Illuminating Paths To Justice: Insights From Justice Sanjay Karol At NLU Sonepat's Pro Bono Legal Services Seminar And Capacity Building Program

The Pro Bono Club of Dr B.R.Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, orchestrated a Seminar and Capacity Building Program on Pro Bono Legal Services, showcasing an assemblage of eminent legal minds and scholars. The event, featured distinguished chief guests including Justice Sanjay Karol, esteemed Judge of the Supreme Court of India; Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain, distinguished Judge of the Delhi High Court; Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of NLU Prayagraj; Mr. Anoop Bose, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India; SK Ghosh, Vice President of Reliance Corporate Affairs; Prof. (Dr.)Archana Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of the host university; Prof. (Dr.)Ashutosh, Dean of Academic Affairs; and Associate Prof. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the Pro Bono Club Nodal Officer, all gracing the stage with their presence.

The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment and progressive ethos that underlie legal scholarship and advocacy. Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Archana Mishra extended a gracious welcome to the august gathering, articulating the profound developmental trajectory of the university while shedding light on its pivotal contributions to legal scholarship and societal welfare.

In his erudite address, Justice Sanjay Karol delineated the nuanced distinction between justice and judgment within the constitutional framework, emphasizing the imperative for legal practitioners to transcend mere legal formalism and engage with the humanistic dimensions of justice. He exhorted the gathering, particularly the students, to nurture an insatiable thirst for knowledge, as the pursuit of justice necessitates a perpetual quest for intellectual enlightenment. Justice Karol underscored the indispensable role of legal professionals in upholding the democratic fabric of the nation, urging all stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and the ethos of legal rectitude.

Echoing these sentiments, Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain expounded upon the foundational principles of constitutionalism and the imperative for legal luminaries to champion the cause of justice and equity. He elucidated the hierarchical intricacies of the legal apparatus, offering valuable insights into the journey from lower courts to the apex court, while stressing the pivotal role of legal practitioners in safeguarding the rights of citizens and ensuring due process.

Senior Advocate Anoop Bose provided a compelling narrative, drawing from his rich reservoir of legal experiences, to underscore the symbiotic relationship between diligent legal representation and the attainment of just outcomes. He invoked the landmark Khatri case and emphasized the pivotal role of lawyers in championing the cause of justice and legal empowerment. 

Mr. S.K Ghosh illuminated the avenues for accessing free legal aid, delineating the mechanisms facilitated by district-level legal services authorities to ensure equitable access to justice for marginalized sections of society. He expounded upon the Nyaya Bandhu Scheme and underscored the imperative for legal practitioners to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for expeditious and amicable resolution of legal disputes.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon lauded the Pro Bono Club initiative as a beacon of legal enlightenment, stressing its profound societal impact and the imperative for legal practitioners to uphold ethical standards while championing the cause of justice.The technical session witnessed a confluence of legal luminaries including Advocate Mr. Praveen Kumar Singh, Advocate Supreme Court of India; Mr. Prashant Tiwari, Chairman of Opinion Express; and Rajendra Kumar, Director of CCI, who provided valuable insights into legal advocacy and professional ethics.

Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants, encapsulating the collective commitment to fostering a culture of justice, mutual respect, and legal enlightenment within the legal fraternity.The resounding success of this event, orchestrated under the sagacious guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Archana Mishra, epitomizes the collective aspiration for a more just, equitable, and enlightened legal landscape.