Hyderabad: Chief Justice of India, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, expressed concern over the increasing trend of students pursuing foreign degrees without considering their family’s financial situation. He warned students against following this path due to peer pressure and stressed that an international degree does not always signify excellence.
At the 22nd Convocation of NALSAR University of Law, he addressed students, urging them to seek scholarships if they choose to study abroad, avoiding financial strain on their families. He suggested that students could start their legal careers domestically and consider studying abroad later when financially stable.
Justice Gavai highlighted that this trend shows a lack of confidence in Indian postgraduate legal education. He advocated for more investment in LLM and post-doctoral programs within India to retain top legal talent for the country’s benefit.
He pointed out the unique challenges facing India’s legal system, such as prolonged trial delays, and how talented individuals could help address these issues. Quoting Jed S Rakoff, a senior US federal district judge, he mentioned the need for legal system reforms while remaining optimistic about overcoming these challenges.
Justice Gavai acknowledged the isolating nature of the legal profession and structural barriers within it. He noted that a career in law is often influenced by one’s starting point, with National Law Universities enjoying perceived advantages not necessarily due to better skills but due to structural privileges. He urged graduates to maintain strong legal foundations amid evolving global and technological changes, highlighting the importance of mentorship in developing ethical and capable lawyers.
Justice Gavai observed that many who return from studying abroad bring fresh perspectives but encounter unwelcoming environments with limited resources and opportunities. He called for changes to retain and attract the best minds, emphasizing the need for nurturing academic settings, transparent opportunities, and restoring dignity to legal research and training in India.
He advised graduates to value important aspects of life such as friends, family, hobbies, health, and imagination.
