Justice Sanjay Karol Calls for Shift in Legal Education: Urges Law Students to Serve Society Beyond Corporate Careers
📢 Key Remarks by Justice Sanjay Karol
Justice Sanjay Karol of the Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the changing direction of legal education in National Law Universities, stating that they are increasingly being perceived as pathways to high-paying corporate jobs rather than institutions dedicated to public service and justice.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at an event organised by National Law Institute University Bhopal, he emphasized that the true role of law schools should be to nurture socially conscious lawyers committed to serving marginalized communities.
⚖️ Criticism of Corporate-Centric Legal Aspirations
Justice Karol pointed out that many law students today aspire to become corporate lawyers inspired by popular global shows like Suits, which portray a glamorous and high-profile image of the legal profession.
However, he contrasted this with the reality of India’s justice delivery system, stating that the ground-level legal challenges are far more complex and less glamorous than what is depicted in such shows.
🎬 Reality vs Representation in Legal Practice
Drawing a comparison, Justice Karol referred to Indian shows like Mamla Legal Hai and Panchayat, which portray the real struggles, inefficiencies, and delays in the Indian legal and administrative systems.
He remarked that these portrayals are closer to the reality faced by lawyers in India, unlike the stylized and idealized version seen in international legal dramas.
🇮🇳 Duty Towards 140 Crore Citizens
Highlighting the constitutional responsibility of legal professionals, Justice Karol stated that lawyers must aim to transform the lives of India’s 140 crore citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
He stressed that the legal profession is not about gaining attention or validation but about delivering justice and addressing the needs of the common people.
📜 Constitution as a Living Document
Justice Karol urged students to treat the Constitution of India as a living, guiding force in their daily lives. He emphasized the importance of:
- Part III – Fundamental Rights
- Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy
- Part IV-A – Fundamental Duties
These, he said, should be followed like a “holy scripture” in everyday conduct.
He further added that constitutional values must not remain theoretical but should reflect in practical life—whether in classrooms, homes, or public spaces.
🚪 Encouragement for Judicial Internships
Justice Karol also encouraged students to actively pursue judicial internships, revealing that over 250 law students have interned in his Supreme Court chamber in the past three years.
He assured students that opportunities remain open and accessible, urging them to “spread their wings” and gain real-world exposure through such experiences.
💡 Students Shaping Judicial Thought
In a notable acknowledgment, Justice Karol credited law students for contributing to his own judicial thinking. He highlighted how interactions with young legal minds have brought fresh perspectives and modern ideas into his work at the Supreme Court.
He described students as a source of energy and innovation, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of India’s legal system.
Justice Sanjay Karol’s address serves as a powerful reminder that legal education must go beyond corporate ambitions and focus on justice, equity, and constitutional values.
His message reinforces the need for law students to align their careers with the broader goal of nation-building and social transformation, ensuring that the legal profession remains rooted in its core purpose—serving the people.
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