Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that a strong democracy must allow citizens to question the government while addressing the 34th annual convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru on October 17. He told graduating students that democracy should not be measured by whether everyone agrees with the government, but by whether people have the freedom to ask questions and seek accountability.
Shivakumar urged young lawyers and policymakers to protect constitutional values, debate ideas and take responsibility for finding solutions. His remarks placed emphasis on the role of citizens, legal professionals and public institutions in sustaining democratic culture at a time when democratic systems in several countries are facing pressure and public trust is widely debated.
Message to future lawyers
Addressing the graduates, Shivakumar encouraged them not to be afraid of questioning those in authority or compromising their values for convenience. He said that constitutional rights come with responsibilities and that young professionals should remember the people they are expected to serve. The remarks were reported by several news outlets covering the NLSIU convocation.
The annual convocation brings together students, faculty, families and public figures to mark the completion of academic programmes. For law graduates, the transition from university to professional practice can mean working in courts, government, public policy, research, corporate legal teams or civil society. Shivakumar’s comments framed the law as more than a professional qualification, presenting it as a responsibility connected to fairness and public service.
Judicial training proposal
During the address, the Karnataka government also announced plans to establish a dedicated institution to train candidates for judicial services examinations and provide continuing education for young lawyers. Such training could help law graduates prepare for competitive recruitment and support professional development after they enter practice. The details of the institution, including its structure, location and implementation timeline, would need to be confirmed through further official announcements.
Judicial service examinations require candidates to develop a strong command of substantive law, procedural rules, legal reasoning and judgment-writing. Structured preparation and continuing education can help build those skills, though the quality and accessibility of any new programme will depend on its curriculum, faculty, funding and reach beyond major cities.
Why the right to question matters
Questioning government decisions is a central part of public accountability. Citizens need access to reliable information, the ability to debate policy and mechanisms to challenge decisions through lawful channels. The right to ask questions is not a substitute for evidence or reasoned discussion; it is a way of testing decisions, identifying gaps and improving public administration.
For young lawyers, the challenge is to defend these principles in practical settings: explain legal rights clearly, treat clients fairly, scrutinise evidence and maintain independence when under pressure. Shivakumar’s message at NLSIU placed those obligations at the centre of the profession’s public role. The next steps on the proposed judicial-training institution and other announcements will become clearer through official government communications.
Sources: Bar & Bench · The New Indian Express
