Justices Sandeep Mehta and Vaibhavi Nanavati caution law students on social media, digital visibility at Parul University orientation

Justice Sandeep Mehta of the Supreme Court and Justice Vaibhavi D Nanavati of Gujarat High Court spoke to newly enrolled law students at Parul University on professional ethics in courtrooms and the use of digital media by the judiciary.

Aarambh 2026, organised by Parul University's Faculty of Law for the newly enrolled Batch of 2026, brought together members of the judiciary, faculty, graduates and students for a discussion on "Professional Ethics in Courtrooms and Digital Media: Ensuring Transparency while Preserving Judicial Dignity."

Justice Mehta attended as chief guest and Justice Nanavati as guest of honour, and spoke on professional conduct, open justice, and the responsibilities that legal professionals carry in the digital era.

Speaking to the students, Justice Mehta said technology had reshaped access to justice, making court proceedings available to a much wider audience. He also cautioned against interpreting judicial observations through social media clips, saying it is the courts that decide cases based on evidence, legal principles, and reasoned analysis. He added that the next generation would play a defining role in shaping the justice system of tomorrow.

Addressing the importance of professional ethics in the legal profession, Justice Nanavati placed ethics at the centre of a lawyer's identity, and said it was reflected in everyday choices and conduct.

She spoke about truthfulness, courage, preparation, judgement, and professional courtesy, noting that legal professionals build their reputation through knowledge and real-world conduct rather than through digital visibility.

On the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal profession, Justice Nanavati said it could aid legal research and improve efficiency, but that adjudication, interpretation, and application of the law must remain rooted in human judgement, empathy, and fairness.

The occasion also recognised graduates who had qualified the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), through a felicitation ceremony marking their transition into professional legal practice.

The programme brought together the judiciary, practising legal professionals, graduates, and the newly enrolled students, linking the start of their legal education with the realities and responsibilities of the profession.

Addressing the importance of experience in shaping legal understanding, Dr. Rajendra I Parikh, Dean, Faculty of Law, drew on the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr, telling students: "The life of the law has not been logic: it has been experience."

Speaking on the larger responsibility that comes with the legal profession, Dr. Devanshu Patel, President, Parul University, said,

"The legal profession is not only about winning arguments, it's about making sure justice truly prevails."

He urged students to build a habit of reading more, thinking deeply, and staying kind. He added that the university's objective was to nurture responsible, ethical lawyers who also serve as officers of the court, with character stronger than their arguments. Patel also said, "a lawyer wants to win, and a great lawyer wants justice to win," urging students to approach the profession with purpose as well as integrity.

Aarambh 2026 marked the start of the academic year for the newly enrolled batch, while also felicitating graduates moving into professional practice.

<Sponsored by the brand>