college environments that foster interactions among students with varied beliefs.
Referring to diversity surveys of five National Law Universities, the Chief Justice highlighted the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds, including regional, gender, and language disparities.
Drawing from his experience as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, he recalled that lawyers predominantly argued in Hindi, emphasizing the historical context of linguistic diversity in legal practice.
CJI Chandrachud also emphasized the potential of technology to extend legal education beyond physical boundaries, allowing broader access to students not only in Uttar Pradesh but across different states. He urged for the incorporation of specialized legal subjects in all colleges, ensuring uniform quality in legal education.
Quoting Hindi writer Munshi Premchand, CJI Chandrachud conveyed the message that the education system should serve societal consciousness rather than personal interests. He urged the audience to consider whether Premchand’s perspective was accurate.
Highlighting the translation of Supreme Court judgments into regional languages, CJI Chandrachud commended the accessibility provided by the “Digital Supreme Court Reports,” reducing dependence on expensive private publishers.
He emphasized the crucial role played by lawyers in upholding justice, especially in representing marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Acknowledging the importance of pro bono work by lawyers, the Chief Justice urged the legal fraternity to ensure equal opportunities in universities, promoting equal participation without discrimination based on region, gender, or language.
In concluding remarks, CJI Chandrachud referred to Prayagraj as the “Oxford of the East” and envisioned the establishment of new standards in legal education at Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University.
He quoted Saint Kabirdas, emphasizing the balance between speaking and remaining silent, drawing parallels to the necessity of moderation in education and discourse.