Justice Surya Kant Calls for Merit-Based Recognition, Setting Aside Personal Relationships in Legal Circles
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Vishakhapatnam 6, Sep, 2025-Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court recently emphasized that true fulfilment in the legal profession goes beyond professional achievements. According to Justice Kant, genuine satisfaction must be rooted in building strong relationships and showing compassion, underscoring the importance of empathy alongside legal expertise in the practice of law.
Addressing graduates at the combined convocation ceremony of Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Justice Kant delivered a poignant message on the emotional landscape of legal practice. He acknowledged that the profession can often feel adversarial and isolating, but urged young lawyers to resist the temptation to sever personal ties in pursuit of professional success.
“The practice of law may test your resilience and relationships,” he said, “but it is precisely in those moments that your personal connections become your anchor.”
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduating cohort, with Justice Kant’s remarks serving as both a caution and a call to preserve humanity within the rigors of legal life.
He compared life to a Grand Prix Race and said that “As you accelerate into this new chapter of your life, let me offer you an image: life as your own Grand Prix, since many of you are fans of Formula racing. However, this race is a little different from the ones you watch online: in the Grand Prix of your life, your goal is not to finish the race faster than everyone else. The goal is to focus on the quality of your own race.”
He further stated that the laughter, comfort, and love awaiting you after a challenging day in court provide the strength needed to face whatever lies ahead. He urged never to underestimate the importance of those restorative paus.
He encouraged the graduating students to welcome uncertainty and stay open to reinvention, pointing out that passion often evolves with experience rather than being found all at once. Sharing his own journey, he recalled stepping back from a judicial services interview on the advice of a High Court judge and later choosing to pursue a Master’s degree even while serving on the Bench.
“It was these uncertain moments—the ones faced with trepidation—that proved to be stepping stones. Had I not embraced those changes and actively sought them at various times, I might not be standing before you today.”
Reflecting on the evolving sense of purpose, Justice Kant urged students not to fear changing paths in life or in law, noting that personal and professional growth rarely follows a straight line. He emphasized the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.
“Permit yourself to evolve and adapt, for the simple reason that growth rarely proceeds in a straight line.”
He told the graduating class that true success in both law and life is not solely defined by intellectual prowess, but equally by compassion, kindness, and the capacity to nurture relationships that lend deeper meaning to professional accomplishments.
“Dare to find happiness, both inside and outside your professional life”
