Chief Justice of India Delivers Convocation Address at Chanakya National Law University, Patna
Chief Justice of India addresses CNLU Patna convocation after six years, announces expansion, and lauds Vice-Chancellor’s reforms.
The Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant delivered the Convocation Address at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna today. The Convocation was special as it was held after six years, covering six batches of students.
Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judges of the Supreme Court of India, also graced the occasion. Sunil Kumar, Education Minister, Government of Bihar, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The function was presided over by Justice Sudhir Singh, Acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court and Chancellor of the University. Several Judges of the Patna High Court, the Advocate General, Chairman of the Bar Council of India, Chairman of the Bihar State Bar Council, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), Law Secretary, and other senior officials were also present.
CJI Appreciates Student-Centric Administration of CNLU
The Chief Justice of India appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his student-centric administration without compromising intellectual rigour.
At the outset of his Convocation Address, the CJI announced that the State Government has allocated seven acres of land adjacent to the University for its expansion, expressing confidence that with the support of the State Government, necessary infrastructure on this land would be constructed soon.
Rich Historical and Moral Legacy of Bihar Recalled
Recalling the rich history of Bihar, the Chief Justice observed that from the compassion of Buddha to the moral clarity of Mahavir, and from Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s humble dedication to Sachidanand Sinha’s service and Jai Prakash Narayan’s Sampurna Kranti, Bihar has shaped ideas and contributions ranging from ancient civilisation to the freedom struggle in modern times.
Message to Graduating Students: Resilience, Growth, and Service
Encouraging the graduating students, Justice Surya Kant stated that setbacks do not define or diminish an individual, and that the law does not award immediate success alone, but tests endurance, reflection, and steady growth over time.
He cautioned that law has an uncanny way of humbling even the most prepared mind, clarifying that such moments are not an indictment of ability but an invitation to grow and develop resilience.
Urging law graduates to join litigation, the Chief Justice emphasised that the real question is not whether they have learned the law, but whether they are ready to reshape it and bend the arc of justice towards the communities that need it the most.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Faizan Mustafa: Driving Academic Reform and Institutional Growth
Vice-Chancellor’s 41-Page Report Highlights Key Achievements
In his detailed 41-page University Report, Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor, Chanakya National Law University, highlighted the recent academic, research, and institutional achievements of the University. He emphasised that in recent years, CNLU has successfully attracted faculty members and professionals who are graduates of globally reputed universities in the USA, UK, Italy, and Germany, with a conscious effort to reverse brain drain and encourage “Ghar Vapsi” of the best Bihari talent.
New Academic Programmes and Progressive Policy Initiatives
The Vice-Chancellor informed that CNLU has introduced a rigorous three-year LL.B. course after graduation from 2025, with approval from the Bar Council of India.
Considering the special needs of female students, the University has introduced a Menstrual Leave Policy, and to encourage academic excellence among faculty, an Academic Incentive Scheme has also been launched.
Launch of New Master’s Programmes and Centres of Excellence
In his welcome address, Prof. Mustafa announced that CNLU will soon launch:
- An MBA programme with Court Management as one of the specialisations
- A Master’s course in Public Policy & Criminal Justice Administration
- A Master’s programme in Cyber Security Law & Digital Forensics
The Centre for Cyber Security and Digital Forensics was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of India during the convocation. Prof. Mustafa stated that the Centre now empowers the University to train police officers of the entire State of Bihar in digital forensics.
International Collaborations and Dual Ph.D. Opportunities
The Vice-Chancellor also informed that some doctoral scholars of CNLU will now receive two Ph.D. degrees, one from CNLU and another from the University of Groningen, underscoring the University’s expanding global academic collaborations.
Innovation, Start-Ups, and Community Legal Outreach
Highlighting the achievements of the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Legal Entrepreneurship and Startup Cell, Prof. Mustafa stated that it is ranked third in Bihar and has incubated 59 start-ups, which is likely the highest among National Law Universities.
He requested the Education Minister to create a Chanakya Chair of Ancient Indian Jurisprudence at CNLU and announced that the University would soon establish a Community Radio Station dedicated to legal awareness.
Parting Message from the Vice-Chancellor: Towards Viksit Bharat
In his concluding message to the graduating students, Prof. Faizan Mustafa urged them to come forward and work towards saving the nation—its spirituality, culture, and heritage—so that the vision of a Viksit Bharat is realised.
