At NALSAR Convocation, Chief Justice Flags Systemic Flaws in Judiciary

In a powerful and introspective address that laid bare the systemic cracks in India’s judicial architecture, Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Saturday admitted that the country’s legal system is “badly in need of fixing” — but said he remains “cautiously optimistic” that citizens, especially the young, will rise to the occasion.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of NALSAR University of Law, held at Justice City on the outskirts of Hyderabad, CJI Gavai didn’t mince words while highlighting the challenges plaguing India’s justice delivery system — from prolonged trial delays to the plight of undertrials spending years behind bars before being acquitted.

“Our country and legal system are facing unique challenges. Delays in trials can sometimes go on for decades. We have seen instances where someone has been declared innocent after spending years in jail as an undertrial,” he told the graduating class. “Even though I conclude that our legal system is badly in need of fixing, I remain cautiously optimistic that my fellow citizens will rise to the challenges.”

The sobering tone of his speech was balanced with a call to action: a clarion call to India’s brightest young legal minds to not shy away from these challenges, but to engage with them head-on — with integrity, empathy, and a hunger for justice.

Justice Gavai encouraged students to pursue higher studies abroad if they find opportunities — but to do so on scholarships and not at the expense of their families. “Go abroad to study, but go on scholarships — do not pressure your parents or burden your family finances,” he advised, drawing applause from both the students and their families.

Importantly, he urged the fresh graduates to choose mentors wisely. “Seek mentors not for their power, but for their integrity,” he said — a reminder of the values that must underpin the practice of law in a democracy as vast and diverse as India.

The convocation was attended by several legal luminaries, including Chief Minister of Telangana A. Revanth Reddy, Supreme Court judge Justice P.S. Narasimha, and acting Chief Justice of Telangana High Court, Justice Sujoy Paul, who presided over the ceremony.

CM Revanth Reddy, in his brief address, emphasized the role of the legal fraternity in upholding constitutional values and promoting social justice. “Institutions like NALSAR are not just law schools, they are incubators of democratic conscience,” he said.

The convocation ceremony was marked by pride and reflection, as scores of young law graduates stepped into the next phase of their careers amid calls for deeper engagement with justice, equity, and reform.

Justice Gavai’s candour struck a chord with many. In a profession often weighed down by precedent and hierarchy, his message stood out for its rare urgency and vision.

As India’s judicial pendulum swings between overwhelming caseloads and an urgent need for reform, it is these very young minds — the freshly robed legal scholars — who might now be tasked with rebuilding the scaffolding of a more just and efficient system.

And as the Chief Justice reminded them — the fix may be hard, but the will to fix it must be harder.

Also Read: "Constitution Over Parliament": CJI BR Gavai Reaffirms Commitment