Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has emphasized the immense professional fulfillment that comes with practicing criminal law, urging young lawyers to consider it as a primary career choice rather than a last resort.
Speaking at the launch of Ratanlal & Dhirajlal’s Law of Crimes: A Comprehensive Commentary on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, edited by former CJI Justice UU Lalit, CJI Khanna shared his personal experiences as a criminal lawyer. He recounted a memorable moment from his tenure as an Additional Public Prosecutor at the Delhi High Court when a convict personally visited him to express gratitude for his assistance as Amicus Curiae in a case.
“That was an experience which left me truly satisfied. This kind of personal fulfillment is something unique to criminal law and is often unmatched in civil or constitutional practice,” he reflected.
Despite the critical role of criminal law in the legal system, CJI Khanna pointed out that many young lawyers tend to shy away from it. He urged them to recognize its significance and embrace it as a preferred specialization.
“We should not ignore the importance of criminal law. I hope and trust that many young lawyers will choose it as a first option rather than as a compulsion,” he stated.
In his address, the CJI also underscored the necessity of integrating data-driven methodologies in criminal law, advocating for empirical analysis to shape jurisprudence. He noted that principles such as proportionality, frequently applied in constitutional benches, rely heavily on data and evidence.
“Criminal jurisprudence should not be built on untested assertions about behavior and social dynamics. It must be guided by empirical data and analytical tools to ensure justice is evidence-driven,” he remarked.
Additionally, CJI Khanna lauded Justice UU Lalit as one of India’s foremost legal minds in criminal law, highlighting his contributions both as an advocate and a jurist.
The event, attended by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, and Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, also provided a platform to discuss the continued relevance of legal commentaries in the digital age. The CJI reaffirmed the indispensable role of physical legal texts, arguing that while online databases provide quick access to case law, comprehensive commentaries remain fundamental for deeper legal understanding.
“Some might argue that instant digital access to legal resources reduces the need for commentaries. I strongly disagree. Judges and lawyers still rely on them for a complete perspective on the law,” he asserted.
Through his speech, CJI Khanna not only emphasized the rewards of practicing criminal law but also highlighted the need for a more evidence-based approach in the field. His call to young lawyers aims to inspire a new generation to engage with criminal law as a meaningful and impactful career choice.
