Ethical Conduct in the Digital Era: Insights from Distinguished Justices
Justice Sandeep Mehta of the Supreme Court and Justice Vaibhavi D. Nanavati of the Gujarat High Court addressed incoming law students at Parul University, focusing on the critical topics of professional ethics and digital media usage within the judiciary. The orientation program, titled ‘Aarambh 2026’ and organized by Parul University’s Faculty of Law, convened key figures from the legal field to discuss ‘Professional Ethics in Courtrooms and Digital Media: Ensuring Transparency while Preserving Judicial Dignity.’
Keynote Speakers Highlight the Balance Between Technology and Ethics
Justice Mehta, serving as the chief guest, emphasized how technology has broadened the accessibility of justice, allowing court proceedings to reach a global audience. However, he cautioned against the misinterpretation of judicial remarks through social media snippets, stressing that legal decisions are grounded in evidence, legal principles, and meticulous analysis. He also noted the pivotal role the next generation will play in shaping the future justice system.
Similarly, Justice Nanavati, the guest of honour, underscored the importance of ethics at the heart of a lawyer’s identity. She stressed that attributes such as truthfulness, courage, preparation, judgment, and professional courtesy are integral to building a lawyer’s reputation, which should be informed by personal conduct rather than digital presence. Additionally, she discussed the potential of Artificial Intelligence in legal research, while affirming that the core responsibilities of adjudication, interpretation, and law application must continue to rely on human judgment, empathy, and fairness.
Commending New Graduates and Emphasizing Lifelong Learning
The event also celebrated graduates who successfully passed the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), marking their entry into the professional legal landscape. Dr. Rajendra I. Parikh, Dean of the Faculty of Law, quoted Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., highlighting the role of experience in shaping legal insight by stating, “The life of the law has not been logic: it has been experience.”
Dr. Devanshu Patel, President of Parul University, spoke about the broader responsibilities accompanying a career in law, noting, “The legal profession is not only about winning arguments; it’s about making sure justice truly prevails.” He encouraged students to cultivate habits of extensive reading, deep thinking, and kindness. He stressed that the university’s mission is to develop responsible and ethical lawyers who serve as officers of the court, equipped with integrity as robust as their arguments. He concluded with the sentiment, “A lawyer wants to win, and a great lawyer wants justice to win,” urging students to approach their careers with purpose and integrity.
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The ‘Aarambh 2026’ program not only marked the academic year’s commencement for the new batch but also celebrated the graduates stepping into professional practice.
