Fourth Convocation Ceremony

The National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam (NLUJA, Assam), celebrated its Fourth Convocation Ceremony at the Sri Sri Damodardeva International Auditorium, Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari, Guwahati, in the presence of distinguished members of the judiciary, academicians, faculty members, graduates, and their families.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath of the Supreme Court of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, attended as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was presided over by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and Chancellor of the University.

The ceremony commenced with an academic procession, followed by the National Song and the State Anthem, and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Chancellor formally declared the Convocation open, marking an important milestone in the academic journey of the graduating students.

A total of 107 degrees were conferred during the ceremony, comprising six Ph.D. degrees, 48 LL.M. degrees, and 53 B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) degrees. Of these, 81 graduates received their degrees in person, while 26 degrees were conferred in absentia.

Mr. Shivam Gupta emerged as the topper of the LL.M. programme with a CGPA of 9.50, while Ms. Shambhavi secured the University Gold Medal as the topper of the B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) programme with a CGPA of 9.78. She also received gold medals in Administrative Law and Taxation Law.

Other gold medal recipients included Ms. Jyoti Dahiya in Constitutional Law of India and Jurisprudence, Ms. Aashi Jain in Environmental Law, Ms. Rishika Sharma in Criminal Procedure, Ms. Pratistha Boro in Company Law, and Ms. Susmita Kanjilal in Arbitration and International Commercial Arbitration.

The six Ph.D. scholars awarded their degrees were Ms. Bipasha Saikia, Mr. Sajidur Rahman, Mr. Nihal Chhetri, Mr. Jay Jaiswal, Ms. Jayashri Rajbangshi, and Ms. Jafreen Haque. Their research covered diverse areas of contemporary legal and social relevance, including geographical indications, misleading advertisements, the right to health of transgender persons, urban groundwater depletion, undertrial prisoners in Assam, and juvenile justice in Assam.

In his address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashutosh Kumar congratulated the graduating students and acknowledged the contributions of teachers and parents in shaping their academic and personal journeys. Emphasising the importance of the legal profession in society, he urged the graduates to look beyond the mechanical application of legal rules and remain sensitive to the human realities underlying every dispute.

He encouraged the graduates to make the Constitution their guiding compass and uphold constitutional morality in their professional lives. Highlighting the cultural and social diversity of the North-Eastern region, he called upon them to develop a broader understanding of regional realities while contributing to the evolution of Indian jurisprudence. He also emphasised the need to approach emerging technologies thoughtfully and to preserve the values of humility, humanity, and professional integrity.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan reflected on the transformative role of education in developing independent thought, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Acknowledging the contributions of teachers, he emphasised that the success of an educational institution is ultimately reflected in the achievements and values of its students.

Referring to the importance of live-streaming court proceedings, he highlighted judicial transparency, accountability, and public access to justice. He underscored the close relationship between strong legal academia and an effective judiciary, urging the graduates to remain committed to human rights, empathy, and ethical responsibility.

He also encouraged the graduating students to respect differing viewpoints, remain open to learning and unlearning, and contribute meaningfully to the development of a just and inclusive society.

Delivering the Convocation Address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath urged the graduates to build their professional lives on the foundations of humility, honesty, fairness, and integrity. Drawing upon his own professional journey, he reminded them that graduation is not the culmination of learning but the beginning of a new phase of personal and professional growth.

He observed that the legal education received at university should equip graduates not merely with knowledge of the law, but also with the ability to think critically, listen carefully, engage in reasoned disagreement, and persuade responsibly. Emphasising that the legal profession carries significant power and responsibility, he cautioned the graduates against compromising ethical principles for immediate gains.

He encouraged them to approach their careers with an open mind, remain receptive to new opportunities, and uphold public trust through honesty and fairness in every professional engagement.

A message from Hon’ble Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, was read out by Dr. Nandarani Choudhury, Assistant Registrar (Academic), NLUJA, Assam. The message congratulated the graduating students and highlighted their responsibility to protect individual rights, uphold justice, and serve the public.

It also emphasised the importance of democratic institutions, judicial independence, and accountability, while drawing attention to the constitutional framework of the North-Eastern region, including the significance of the Sixth Schedule. The message reaffirmed the Government of Assam's commitment to supporting judicial infrastructure and the institutional development of NLUJA, Assam.

Presenting the University Report, Prof. (Dr.) K.V.S. Sarma, Vice-Chancellor of NLUJA, Assam, outlined the University's academic achievements, infrastructure development, research initiatives, student activities, and institutional progress during the reporting period.

The report highlighted the expansion of both the B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. programmes to two sections of 70 students each, as well as the admission of 12 Ph.D. scholars for the academic session 2026–27.

A significant infrastructural milestone was the inauguration of a 300-bedded student hostel on 15 March 2026, constructed with financial assistance from the Government of Assam. The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the activities of the University's research centres, externally supported research projects, academic publications, and engagements with judges, senior advocates, and scholars on contemporary legal issues.

The University's achievements in mooting, client counselling, and sports were also acknowledged. As part of its commitment to inclusive education, the University extended institutional scholarships amounting to ₹16.50 lakh to 55 students.