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Faridabad, 2nd August 2025: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India, addressed an august gathering on the theme “From Legislation to Liberation: Strengthening Legal Aid for the Marginalised in a Changing India” as part of the 2nd Justice R.C. Lahoti Memorial Lecture, hosted by Manav Rachna University. The event was organised in honour of the 35th Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble (Late) Justice R.C. Lahoti, who also served as the Founding Chairperson of the Advisory Board at the School of Law, Manav Rachna University.
The memorial lecture was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Guest of Honor Hon’ble Mr. Justice U.U. Lalit, Former Chief Justice of India, who reflected on Justice Lahoti’s legacy as a ‘Karma Yogi’ known for his clarity, discipline, and commitment to national unity; Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.K. Lahoti, Former Acting Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh and brother of Justice R.C. Lahoti; Dr. Vandana Marda, daughter of the late Justice; Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI); Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, MREI; and Prof. (Dr.) Deependra Kumar Jha, Vice Chancellor, Manav Rachna University (MRU). The event was attended by judges, senior advocates, academicians and legal scholars.
The event began with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Deependra Kumar Jha, Vice Chancellor, MRU, who said he came to know Justice Lahoti through his judgments and the reverence with which others spoke of him. He described the lecture as a space to reflect on law, life, and Justice Lahoti’s enduring legacy.
In his keynote address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant said, “One of the movements which I have initiated throughout the country is ‘Mediation for 90 days’, which is going on, as of now. And we are trying to identify as many contentious cases, for disposal to mediation. Legal aid, as we have conceived it over the years, has often been limited in provisions of free or subsidized legal representation. While this is crucial, it is only the beginning. True access to justice demands not just representation, but also information, empowerment, support, and compassion. Each digital leap must draw us closer to the soul of the law, a law that speaks in every tongue, answers every call, and bends arguments toward justice. I believe legal aid must become truly universal in both reach and spirit. The challenge before us is not simply about bridging a technological divide but combining technological ingenuity with human empathy and social solidarity.”
Hon’ble Mr. Justice U.U. Lalit said, “To my mind, if there was one Karma Yogi in the Supreme Court, it was Justice R.C. Lahoti—thorough in preparation, attentive in hearings, clear in thought, and concise yet impactful in his judgments. I had the privilege of appearing before him in several important matters, and each one reflected his unwavering commitment to constitutional clarity, national integrity, and judicial restraint. Whether it was defending institutional autonomy, cautioning against divisive identity claims, or striking down ineffective legislation, his decisions were always guided by a deep sense of duty to the unity and fabric of this nation.”
Adding a deeply personal note, Dr. Vandana Marda said, “I find myself questioning whether the formality of thanks is even needed. Every time we, the Lahoti family, step into the campus of Manav Rachna University, we are enveloped in a sense of warmth, belonging, and affection. It feels as though we are not guests here, but part of a shared family. Within these walls, the memories of Justice Lahoti, my father, are not just preserved—they are felt, honoured, and brought to life. Last year, on my parents’ wedding anniversary, students portrayed his life—no tribute could have been more meaningful. My father taught us many things: that success means little without character, that discipline is commitment, and that service lies not in grand gestures but in everyday acts of honesty and kindness. On behalf of our family, and my mother, who couldn’t be here today, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Manav Rachna community for continuing to honour him.”
Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, in his address, said, “This is not just a lecture. I think it’s a moment of reflection, a tribute to a jurist who stood tall not just in the courtrooms of India, but in the moral conscience of a legal tradition. Justice Lahoti’s life and career were marked by deep integrity, simplicity and a profound understanding of constitutional justice. His judgments were not only legally profound but also human in spirit, reflecting his deep concern for justice as a lived experience for every citizen. Let Justice Lahoti’s life be a benchmark and his principles your guide.”
The Justice R.C. Lahoti Memorial Lecture Series, inaugurated in 2024 by Hon’ble Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, is aimed at encouraging dialogue on key legal and constitutional issues. The lecture series is supported by initiatives such as the Justice R.C. Lahoti Memorial Moot Court Competition, the Shri Ratan Lal Lahoti Memorial Law Library, and the Shri Ratan Lal Lahoti Gold Medal, which focus on academic engagement, legal research, and student recognition.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Asha Verma, Dean, School of Law, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and attendees, while reaffirming the university’s commitment to advancing legal education, strengthening access to justice, and upholding the values that Justice Lahoti championed—discipline, integrity, and a lifelong dedication to the legal profession.
