'Never stop questioning': D.K. Shivakumar addresses law graduates at NLSIU convocation

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday called upon young lawyers to defend democratic institutions, uphold constitutional values and ensure that justice reaches every citizen, stressing that a strong democracy must allow people to question the government.

Addressing the 34th convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, in the presence of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Shivakumar said young lawyers and policymakers had a special responsibility to protect the Constitution at a time when democratic institutions across the world were facing challenges.

“Never stop questioning, never compromise on your values, and never forget the people,” he told the graduating students at the ceremony held at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium.

“A strong democracy is not one where everyone agrees with the government. It is one where every citizen has the freedom to question it,” he said.

Shivakumar urged the graduates to question, debate and challenge ideas while taking responsibility for finding solutions. Constitutional principles, he said, should not remain confined to textbooks but must guide governance, policymaking and public life.

“India does not merely need more lawyers. We need lawyers with integrity, compassion and courage,” he said, asking them to speak up for what was right, even when doing so was difficult, and to understand the struggles of ordinary people.

The CM also announced that the Karnataka government would establish a dedicated institution to train law graduates for judicial service examinations and provide continuing education for young advocates.

The government will also support the establishment of a Start-up Law Clinic at NLSIU, where students, faculty members and lawyers will offer pro bono legal advice to young entrepreneurs.

Referring to the mounting backlog of cases in Indian courts, Shivakumar said millions of people were waiting for justice. While a pending case might appear to be just another number in the judicial system, for the person involved, it could represent their entire life.

Justice, he said, must become faster, simpler, affordable and accessible to all.

He also urged graduates to measure India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047—not merely through economic growth, infrastructure and employment, but also through the dignity, freedom, equality and security enjoyed by its citizens.