Faridabad, , divya rasthra* 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.
