269 graduates awarded degrees at NLU-Delhi 12th convocation ceremony

National Law University (NLU), Delhi, held its 12th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, awarding degrees to 269 students across PhD, LLM, Joint Master/LLM/MA, and BA LLB (Hons) programmes. The event was attended by eminent judges, academicians and dignitaries from across the country.

Delivering the convocation address, Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna congratulated the graduates on their achievements, while reminding them of the solemn responsibility that a law degree entails.

She said, “This degree is not merely a personal success, but also a call to uphold constitutional values and serve society. You are officers of the court and guardians of the Constitution.”

Calling integrity and ethics, she encouraged students to respond to emerging social, technological and environmental challenges with innovation, justice and a spirit of public service.

Delhi Minister Ashish Sood described the convocation as a historic moment for students, their families, and teachers alike. Citing the Upanishads, he remarked, “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye – True knowledge is that which liberates.” He added, “Some of you will enter corporate boardrooms, while others will stand in crowded courtrooms to fight for justice. Regardless of the forum, remember that society survives only when justice prevails. Justice is the soul of our Constitution and of democracy.”

Citing Dr BR Ambedkar, he stressed, “However good a Constitution may be, if those who implement it are not good, it will prove ineffective. Conversely, even a flawed Constitution can succeed if its people are good. From today, this responsibility rests on your shoulders.”

He reminded the graduates, “Your degree is not just a personal achievement but society’s investment and trust in you. When you face real debates and cases tomorrow, your identity will not just be as a lawyer, but as a sentinel of justice.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof GS Bajpai highlighted NLU Delhi’s sustained academic leadership, underlining that the institution has ranked second in the NIRF Rankings 2025 for the eighth year in a row. He also pointed to innovations in insolvency, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, and legal technology, which have placed NLU Delhi at the forefront of legal education.

Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya (Chief Justice, Delhi High Court & Chancellor, NLU Delhi) conferred the degrees, while Justice AK Sikri and Prof BB Pande were honoured with the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) for their extraordinary contributions to law and education.