New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday urged graduating students of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, to uphold professional ethics, defend liberty and remain committed to justice and constitutional values as they embark on their legal careers.

Addressing the University's 34th convocation as its Chancellor, CJI Kant said the legal profession was "not for the faint of heart" and demanded not only mastery of statutes and precedents but also the courage to defend what is just and the humility to listen to voices that often go unheard.

"This intellectual independence also calls for fairness: hearing before judging, distinguishing a person from a position and disagreeing without deny...