The School of Law at Manav Rachna University recently hosted the esteemed Justice RC Lahoti Memorial Lecture Series, a significant event aimed at commemorating the remarkable legacy of Justice R C Lahoti, 35th Chief Justice of India. This annual lecture series serves as a platform for fostering legal discourse, nurturing the development of future legal professionals, and paying tribute to Justice Lahoti’s enduring contributions to the field of law.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Prashant Bhalla, Chancellor of Manav Rachna University, who greeted the distinguished speakers and attendees with heartfelt appreciation. Dr. Bhalla reminisced about Justice Lahoti’s fearless demeanour and profound judicial legacy, urging young students to emulate qualities of hope, faith, courage, and tolerance as they embark on their legal journey.
Dr. Archana Mantri, daughter of the late Justice RC Lahoti, shared poignant reflections on her esteemed father’s enduring impact. With deep respect and affection, she recalled his unwavering integrity and empathetic approach to cases, emphasizing his commitment to merit-based decisions over financial gain. Dr. Mantri also highlighted Justice Lahoti’s unparalleled dedication to his work, noting his persistence in hearing arbitration pleas until his final moments, a testament to his steadfast commitment to justice, saying that “even during his final moments at the hospital, he was hearing arbitration pleas. He passed away while actively engaged in his work.”
Justice UU Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, in his address, highlighted Justice Lahoti’s profound influence on Indian jurisprudence, characterized by his unwavering dedication to justice and societal welfare. He praised Justice Lahoti’s desire to uplift marginalized communities through affirmative action, evident in several of his landmark rulings. He said that “Justice Lahoti’s desire to do justice is undeniable but the desire to do something for the community which will uplift those who actually require some kind of affirmative action which was evident in several of his rulings”. Justice Lalit emphasized that Justice Lahoti’s legacy continues to inspire a commitment to judicial integrity and social responsibility, leaving an indelible mark on India’s legal landscape.
Former President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind, shared insightful reflections on his experiences appearing before Justice Lahoti. He lauded Justice Lahoti’s embodiment of fairness, dignity, and the pursuit of national interest, as evidenced in his landmark judgments. He stated “Justice Lahoti had an eye on the miseries of common man even though justice through the court has been delivered but it was the implementation of the verdict that shocked the energy of the wronged litigants.
He emphasized the importance of implementing court verdicts to alleviate the grievances of the common man, echoing Justice Lahoti’s unwavering commitment to justice for all.
Dr. Kanu Priya, Dean of the School of Law concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the attendees, including members of the legal community, the bar and bench, lawyers, and distinguished guests. The presence of the Lahoti family added an additional layer of significance to the event, further honouring Justice Lahoti’s enduring legacy.
In honouring the memory of Justice RC Lahoti, the School of Law at Manav Rachna University reaffirms its commitment to upholding his vision and values. Through the Justice RC Lahoti Memorial Lecture Series, the institution aims to illuminate the path for future generations of legal professionals, guided by Justice Lahoti’s ideals of justice, integrity, and compassion.
