Teaching law in Indian languages can improve legal access: CJI Chandrachud

At present, there are 37,000 Supreme Court decisions from 1950 to 2024 that have been translated into Hindi, and this service is available free of charge to all citizens.

CJI DY Chandrachud. (File Photo)

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Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud Sunday said law should be taught in regional languages so that people’s access to the legal system can be improved.

Chandrachud was speaking during the convocation ceremony of Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) in Lucknow on Saturday, an event that was also attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Arun Bhansali and several judges of the Allahabad High Court, a release said.

“I often discuss with educationists across the country how law can be taught in simple language.” said the CJI. He added that if one cannot explain the principles of law to the general public in simple terms, there is a deficiency in the legal profession and legal education.

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Pointing out that regional languages should also be taken into consideration when teaching law, he said:“I believe that RMLNLU should start an LLB course in Hindi. Laws related to regional issues should also be taught in our universities. For instance, if someone comes to the university’s legal aid centre from a nearby village with a land-related problem and the student does not understand terms such as Khasra and Khatauni, how will they be able to help? Therefore, students should be educated about regional laws related to land.”

Chandrachud said that as Chief Justice, he has issued many instructions to make the justice process more accessible. For example, Supreme Court decisions provided in English are being translated into various languages recognized in the Constitution of India, allowing the public to understand the content of these decisions.

At present, there are 37,000 Supreme Court decisions from 1950 to 2024 that have been translated into Hindi, and this service is available free of charge to all citizens.

CM Adityanath highlighted the significance of good governance, the release said. He emphasized that the rule of law is the “precondition for good governance”. He said that legal experts can contribute significantly to nation-building.

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