Justice Thakur urges law students to uphold Constitutional values

Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, urged young law practitioners to work in close liaison with the Constitution to ensure justice for every citizen. He was addressing a one-day national seminar on “75 Years of the Indian Constitution and Supreme Court: The Journey So Far and Challenges Ahead”, organised by the Department of Laws, Himachal Pradesh University, in memory of Prof OP Chauhan.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Thakur highlighted the pressing issue of judicial vacancies across High Courts and other courts in the country. He expressed gratitude to the university for organising the seminar, which not only reflected on the Supreme Court’s evolution over 75 years but also paid tribute to Prof OP Chauhan, a distinguished figure in the field of law.

Addressing the aspiring advocates, he cautioned against prioritising financial gains over justice, urging them to provide pro bono legal assistance to those in need. He reminded citizens to not only enjoy their constitutional rights but also fulfil their duties with sincerity. Justice Thakur further emphasised that the Constitution is a dynamic document, capable of adapting to new challenges through amendments. He also paid rich tribute to Prof Chauhan, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to legal education.

In his presidential address, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajinder Verma welcomed the attendees and lauded Prof Chauhan’s immense contributions to the university’s administration. He noted that the Constitution is a well-structured document, capable of addressing both current and future societal challenges.

Delivering the keynote address, BL Soni, retired District and Sessions Judge, stressed the importance of lifelong learning, particularly in law. He pointed out that every individual is born with inherent rights, and the Constitution serves as a vibrant and supreme document that governs all legal frameworks. He asserted that every state action must align with constitutional provisions, reaffirming the Constitution’s paramountcy in legal matters.

The seminar served as an insightful platform for law students and practitioners, reinforcing the Constitution’s pivotal role in upholding justice and governance in India.