Hyderabad: CJI flags crisis in legal system, seeks immediate reforms

Hyderabad: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has said that India’s legal system is facing unprecedented challenges and urgently needs reforms to ensure justice is not denied due to delays.

Legal system needs fixing

Addressing the convocation at NALSAR University of Law on Saturday, Justice Gavai observed that judicial delays continue to undermine the credibility of the system.

“Delays in trials can sometimes go on for decades. We have seen undertrials being declared innocent after spending years in jail. Our best talent can help resolve such problems,” he said.

Optimism amid challenges

Despite his concerns, he expressed cautious optimism. “Even though I conclude that our legal system is badly in need of fixing, I remain optimistic that my fellow citizens will rise to the challenges,” he said.

Invest beyond institutions

Justice Gavai emphasised the need to invest not only in institutions but also in imagination, mentorship programmes, research fellowships, policy labs, local innovation ecosystems, and ethical workplaces.

“These are what will make the best minds want to stay in India or return after studying abroad,” he said.

Advice on Foreign Education

Advising students to pursue studies abroad only on scholarships, he said they should avoid burdening family finances.

“A foreign degree is not a stamp of your worth. Don’t take such decisions under peer pressure. Do not mistake urgency for progress. There is no age bar to learn,” he cautioned.

Welcoming returning talent

He highlighted that many students who study abroad return with renewed passion and fresh perspectives but find Indian institutions unwelcoming and closed to new ideas.

“This must change if we want to retain or attract our best minds. We need nurturing academic environments, transparent and merit-based opportunities, and dignity in legal research and training,” he said.

Mentorship matters

Justice Gavai urged graduates to seek mentors for their integrity rather than power and to become mentors themselves. “That is how we build not just careers but a community of care within the profession,” he said.

Learning from others

Sharing his journey, he said, “I am here today not just because I worked hard, but because someone believed in me before I could believe in myself. That support changed my life.”

No shortcuts in Law

Calling law a noble yet demanding profession, he reminded students that there is no shortcut to success. “You must constantly prove yourself to courts, clients, peers, and yourself. Being grounded in the basics and consistent learning are essential,” he said.

Emotional Challenges

He warned that legal practice can be isolating and emotionally taxing, with long hours and high expectations. “You will feel pressure to succeed and to appear successful. Many hide their struggles. I urge you not to. Find your community,” he advised.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Supreme Court Judge Justice P.S. Narasimha, and Acting Chief Justice of Telangana High Court Justice Sujoy Paul were also present at the convocation.