In a significant move towards democratizing access to legal education, Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, has underscored the imperative of extending university-level law programs to remote rural areas and ensuring inclusivity for non-English speaking students. His advocacy aims to break down barriers and promote diversity within the legal profession, leveraging technology and advocating for Hindi as a medium of instruction.
Justice Chandrachud, speaking at the inauguration event of Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, highlighted the transformative potential of technology in reaching students in far-flung regions. He emphasized that despite advancements in legal education, the current system predominantly favors English-speaking urban students. Acknowledging this disparity, he stressed the need for proactive measures to address it.
One key challenge identified by the Chief Justice is the language barrier faced by students from diverse backgrounds. Citing a survey conducted on diversity in five law universities, he pointed out that many students struggle to secure admissions due to their inability to speak English. To tackle this issue, he highlighted the Bhashini software, which translates Supreme Court judgments into Hindi, making legal information more accessible to non-English speakers.
Moreover, Justice Chandrachud urged law colleges and universities to design their programs with inclusivity in mind, catering to students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. He proposed keeping the medium of instruction in Hindi to ensure that students from regions like Uttar Pradesh have equal opportunities to excel in legal education and become proficient lawyers.
Recognizing the pivotal role of lawyers in nation-building, Justice Chandrachud emphasized their contribution to upholding the principles of justice and advocating for marginalized communities. By promoting inclusive legal education, he aims to empower aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds to participate meaningfully in the legal profession and contribute to a more equitable and just society.
The event, attended by dignitaries including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other prominent figures from the legal fraternity, underscored the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity in legal education. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, the legal community can work towards breaking down barriers, promoting diversity, and fostering a more inclusive legal profession that reflects the rich tapestry of India's cultural and linguistic diversity.
