DBRANLU Hosts Day Two Of Its Induction Ceremony Deeksharambh 2025

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonipat, marked the second day of its Deeksharambh 2025 induction program with a gathering of legal luminaries, judges, and policymakers. The event, designed to orient the incoming batch of 2025-30, emphasized the power of legal education and the responsibilities of future jurists.

Ceremonial Inauguration

The session began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the national anthem. Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, and Registrar Dr. Ashutosh Mishra welcomed the students, urging them to: "This is not just an academic shift but a paradigm shift in your career. You are joining a university that stands among the best in the NCR—infrastructure is ready, but your potential is limitless." They also welcomed the other dignitaries from law field, Justice A. G. Masih, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Justice Rajendra Menon, Chairperson, AFT and former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court; Justice Sudesh Bansal, Judge, Rajasthan High Court, Justice B. R. Sarangi, Member, NHRC and Former Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court and Mr. Surendra Tripathi, DG, IIPA

The keynote addresses were delivered by the following panel:

1. Justice Augustine George Masih:,Judge, Supreme Court of India | Keynote Speaker at Deeksharambh 2025

• From Accidental Lawyer to Supreme Court Judge

Justice A.G. Masih's revealed he never planned to study law—initially aspiring for an MBA before circumstances led him to the legal profession. With no family background in law, he faced skepticism but persevered, eventually developing a passion for constitutional law. His rise from a Punjab-based lawyer to Supreme Court judge resonated with students, proving that success in law is earned, not inherited.

• Core Philosophies for Aspiring Lawyers

"Patience of a Saint, Hard Work of a Horse": Justice Masih shared his mentor's advice, stressing that legal careers demand resilience. He recounted working past midnight on cases, emphasizing that "overnight success takes years."

Ethics Over Ego: He debunked the myth that aggressive advocacy equals effectiveness. "A lawyer's duty is to assist the court, not win at all costs,"he said, citing instances where truthful arguments prevailed over theatrics.

Language as a Weapon: He warned against casual communication habits, urging students to master precise legal drafting. "A poorly worded petition can bury a strong case," he cautioned.

• Landmark Perspectives on Legal Practice

Fact and Law: Justice Masih asserted that 90% of cases turn on facts, not legal technicalities. He advised students to *"dig deeper than precedents-understand the human story behind each case."

Judicial Independence: He highlighted the anger of preconceived notions, sharing how young lawyers often bring fresh perspectives that challenge judicial assumptions.

Tech with Caution While acknowledging AI's utility, he warned, "ChatGPT can't replace a lawyer's conscience. Use it as a tool, not a crutch."

• Unconventional Career Advice

"Don't Specialize Too Early": He encouraged exploring diverse fields—from arbitration to human rights—before narrowing focus.

Tribunals as Learning Hubs: Justice Masih praised tribunals as "laboratories of practical law," where students witness real-world impacts of legislation.

Teaching as a Noble Alternative: He acknowledged academia, noting that professors "stay young by engaging with fresh minds."

• Parting Wisdom

Justice Masih closed with a Gujarati proverb: "Silence wrapped in honor is better than speech laced with regret." His message was success in law requires integrity, adaptability, and the courage to speak only when it matters.

2. Justice Sudesh Bansal, Judge, Rajasthan High Court

• Practical Courtroom Wisdom: Justice Bansal, known for his expertise in civil and constitutional law, underscored the importance of courtroom etiquette and mediation skills. He shared anecdotes about how a single well-argued point could sway judgments.
• Adaptability: He urged students to "unlearn classroom theories" when entering real-world litigation, noting that landmark cases often hinge on procedural nuances rather than black-letter law.
• Writing & Communication: “A lawyer's pen is mightier than their voice, "he said, advising students to hone their drafting skills. He criticized over-reliance on AI for legal research, warning that "algorithms lack the nuance of human judgment."
• Social Responsibility: Justice Bansal linked legal practice to societal impact, citing his work in prison reforms and access to justice initiatives. He encouraged students to take up pro bono cases early in their careers.

3. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Member, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) & Former Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court

• Human Rights as a Core Ethos: Justice Sarangi framed human rights as the "soul of the Constitution," urging students to study NHRC's interventions in custodial deaths, environmental justice, and gender equality.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: He highlighted how environmental law intersects with tribal rights, citing the Forest Rights Act and conflicts like the Niyamgiri Hills case. "Lawyers must understand ecology as much as statutes," he remarked.
• Judicial Craftsmanship: Sharing his experience, he emphasized "clarity over complexity" in judicial writing. He advised students to intern with tribunals to see "how law transforms lives on the ground."
• Tech & Rights: While acknowledging AI's role in legal research, he cautioned against algorithmic bias, especially in criminal justice. *"Can a machine decide bail applications fairly? Never,"he asserted.

4. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director General, Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), critiqued systemic delays: "22 crore Indians await justice. Speed of delivery is as crucial as the verdict itself." He urged students to bridge the gap between policy and implementation.

5. Justice Rajendra Menon, Chairperson, Armed Forces Tribunal, shared practical insights: "Landmark judgments often hinge on facts, not just law. Internships in tribunals will teach you what classrooms cannot."

AI, Ethics, and the Future of Law

A recurring theme was the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal practice. While acknowledging AI's utility, speakers warned against over-reliance. Justice Masih remarked, "ChatGPT can draft a brief, but it cannot argue with conscience." Mr. Tripathi added, "Real intelligence is declining in the age of AI—guard against becoming cognitive slaves."

Advice for Aspiring Lawyers

Justice B. R. Sarangi: Note every lecture. The habit of writing sharpens advocacy.

Justice Sudesh Bansal: Master communication—oral and written. The best lawyers are storytellers.

(Dr.) Devinder Singh: Leadership isn't titles; it's the ability to act when trusted.

Registrar Dr. Ashutosh Mishra proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the organizing team and faculty.