RPNLU Hosted Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria In 2nd Episode Of 'In Conversation With Legal Luminary'
Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, organized the second episode of its flagship series, 'In Conversation with Legal Luminary' on 20th September 2025. The guest for this occasion was Mr. Vijay Hansaria, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, whose career and engagement with the law made the interaction an experience for the students. The conversation was moderated by Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor (Dr.) Usha Tandon, who steered the dialogue with her questions and interventions.
The session witnessed the participation of students across all programmes of the University, including both batches of the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) course and the LL.M. cohort. The newly admitted batch of undergraduates participated, raising questions and engaging with the guest.
At the very outset, Mr. Hansaria was asked about his background, as his father was a judge, and whether that meant he had been “born with a silver spoon.” He responded clarifying that privilege does not equate to comfort or an easy path. He recounted his childhood in a village in Assam and emphasized that his professional journey had been marked by continuous struggle and perseverance. His decades of experience, he reflected, were the product of constant evolution, dedication, and hard work.
In the course of the conversation, he spoke about the transformation of the legal profession over the years. He noted the rise in the number of women in law, observing that while in his student days women were almost absent, today they constitute a significant portion of the profession. He stressed that opportunities in law are no longer limited to the so-called “brightest” students; even those who may not initially excel academically can pursue through persistence, discipline, and commitment. What was once dismissed as a fallback option for those unable to pursue other fields, he observed, has now become a career of choice, attracting young minds.
Addressing the role of technology, Mr. Hansaria reflected on how research practices have changed. In earlier times, lawyers and judges would spend long hours buried in books; today, online databases have made resources instantly accessible. He acknowledged that artificial intelligence can be a useful tool but warned against allowing technology to induce complacency or replace human intellect. Skills such as speed typing and efficient use of digital platforms, he stressed, are critical, yet they must complement rather than substitute human reasoning.
The discussion also turned toward Mr. Hansaria's professional contributions. He recalled his role in the Electoral Bonds case, where he argued that informed voting was undermined by the opacity surrounding political funding. His reflections on constitutional values and transparency in democratic institutions resonated with the audience. He also shared his concerns regarding the increasing number of legislators facing criminal charges, noting that nearly 40% of Members of Parliament and 42% of ministers have cases pending against them, a reality that challenges public perception and faith in governance.
Throughout the session, he touched upon issues of judicial accountability, media's role in shaping perceptions, and the responsibilities of lawyers as officers of the court. Sharing his personal journey from a practicing lawyer to a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, he highlighted how responsibilities grow with stature and recognition, demanding both integrity and humility.
The interactive nature of the event kept the audience engaged. Students posed questions on diverse themes — ranging from his first experience arguing before the Supreme Court, to the challenges of dealing with sensitive matters like homosexuality, to the balance between knowing the law and understanding the judge. In response, he emphasized the importance of preparation, ethical advocacy, and the ability to adapt to different judicial temperaments.
In the rapid-fire round moderated by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Usha Tandon. Mr. Hansaria was asked to describe judges such as Justice P.N. Bhagwati, Justice Murtaza Fazal Ali, and Justice Fathima Beevi in a single word, and later to share personal reflections on his role models, greatest strengths, and views on artificial intelligence and media trials. His answers offered students a glimpse into the human side of a legal luminary.
The event concluded with a group photograph. Mr. Hansaria expressed his happiness at meeting the students of RPNLU, commending their enthusiasm and quality of questions. The students, in turn, left the hall inspired by his insights, stories, and encouragement.