CJI to Youth: 'Bar and Bench Walk With You' — A Day After BCI's NALSAR Row
NEW DELHI: In his Independence Day address at the Supreme Court on Saturday (August 15, 2026), Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told the nation's younger generation that their “remarkable resilience,” awareness of social realities, and adept use of technology give every reason to be confident in them.
“This generation brings with it qualities that give us every reason to be confident. They have grown up in a world where technology has transformed the way we communicate and access knowledge, and they are bringing that adaptability into the courtroom. At the same time, they bring a greater awareness of the social realities around them,” Chief Justice Kant said, addressing young law graduates and lawyers.
The Chief Justice noted that young lawyers demonstrate deep sensitivity to questions of equality, inclusion, and access to justice. They understand, he said, that the law must remain connected to the lives and aspirations of the people it serves.
“To our young law graduates and young lawyers, I want to say this — the responsibility that this Bar has carried since the days of the freedom struggle will, before long, rest on your shoulders. The institutions of justice that generations before you have built and strengthened are now yours to protect and to carry forward. Please know that the Bar and the Bench remain committed to your growth — by extending mentorship, by creating meaningful opportunity, and by placing our confidence in you. The miles that remain are yours to walk, and we walk with you,” Chief Justice Kant said.
The CJI's emphasis on the younger generation came a day after the Bar Council of India (BCI) moved to stop the professional enrolment of the entire 2026 batch of NALSAR University of Law graduates. The BCI's action drew public criticism and was subsequently condemned by the Supreme Court itself.
On Friday (August 14, 2026), during an oral mention of a petition against the BCI, the Chief Justice upheld the students' right to protest. He stated in open court that the students' objection to his being the chief guest at their convocation ceremony was part of a “dialogue” between them and him, and that the BCI had no business intervening. The Chief Justice also protected NALSAR students and faculty from any punitive action by the BCI, and urged the graduates to enrol with the Supreme Court Bar and take up legal aid work.
In his Independence Day address, the CJI commended the younger generation for their resilience, acknowledging that the challenges in law and life today are greater than those faced by earlier generations. “The challenges facing young lawyers today are, in some ways, greater than what many of us faced. The profession is more competitive today, the learning curve has become steeper, and the pressures of building a practice weigh heavily in these early years. And yet, I have also seen in our young colleagues a remarkable resilience, a sharp intellect, and a genuine commitment to justice,” he said.
