Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday underscored the state’s pioneering legal reforms, asserting that the hill state has become the first in the country to introduce progressive laws for orphaned children, gender equality in property rights, and an increased legal marriage age for girls. Sukhu, addressing the second convocation ceremony of Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), emphasized the significance of these changes, which reflect his government’s commitment to social justice and empowerment.
Sukhu, who holds a law degree but chose politics and social service over legal practice, encouraged students to embrace challenges beyond academics. “A degree is just the beginning. True knowledge comes from experience, and studying law instills confidence, regardless of the career path one chooses,” he said, urging the young graduates to step into their professional lives with dedication and resilience.
The event took place at the Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy, Shimla, where Sukhu also spoke about his government’s reforms under the slogan ‘Vyavstah Parivartan’ (Systemic Change). He detailed how the Congress-led Government had worked to stabilize the state's financial situation over the past two years while simultaneously bringing transformative legal and social policies.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state assembly’s recent passage of the Himachal Pradesh Anti-Drugs Act and the Organized Crime Act, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to dismantling drug networks.
Further strengthening efforts to combat drug addiction, Sukhu announced the establishment of a State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Center at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district. “Strict action against drug mafias has been taken, leading to the dismantling of their supply chains,” he said, stressing the government's determination to protect youth from the menace of substance abuse. He also outlined advancements in education and healthcare, reaffirming his commitment to holistic development in the state.
Delivering the convocation address, Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant motivated students to push their limits and uphold integrity in their profession. “Success requires determination and intelligence,” he remarked, addressing the struggles of law students, including self-doubt and ethical dilemmas. Justice Kant urged the graduates to approach the legal profession with a strong moral compass, emphasizing, “Law is not just for those who can afford it, but for those who are in dire need of it.”
During the ceremony, the honorary Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) was conferred upon the Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Karol and former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court Justice Rajeev Shakdhar for their significant contributions to the legal field. A total of 451 students received their degrees, including 114 from the BA LLB programme, 111 from the BBA LLB programme, 211 from the LLM programme, and 15 doctoral candidates awarded PhD degrees.
The students were recognized for academic excellence at the convocation. Surya Dev Singh Bhandari, Tissy Annie Thomas, and Nivedita Sharma received the Founder Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal for topping the PG Programme. Sheenam Thakur (2018 batch) won multiple accolades, including the KK Luthra Memorial Gold Medal in Criminal Law. Other awardees included Aditi Sharma, Lipi Aryan, Ankita Sharma, Hiaa Sharma, and Sanchit Sharma. The event was graced by Supreme Court judges Justice MM Sundresh and R Mahadevan, HP High Court Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia, and other dignitaries.
