CJI Surya Kant Urges New AoRs To Prioritise Merit Over Social Media

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday addressed the felicitation ceremony for the 2025 batch of Advocates-on-Record, urging them to build their careers through the quality of their work rather than social media visibility.

He congratulated the new inductees and said they were joining a fraternity that has, for decades, helped the Supreme Court uphold the highest traditions of advocacy and the administration of justice. The CJI noted that qualifying as an AoR opens the door to the profession, but it does not guarantee success.

Justice Kant emphasized that credibility is earned through preparation, ethics, and hard work inside courtrooms. He advised lawyers to strive to be known for being thoroughly prepared whenever their names appear on a case file. The CJI also warned young lawyers against confusing online visibility with professional reputation, stating that social media popularity is not the same as credibility.

He stressed that the respect that truly matters is the respect earned inside courtrooms and from colleagues, clients, and members of the Bar. A legal career lasting decades is built through consistent hard work in chambers, not through debates in social media comment sections.

The CJI called the AoR qualification an 'enlargement of duty' and urged newly inducted advocates to accept legal aid matters whenever possible. He encouraged lawyers to use their position to serve those who have nowhere else to turn, noting that one case handled sincerely can change an entire family's life.

Justice Kant also highlighted the importance of drafting, describing it as the soul of the legal profession. He advised lawyers to draft every petition in a way that keeps the reader engaged, making it difficult to put the brief aside. The CJI shared an experience from his early years at the Bar, where he charged Rs 550 for an entire matter but was paid Rs 1,100 for each draft by senior advocates.

The CJI also touched upon the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal profession, stating that it should assist lawyers, not replace them. He recalled how drafting soon became his main source of profit after starting independent practice.

In conclusion, the CJI's advice to the new AoRs emphasizes the importance of merit, credibility, and responsible use of AI in the legal profession. His words serve as a reminder that a successful legal career is built on hard work, ethics, and a commitment to serving others.

The CJI's speech highlights the need for young lawyers to focus on developing their skills and building their reputation through quality work, rather than relying on social media visibility. His emphasis on the importance of drafting and legal aid also underscores the need for lawyers to use their skills to make a positive impact on society.

Overall, the CJI's message to the new AoRs is one of encouragement and guidance, urging them to prioritize merit and credibility in their pursuit of a successful legal career.

The legal profession is one that requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity. The CJI's advice serves as a reminder that these values are essential for building a successful and fulfilling career in law.

In the context of the Indian legal system, the CJI's words take on added significance. The Supreme Court has long been a beacon of hope for those seeking justice, and the role of AoRs is crucial in upholding the highest traditions of advocacy and the administration of justice.

As the Indian legal system continues to evolve, it is essential that young lawyers prioritize merit and credibility, using their skills to make a positive impact on society. The CJI's advice serves as a guiding light for those embarking on a career in law, reminding them of the importance of hard work, ethics, and a commitment to serving others.

In the end, the CJI's message to the new AoRs is one of hope and encouragement, urging them to build a career that is based on merit, credibility, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.

It is a reminder that a successful legal career is not just about personal achievement, but also about making a positive contribution to society. The CJI's words serve as a call to action, urging young lawyers to use their skills to make a difference in the lives of others.

The significance of the CJI's advice cannot be overstated. In an era where social media visibility often takes center stage, it is refreshing to hear a reminder that true credibility is earned through hard work and dedication. The CJI's emphasis on the importance of merit and credibility serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking to build a successful and fulfilling career in law.

For Mumbai residents, the CJI's advice is particularly relevant. As the city is home to a large number of law students and young lawyers, the CJI's words serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing merit and credibility in their pursuit of a successful legal career.

The city's legal community is known for its vibrant and dynamic nature, with many young lawyers eager to make a name for themselves. The CJI's advice serves as a guiding light for these young lawyers, reminding them of the importance of hard work, ethics, and a commitment to serving others.

In conclusion, the CJI's advice to the new AoRs is a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing merit and credibility in the legal profession. His words serve as a call to action, urging young lawyers to use their skills to make a positive impact on society.

The significance of the CJI's advice extends beyond the legal community, serving as a reminder of the importance of hard work, ethics, and dedication in all aspects of life. For Mumbai residents, the CJI's words are a reminder that true success is not just about personal achievement, but also about making a positive contribution to society.

What it means for Mumbai and India is that the legal profession is in good hands with the new batch of AoRs, who have been advised to prioritize merit and credibility. The CJI's emphasis on the importance of hard work, ethics, and a commitment to serving others serves as a reminder that the legal profession is not just about personal gain, but also about upholding the highest standards of justice and integrity.

The CJI's advice is a testament to the enduring values of the legal profession, which prioritizes merit, credibility, and a commitment to serving others. As the Indian legal system continues to evolve, it is essential that young lawyers remember these values, using their skills to make a positive impact on society.

In the end, the CJI's message to the new AoRs is one of hope and encouragement, reminding them that a successful legal career is built on hard work, ethics, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.

The CJI's advice serves as a guiding light for young lawyers, reminding them of the importance of prioritizing merit and credibility in their pursuit of a successful legal career. His words are a reminder that true success is not just about personal achievement, but also about making a positive contribution to society.

The significance of the CJI's advice cannot be overstated, serving as a reminder of the importance of hard work, ethics, and dedication in all aspects of life. For Mumbai residents, the CJI's words are a reminder that the legal profession is in good hands with the new batch of AoRs, who have been advised to prioritize merit and credibility.

The CJI's emphasis on the importance of merit and credibility serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking to build a successful and fulfilling career in law. His words are a reminder that a successful legal career is not just about personal gain, but also about upholding the highest standards of justice and integrity.

In conclusion, the CJI's advice to the new AoRs is a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing merit and credibility in the legal profession. His words serve as a call to action, urging young lawyers to use their skills to make a positive impact on society.

The CJI's advice is a testament to the enduring values of the legal profession, which prioritizes merit, credibility, and a commitment to serving others. As the Indian legal system continues to evolve, it is essential that young lawyers remember these values, using their skills to make a positive impact on society.

The significance of the CJI's advice extends beyond the legal community, serving as a reminder of the importance of hard work, ethics, and dedication in all aspects of life. For Mumbai residents, the CJI's words are a reminder that true success is not just about personal achievement, but also about making a positive contribution to society.

What it means for Mumbai and India is that the legal profession is in good hands with the new batch of AoRs, who have been advised to prioritize merit and credibility. The CJI's emphasis on the importance of hard work, ethics, and a commitment to serving others serves as a reminder that the legal profession is not just about personal gain, but also about upholding the highest standards of justice and integrity.