Every Lawyer Holds a Duty to the Constitution, Not Just Those in Power: Justice Nagarathna

speedy Summary

• Justice B.V. Nagarathna, a Supreme Court judge, spoke at the 12th convocation of the National Law University Delhi on September 6, 2025.
• She emphasized that the obligation to uphold and work the Constitution lies not only with those in power but also extends to every lawyer.
• Addressing new law graduates, she encouraged them to act as “officers of the court and stewards of the constitution.”
• Justice Nagarathna highlighted their duty to ensure justice, equality, and access to legal remedies for all citizens.
• She urged future lawyers to prioritize ethical decision-making by choosing integrity over expediency during times of ambiguity.
• Graduates were encouraged to adapt to societal, technological, and environmental changes while promoting systemic equity through inclusive institutions.

(Photo Credit: K Bhagya Prakash | Source: The Hindu)

indian Opinion Analysis

Justice B.V.Nagarathna’s remarks underline a key aspect of legal systems worldwide-the role of individual practitioners in safeguarding constitutional values beyond courtroom litigation. By emphasizing ethics over expediency and calling for a focus on equity and inclusivity amidst modernization pressures, her speech aims to inspire new graduates toward building a just society under changing circumstances.

For India-a country marked by diverse challenges such as inequality in access to justice-such perspectives serve as reminders that institutional reforms must be complemented by principled actions from stakeholders individually committed toward preserving constitutional ideals.Read more at The Hindu.