- Honorary Doctor of Laws conferred on Justices Pankaj Mithal and Rajesh Bindal
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant delivers inspiring convocation address, urges graduates to be ‘nation builders’
- Emphasis on integrity, compassion, and curiosity as pillars of legal career
Patiala, December 23
The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, held its 7th Convocation Ceremony on December 23, 2025, where a total of 725 students from various programmes across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 batches were awarded degrees, both in person and in absentia. Additionally, degrees were conferred upon 2 LL.D. students and 9 Ph.D. scholars.
The university also bestowed the degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) upon Justice Pankaj Mithal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the justice delivery system. Similarly, Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, was honoured with the same degree for his significant contributions to the judiciary and the cause of justice.
Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, graced the occasion as the chief guest and delivered the convocation address. In an inspiring and thought-provoking speech, he urged the graduating students to uphold constitutional values and dedicate themselves to societal service. He exhorted them to embrace their roles as nation builders and custodians of India’s constitutional future.
Addressing the graduates, Justice Kant observed that every generation inherits the Republic in an unfinished form and bears the responsibility of shaping its destiny. He emphasized that the true strength of the Constitution lies not just in judicial interpretations or institutional frameworks, but in the actions and values of lawyers.
He distinguished between “case builders” and “nation builders,” cautioning against reducing the legal profession to merely winning cases or mastering procedures. While acknowledging the importance of professional competence, he stressed that lawyers must consider the broader impact of their work on justice, fairness, and public trust.
Highlighting evolving challenges in a rapidly changing India—where legal issues intersect with technology, digital assets, environment, and cross-border complexities—Justice Surya Kant said lawyers must innovate, interpret, and humanise the law. He noted that judicial reforms will gain true meaning only when young lawyers implement them at the grassroots level.
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He outlined three essential pillars for a meaningful legal career: integrity (the backbone of the justice system, vital for public trust); compassion (fundamental to law, preventing it from becoming mechanical by addressing human realities); and curiosity (crucial for keeping the law relevant amid technological and social changes, ensuring tools serve justice rather than replace human judgment).
Justice Kant concluded by blessing the students and wishing them success in their endeavours.
Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Chancellor of RGNUL, stressed the importance of passion and devotion in one’s profession. He urged graduates to pursue their careers with sincerity, commitment, honesty, ethical conduct, and moral courage, reminding them that law is about imparting justice, not just winning arguments. He also encouraged alumni to stay connected with RGNUL and contribute to its growth.
Prof. (Dr.) Jai Shankar Singh, Vice Chancellor of the University, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted RGNUL’s achievements, underscoring the role of legal education in national development.
The event was attended by distinguished guests including Justice Augustine George Masih, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Jammu & Kashmir High Court; Justice Smt. Ramesh Kumari, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court; Justice G.R. Swaminathan; Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul; Justice Ranjit Singh (former judges); M.S. Bedi, Advocate General, Punjab; Rakesh Gupta, Chairman, Bar Association; and members of the General Council, Executive Council, Academic Council, Finance Committee, along with faculty and staff.
