Prayagraj, 20th September 2025 – Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU), Prayagraj, successfully hosted the second episode of its flagship interactive series “In Conversation with Legal Luminary”. The distinguished guest for this session was Mr. Vijay Hansaria, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, whose decades-long career and remarkable contributions to the legal profession made the event a memorable and intellectually stimulating experience for students.
The dialogue was skillfully moderated by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor (Dr.) Usha Tandon, whose insightful questions and interventions added depth to the interaction.
Students’ Enthusiastic Participation
The event drew participation from across RPNLU’s academic programmes, including both batches of the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) course and the LL.M. cohort. Notably, the newly admitted undergraduate batch engaged with great enthusiasm, posing perceptive questions and displaying keen interest in Mr. Hansaria’s insights.
Insights from Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria
At the outset, Mr. Hansaria addressed the perception of privilege, given that his father was a judge. He humbly clarified that while his background offered exposure, his journey was shaped by struggle, perseverance, and constant evolution, starting from his childhood in a village in Assam.
Reflecting on the transformation of the legal profession, he highlighted:
- The rise of women in law, noting their significant presence today compared to his student days.
- How the legal field has shifted from being considered a “fallback option” to a premier career of choice, attracting top talent.
- The importance of discipline, persistence, and commitment, even for those not initially academically outstanding.
On the role of technology in law, he noted the shift from book-based research to digital platforms such as SCC Online, while cautioning against over-reliance on AI. “Technology must complement human reasoning, not replace it,” he emphasized.
Reflections on Landmark Cases & Legal Issues
One of the highlights was Mr. Hansaria’s discussion of his role in the Electoral Bonds case, where he argued for greater transparency in political funding. He also expressed concern about the increasing criminal charges against legislators, noting that nearly 40% of Members of Parliament and 42% of ministers face pending cases—an issue that deeply impacts governance and public trust.
Other themes he touched upon included:
- Judicial accountability
- The media’s role in shaping perceptions
- The evolving responsibilities of lawyers as officers of the court
Interactive Session with Students
Students asked wide-ranging questions from Mr. Hansaria’s first Supreme Court argument, to dealing with sensitive issues like homosexuality, to balancing knowledge of law with judicial temperament. His advice underscored preparation, ethical advocacy, and adaptability.
A particularly engaging segment was the rapid-fire round led by Sr. Prof. Dr. Usha Tandon, where Mr. Hansaria described eminent judges like Justice P.N. Bhagwati, Justice Murtaza Fazal Ali, and Justice Fathima Beevi in a single word. He also shared personal reflections on his role models, greatest strengths, and views on artificial intelligence and media trials.
Closing & Takeaways
The event concluded with a group photograph, symbolizing the spirit of mentorship and dialogue. Mr. Hansaria expressed his happiness in interacting with RPNLU students and praised the quality of their questions. The students, in turn, left inspired by his journey, insights, and candid reflections.
This second episode of “In Conversation with Legal Luminary” reaffirmed RPNLU Prayagraj’s mission to connect students with eminent figures of the legal fraternity, nurturing critical thinking, professional ethics, and academic curiosity.