A Touching Moment of Humility Inspires Future Legal Minds During the National Conference on Indianisation of Legal System
In a powerful display of humility and connection with the youth, Hon’ble Mr. Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, created a memorable moment during the National Conference on the Indianisation of the Legal System held at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonepat. Foregoing the five-star meal arranged for him, Justice Kotiswar chose to dine with students in the hostel mess, sharing the same simple food served to them.
This remarkable gesture, underscoring empathy, humility, and leadership, left an indelible mark on attendees and students alike. Inviting all present to join him, Justice Kotiswar was soon accompanied by a distinguished panel, including:
- Hon’ble Ms. Justice Meenakshi I. Mehta, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pankaj Jain, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Advocate Pawan Duggal, Chief Executive, AI Law Hub
- Sh. Ashok Kumar, Vice Chancellor, DBRANLU
- Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Mishra, Registrar
- Dr. Puja Jaiswal, Dean of Academic Affairs
Together, they sent a resounding message about inclusive leadership and belief in the next generation of legal professionals.
Conference Inauguration and Panel Discussions
The conference commenced with an eminent inaugural panel featuring:
- Hon’ble Ms. Justice Meenakshi I. Mehta
- Shri Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs
- Shri Mukesh Garg, Member, Bar Council
- Prof. (Dr.) V.K. Ahuja, Vice Chancellor, NLU Delhi
- Prof. (Dr.) Amar Pal Singh, Faculty of Law, DU
The panel emphasized the urgent need to realign India’s legal system with its civilisational roots, while also embracing much-needed reforms.
Themes Explored: Bhartiya Nyaya Shastra, New Criminal Laws, and Legal Technology
The sessions covered key themes including:
- Bhartiya Nyaya Shastra: Rediscovering India’s ancient jurisprudential wisdom
- New Criminal Laws: Transition from IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act to BNS, BNSS, and BSA
- Role of Technology in Adjudication: Leveraging AI and digital tools for justice delivery
These topics reflected a vision for a legal system that’s both rooted and responsive, balancing Indian values with contemporary challenges.
Justice Kotiswar’s Keynote: Revival Through Indianisation
In his insightful keynote, Justice Kotiswar traced the origins of India’s legal philosophy to the Vedic era, emphasizing that Indianisation is not merely reform—it is a revival of identity. He stressed that dharma (duty and righteousness) must form the ethical foundation of legal practice, asserting that the future of justice in India lies in the hands of young, visionary lawyers.
A Moment of Inspiration for Future Legal Leaders
This heartening episode at DBRANLU, where top judicial minds sat alongside law students, was more than symbolic. It reflected a commitment to accessible leadership, trust in youth, and the vision of a legal system deeply connected to India’s ethos.
As the conference concluded, one message echoed loud and clear: The Indian legal system’s future lies in reviving its soul while boldly stepping into the future.
