CJI DY Chandrachud Inaugurates NLU Prayagraj; Advocates Hindi as Medium of Instruction

In a significant development for legal education in India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University was inaugurated in Paryagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, 16th February 2024. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), DY Chandrachud, who called for Hindi to be the medium of instruction, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's legal education landscape.

The inauguration was graced by the presence of Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, and Manan Kumar Mishra, the Chairman of the Bar Council of India, highlighting the importance of the event in the state's educational and legal circles.

CJI Chandrachud, addressing the gathering, emphasized the challenges faced by students from diverse linguistic backgrounds due to the predominance of English in legal education. He advocated for the adoption of Hindi as the medium of instruction at the newly established National Law University (NLU) to foster equal opportunities and participation for all students. This initiative aims to remove linguistic barriers and enable students to excel in their studies and professional careers.

The Chief Justice's bilingual address underscored the necessity of bilingualism in the legal domain and the creation of an educational environment that nurtures growth and development. He also stressed the importance of expanding legal education to smaller and rural areas in Uttar Pradesh, leveraging technology to bridge educational gaps and enhance the accessibility of legal education.

Furthermore, CJI Chandrachud highlighted the need to broaden the legal curriculum to include political theory, philosophy, and cultural studies, alongside introducing specialization fields such as space laws and technology laws. This approach aims to enrich the legal education offered at NLUs and other institutions, preparing law aspirants for a diverse range of challenges.

Concluding his speech, the Chief Justice expressed his appreciation for the role of lawyers and advocates in shaping a civilized society, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in upholding justice.

The establishment of Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University represents a crucial step towards inclusivity and excellence in legal education, promising a brighter future for law students across the state and beyond.