Justice City Hosts NALSAR’s 22nd Convocation—CJI B.R.Gavai Graces the Occasion
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
The 22nd Convocation of NALSAR University of Law took place on July 12, 2025, at the Justice City Campus in Shamirpet, Hyderabad, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The event was graced by Hon’ble Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Chief Justice of India, who attended as the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address. Hon’ble A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, and Hon’ble Justice P.S. Narasimha, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, joined the ceremony as Guests of Honor.
Hon’ble Justice Sujoy Paul, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court for the State of Telangana and Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, presided over the Convocation ceremony. The event was also attended by esteemed Judges of the Supreme Court of India as well as the High Court of Telangana. & Andhra Pradesh.
In his inaugural address at NALSAR University of Law, Vice-Chancellor Professor Srikrishna Deva Rao presented the university’s Annual Report, offering a comprehensive overview of its academic progress and institutional milestones over the past year. He underscored NALSAR’s unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence, upholding constitutional values, and promoting inclusive and equitable growth within the legal and academic community.
Professor Rao highlighted several key initiatives and accomplishments that reflect NALSAR’s evolving role as a leader in legal education and social justice. A notable moment during the event was the formal launch of a landmark collaborative initiative with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This project aims to modernise the functioning of Special Courts constituted under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, signalling a bold step towards enhancing access to justice and institutional reform.
Another significant announcement was the establishment of the Square Circle Clinic—India’s first-of-its-kind criminal justice clinic. This clinic marks a pivotal development following the transition of the renowned Project 39A from National Law University, Delhi to NALSAR. The clinic is envisioned as a hub for research, advocacy, and legal intervention in matters pertaining to the criminal justice system.
Professor Rao expressed deep appreciation to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy, for his steadfast support and encouragement of NALSAR’s mission. He concluded by celebrating the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of the university’s students, faculty, and alumni, whose work continues to gain recognition in academia, public service, and international legal platforms.
Hon’ble Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Chief Justice of India, who was the chief guest delivered convocation lecture. Justice Gavai observed that what distinguishes NALSAR is not just its academic excellence, but its deep commitment to the values of law. He highlighted how this ethos is evident in the work of the university’s various research centres, as well as its strong focus on social justice. Reflecting on the broader role of the legal profession, he invoked the legacy of lawyers who have challenged oppressive systems like apartheid and the kind of social discriminations, reminding graduates of law’s potential as an instrument of transformation.
At the same time, he candidly acknowledged the often-isolating nature of the legal profession, as well as the deep-rooted structural barriers that continue to hinder equal access and opportunity within it. Referencing a study conducted in the United States, he highlighted how legal careers are frequently influenced by the socio-economic and institutional contexts from which individuals begin their journeys. He observed that this dynamic is equally prevalent in India, where graduates from National Law Universities (NLUs) are often afforded a perception-based advantage—not necessarily due to superior legal aptitude, but rather because of entrenched structural privilege and social capital associated with these institutions.
Justice Gavai urged the graduating students to remain firmly anchored in a strong foundation of legal knowledge and ethical practice, even as the profession undergoes rapid transformation driven by globalization and technological advancements. He emphasized that, amidst these changes, mentorship plays an indispensable role in nurturing not only competence but also integrity among young lawyers. It is through meaningful guidance and support, he noted, that the next generation of legal professionals can rise to meet both the demands of the law and the moral responsibilities that accompany it.
Addressing the growing trend of pursuing foreign degrees, he cautioned against doing so merely out of peer pressure, emphasizing that an international qualification is not automatically a marker of excellence. He suggested that this trend also reflects a lack of confidence in Indian postgraduate legal education and called for greater investment in LLM post-doctoral programmes within the country. Ultimately, he emphasized the need to retain and nurture the best legal minds within India for the benefit of the nation’s legal system.
Suggesting final words as a guardian but not as a chief guest Justice Gavi said friends, family books, hobbies, health and imagination are the five important things should be kept intact always. He further said that they will be with professionals as sentinels in all circumstances. He recalled the erudition and love for knowledge Dr.B. R Ambedkar maintained all through his life as a load star to the passing out graduates.
Hon’ble A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana and Hon’ble Justice P.S. Narasimha, Judge, Supreme Court of India were the Guests of Honour on this occasion. Number judges of Telangana High Court and retired judges and legal luminaries took part in this convocation.
Hon’ble Justice Sujoy Paul, Acting Chief Justice, High Court for the State of Telangana & Chancellor, NALSAR will preside over the Convocation. Other Judges of Supreme Court and High Court of Telangana and A.P., will be attending the Convocation. Ministers of Telangana will also be attending the Convocation
462 Degrees (Inperson-232 and Inabsentia-230) and Diplomas including, Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), LL.M. (Master of Laws), M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration), M.A. (Taxation Laws) – In Absentia M.A. (Criminal Justice Management), B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. (Hons.) [Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons.)], B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration), P.G. Diploma in Taxation Laws, P.G. Diploma in Criminal Justice Management were awarded. 58 Gold medals were awarded on the occasion, including Five LL.M. (Master of Laws), one in MBA.52 for BA.LLB (honours). Medals were disbursed by the Chief guest and the Guests of honour. In LLM Muskan Karla, secured two gold medals. B. Harini, Huzaifa Shaik, Nandini Shivere secured one each. I MBA, Muskan Alvi secured a gold medal. In B.A.L.L.B Honours Ishika Garg secured eight gold medals. K.S Shailendra secured seven gold medals. Architha Secured six gold medals. Bhavya tallied four, Tejaswi, Shruti, Akil Surya, secured three medals each. Shruti and Sanvi secured two each. Srivalli, Anushka, Arivalagan, Jahnavi, Pradyumna, Shamik and Vishnu secured one each.
Books child rights, comparative criminal laws and a pictorial hand book on Contracts, and NALSAR Law review were released on this occasion. The registrar of the University Prof N.Vasanthi, teaching staff participated with gaiety.
