Prayagraj, September 3, 2025 — Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, successfully hosted the Indo-Bhutan Workshop on Professional Ethics, bringing together eminent legal experts from India and Bhutan to deliberate on the role of ethics in the legal profession, with a strong focus on judicial ethics.
The distinguished panel included Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rinzin Penjor, Vice President, Bar Council of Bhutan and former Judge, Supreme Court of Bhutan; Mr. Chhime Dorji, Registrar, Bar Council of Bhutan; and Ms. Sonam Yangden, Council Member, Bar Council of Bhutan.
Inaugural Session
The workshop began with opening remarks by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Sr. Professor Dr. Usha Tandon, who warmly welcomed the Bhutanese delegation and emphasized the critical role of professional ethics across every stage of a lawyer’s career.
Keynote Address by Justice Rinzin Penjor
Delivering the keynote, Justice Rinzin Penjor elaborated on the essence of judicial ethics, noting that the judiciary is not just a legal institution but also a moral one — guided by integrity, impartiality, and discipline.
He discussed challenges such as judicial backlogs while stressing the ethical duty of judges to ensure fairness and equal treatment in every case. Citing Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice H.R. Khanna, Justice Penjor recalled landmark moments in India’s judicial history that epitomized courage and professional ethics. He also referenced the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002) to connect the discussion to global standards.
From a Bhutanese perspective, Justice Penjor highlighted the Bhutan Judicial Services Act of 2007, which mandates judges to remain free from political influence while strictly upholding ethical codes.
Perspectives from Bhutanese Delegates
Ms. Sonam Yangden stressed that ethics is defined by choices made with courage, even when unobserved. She emphasized diligence, integrity, strong legal knowledge, and the work ethic essential to preserving the dignity of the profession.
Mr. Chhime Dorji underlined that while law grants authority, it is ethics that confers legitimacy on the legal profession.
Interactive Q&A with Students
The workshop became highly engaging during the Question-and-Answer session, where students raised thought-provoking issues such as:
- The role of professional ethics in the AI era
- Ethics of judges in the courtroom
- Navigating ethics in a corrupt environment
- Challenges for young lawyers in corporate law firms without compromising on ethics
- Balancing integrity and ambition amid litigation, economic pressures, and career growth
The panelists offered insightful responses, emphasizing that professional ethics lies in one’s conscience and can be upheld under all circumstances.
A Landmark Event for Legal Fraternity
The Indo-Bhutan Workshop on Professional Ethics marked a significant milestone in Indo-Bhutan legal collaboration, reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to nurturing a legal culture grounded in conscience, accountability, and professional responsibility.