The Chief Justice of India underscored that despite advancements in legal education, the modern system tends to favor “certain English-speaking urban students.” Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, was formally inaugurated on Friday by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who urged the university to adopt Hindi as the medium of instruction.
Highlighting the hindrance posed by the high value placed on English proficiency, particularly for students from diverse cultural backgrounds, the CJI urged the university to ensure that Hindi is used as the medium of instruction. He emphasized that this move would enable exceptional students from Uttar Pradesh to excel as lawyers, representing the state in the High Court, with many eventually joining colleges or the district judiciary.
Addressing the ceremony in both English and Hindi, the Chief Justice emphasized the importance of creating a dynamic environment on college campuses where individuals from various backgrounds can engage in dialogue. He also stressed the need for education at the new NLU to extend beyond Prayagraj to smaller communities in Uttar Pradesh and other states, leveraging technology to overcome geographical limitations.
Referring to the Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University in Lucknow, the CJI emphasized that both NLUs in Uttar Pradesh should work to elevate the standards of legal education to meet current demands in the field. He emphasized the importance of law students having a comprehensive understanding of subjects such as political theory, economics, philosophy, and national history and culture to effect cultural change.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice advocated for specialized subjects like technology law and space law not to be restricted to NLUs. He also commended attorneys who provide pro bono legal assistance to those in critical need, emphasizing the crucial role they play in society.
Reflecting on the diversity surveys of five National Law Universities, the CJI highlighted the need for inclusivity and the removal of barriers faced by students from diverse backgrounds, including gender and region, due to the premium placed on English fluency. He also pointed out that internships and moot courts historically favor students from privileged socioeconomic backgrounds who are proficient in English.
