Hyderabad, July 25: Supreme Court Judge justice Altamas Kabir today called upon young graduates to restore faith and credibility among public in legal system.
Delivering his convocation address at the eighth convocation of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law here, he told graduates to prove that advocates don’t just work for money but help people as well.
As many as 35 gold medals were presented at the convocation. Three Ph.Ds, one M.Phil, 34 LLM and 63 BA,LLB (Hons) degrees were conferred on students by Andhra Pradesh chief justice and chancellor of NALSAR Nisar Ahmad Kakru.
“Being polite, courteous and ethical costs you nothing and puts you in good stead,” Kabir said citing examples from his career.
“I was working as a junior in the Supreme Court when my senior advocate asked me to urge the bench to adjourn an appeal for 10 minutes, as he was on an important task. I made the appeal for which the bench agreed. After 10 minutes, the bench asked for the counsel and decided to cancel the appeal after waiting for five more minutes,” he recalled. “I took up the case convincing the bench that I was familiar with facts of the case and managed the day. The next day, I learnt, then chief justice Sabyasachi Mukherji called up my senior and enquired as to who I was. I maintained the rapport since then and it’s he who made me a judge later,” Kabir explained.
Speaking on career options, he said: “Though courtroom practice is a glamorous proposition in the eyes of public, settling as a good draftsman is also equally fetching.”
“Globalisation and rapid changes in science and technology opened up a sea of opportunities for lawyers,” he said referring to cyber law, Intellectual Property Rights and copy rights. Arbitration and conciliation is another area which is gaining importance, he explained.
NALSAR vice-chancellor Prof. Veer Singh, former SC judges SSM Quadri and UC Banerjee, Law Commission of India chairman PV Reddy, National Law University, Delhi vicechancellor Prof. Ranbir Singh, NLSIU, Bangalore vicechancellor R Venkat Rao, Maj Gen. Rakesh Chadha, GOC, 54, Bison Division, Secunderabad and several high court judges were among those present.
–Agencies