Symbiosis Law School celebrated its Annual Law Day on the 10th of January 2010. The occasion was auspicious as it was for the 1st time that the present Cabinet Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs of India Dr. M. Veerappa Moily graced the occasion by his august presence. The function was also attended by Professor. Emeritus of SLS, Advocate Ram Jethmalani who is a former Law Minister. Chancellor of SIU,Padmashri Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Vice Chancellor Dr M.S. Raste and Principal Director Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal of SLS Dr. Shashikala Gurpur were the other distinguished members on the dias.
Dr. S.B. Mujumdar gave the welcome address wherein he spoke of the genesis and growth of Symbiosis over the years. He stressed on the fact that Deemed Universities have a greater role to play in the near future as the State is not in a capacity to address the need of many more universities in order to fulfil the requirement of the country’s education. He pointed out the absence of any academician in the Bar Council of India which is the regulatory body for legal education. He highlighted the need for an All India Legal Education Council comprising of lawyers as well as academicians to improve the quality of legal education in India.
It was then followed by the traditional lighting of the Lamp.
Dr. Shashikala Gurpur , the Principal of SLS, in her speech highlighted the accomplishments of the institute over the past year.
Union Cabinet Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs, Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, the Chief Guest on the occasion then delivered his key note address. He stated that he felt privileged to be a part of the august gathering and congratulated Dr.S. B. Mujumdar for having envisaged his dream. He urged the students to strive for excellence in all their endeavours. He spoke of liberating the people from the evils of injustice after political independence in 1947 and economic independence in 1991. He highlighted some of the major achievements towards legal reforms and also plans which are on anvil. Notable among them are the bill on judicial accountability, common commercial code and second generation reforms on legal education. The Bill on judicial accountability will make sure that no tainted person can be a judge or continue to be a judge. He also favoured opening the legal sector for foreign law firms and lawyers as he was sure that India is ready for the wrongly perceived threat to Indian lawyers arising from such competition. He quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” This is the beauty that symbolizes Symbiosis which follows the policy of expansion, inclusion and excellence. He also emphasized the importance of continuous self evaluation and self assessment in an individual.
He also talked about National Judicial service, similar to the civil services which will fill the need for judges throughout the country and thereby create many opportunities for law graduates. He also stated that many States have agreed to the proposal and it may be effective in the next year.
Commenting on the need of quality legal professionals he said that there are no vacancies in the lowest levels, no vacancies in the mediocre level but there are lots of vacancies at the top. He also pointed out that law is a profession and not as a trade or business. In conclusion he stated that law is a tool for social engineering.
Sr. Adv. Ram Jethmalani spoke next, highlighting in his speech the need for educated citizenry and eradication of corruption from society. He put forth the idea of establishing a university for secular education on the disputed territory of Ayodhya rather than having a temple or a mosque there. He commented that our politicians do not take the meaning of Art.25 and 51 of the India Constitution in its truest sense and advised not to mould it as per their convenience.
This was than followed by the administration of the Law Day oath, wherein the audiences pledged themselves to the cause of rule of law, democracy, eradication of terrorism, constitutionalism and justice.
Various prize winners were felicitated on this occasion for their various achievements, notable among them being Ashraya Rao who got the Ram Jethmalani award for excellence in Evidence Act. Further, Advocate SK Jain scholarships were awarded to Ms Parvati Raj and Laxmi Menon. Akhil Arora, Arunadri Iyer, and Arijeet Mukherjee received the Nani Palkhiwala Trust scholarship for academic excellence while Suvinay Das, Shraddha Krishnan received the Nani Palkhiwala Research award.. Nikhil Patel, P.J.Joel and Anika Nirula received the Microsoft IPR scholarship. Arpita Jaiswal got the award for Excellence in Contract law. Suvajit Chakraborty, Sachin Ravi and N.C. Raghav were felicitated for winning lauels in various quiz competitions including Swedish Noble foundation quiz.
The function also saw the inauguration of the Symbiosis-EU Study Centre under which one could pursue a 3 month certificate course on European Union Law. Mr. Ulrich Podewils, Tema leader, India-EU Study Centre Program, Delhi was also present.
The function ended with the delivery of vote of thanks by the Vice Principal Prof, C.J.Rawandale.