Law students urged to maintain original thinking

Senior advocate C. Aryama Sundaram spoke to law students in Chennai about the importance of original thinking. He delivered his message at the "Justice Unplugged" law conclave, organized by the VIT School of Law and The Hindu. Sundaram urged students not to lose their creativity in a world focused on super-specialisation in the legal field. He emphasized how original ideas have influenced major court decisions, particularly referencing the Kesavananda Bharati case from 1973. In that case, courts recognized the need to protect fundamental rights in the Constitution. Through original thought, they developed the basic structure doctrine, which safeguards the essence of constitutional values. Sundaram also discussed the evolving responsibilities of lawyers. He stated that lawyers today play a crucial role in shaping society, beyond just serving individual clients. He encouraged students to challenge existing norms, noting that dissent can lead to significant legal changes, as shown by Justice H.R. Khanna’s impactful dissent in a 1976 case. Finally, Sundaram highlighted the value of diverse reading for aspiring lawyers. He stressed that reading books on literature, philosophy, and current events enriches legal understanding. He believes that knowledge, in any form, is vital for a successful legal career.