"It's Not Just About Indianising The Figure Of Lady Justice, But About Indianising The Indian Judiciary Itself": Justice Pankaj Mithal Speaks At RPNLU

In the third episode of 'Beyond Judgments', an initiative by Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, the university hosted Justice Pankaj Mithal, Judge, Supreme Court of India. The series, launched under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, is aimed at offering law students with lessons on law, ethics, and the human dimensions of the judiciary through the experiences of one of India's respected jurists.

Coming from a family of lawyers and judges, including his father Justice N. N. Mithal, he shared how this legacy shaped his early understanding of the law and inspired him to persevere through the rigours of legal practice. He also spoke of his early passion for writing legal articles as a young advocate, a habit that nurtured his curiosity and sharpened his abilities from the outset of his career.

Recounting his diverse judicial career, Justice Mithal shared his experiences across different regions of India, from serving as a Judge at the Allahabad High Court to holding the office of Chief Justice at the High Courts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and later Rajasthan. These roles, he said, offered him rich perspectives on India's cultural and legal diversity, allowing him to understand how justice is perceived and delivered across varied social and regional contexts. These experiences, he noted, deepened his belief in the importance of a judiciary that remains sensitive to the realities of the people it serves.

During the conversation, Justice Mithal suggested to regulate lawyers' maximum fees for the sake of accessibility. Drawing a comparison to consumer goods, he proposed that legal services could benefit from standardized fee structures, akin to a maximum retail price (MRP), to prevent citizens in genuine need from being excluded. “The purpose of law is service, not commerce,” he emphasized. “Today, many citizens cannot afford justice, while high-profile lawyers cater mainly to corporate giants. Justice must remain above profit.” His reflections prompted the students to consider the ethical obligations of legal professionals and the balance between livelihood and service.

On the subject of Judicial Delays and Pendency, Justice Mithal clarified misconceptions regarding the judiciary's role. “Judges are committed and sincere,” he stated, explaining that delays largely stem from systemic inefficiencies like procedural hurdles and frequent adjournments, rather than inaction by judges. He stressed that while speed is important, true justice requires time for deliberation and well-reasoned judgments, cautioning that “quick justice may not always be fair justice.”

Speaking on gender sensitisation, Justice Mithal advocated for a balanced reform approach. “Empowerment is not only for women; boys and men must also be educated to respect women and understand their role in building an equal society,” he remarked. He underscored that lasting societal transformation requires reshaping gender dynamics through education and awareness for all, rather than focusing solely on one side of the equation.

Discussing the future of justice delivery, Justice Mithal called for a hybrid judicial model that integrates digital technology with traditional court proceedings. While he acknowledged the efficiency and reach of virtual hearings—especially after the pandemic—he emphasized that the human connection and gravity of in-person advocacy remain irreplaceable. “Technology must assist, not replace, the courtroom proceedings,” he observed.

Talking on legal education, Justice Mithal urged universities to look beyond producing technically skilled professionals. “We must produce responsible citizens—students with strong moral values who can serve as nation-builders,” he said. He emphasized that legal education must instill integrity, character, and public spirit alongside academic excellence, shaping students into lawyers who serve society as much as the law.

In a personal reflection, Justice Mithal shared how a judge's reading habits and worldview naturally influence their sense of justice. As a lover of Hindi literature, he explained to the student interviewers Ms. Janhavi Singh and Ms. Srijal Mishra; and Mr. Sujal Sonker (photographer), how reading keeps him empathetic, balanced, and grounded while carrying out his judicial duties. “Judges are human beings first. What we read, what we believe—it all shapes how we see justice,” he reflected, offering students a glimpse into the deeply human side of judging.

Perhaps the most striking takeaway was Justice Mithal's call to Indianise the judiciary. Moving beyond mere symbolism, he emphasized that India's justice system must reflect the nation's cultural contexts and lived realities. “It's not just about Indianising the figure of Lady Justice,” he said. “It's about Indianising the Indian Judiciary itself—ensuring it is rooted in the needs and traditions of our people.”

Justice Mithal's reflections inspired students to see law not merely as a profession, but as a calling—anchored in ethics, service, and an understanding of India's diverse social fabric. Through this episode of 'Beyond Judgments', RPNLU, Prayagraj reaffirmed its commitment to experiential legal learning, offering students exposure to the wisdom and experiences of judges.