On March 20, 2026, University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University, hosted the second season of its flagship event- Raising the Bar, on the occasion of its 9th National Law Fest — Arguendo, 2026. The event was organised under the able guidance and vision of Director UILS, Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi and was graced by the former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court, Hon’ble Ms. Justice Ritu Bahri (Retd.). Dr. Supreet Gill, Faculty-in-charge of the Moot Court Society at UILS, interviewed Ms. Justice Bahri, bringing out her profound perspectives, which were not limited to the legal arena only, but encompassed a broader spectrum of life’s experiences.
Though Her Ladyship’s mother wished for her to become a professor, her interests lay in litigation, just like the three preceding generations of her family, an epiphany which grew stronger during the one-year hiatus post her graduation in law from Panjab University in 1985. Breaking the chain of male lawyers in her family, Ms. Justice Bahri’s elevation from the bar to the bench, firstly as the first-ever woman Acting Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court and then as the first female Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court, created history.
While serving as the Chief Justice of Uttranchal High Court, following the tragic suicide by a 25-year old lady advocate in Nainital, Her Ladyship had taken suo moto cognisance of the matter directing the State to appoint counsellors in all district courts, to address increasing suicides rooting from rising emotional distress and anxiety in today’s age. In light of this order, when asked about the glorification of an over-burdened work life culminating in chronic stress by Prof. Dr. Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (DSW, Women), Ms. Justice Bahri once again emphasized that one must find a fragile balance between work and play, which is immune to the judgement of others. She underscored the importance of a non-stigmatized environment where people, even students, especially boys, in educational institutes, feel comfortable in approaching readily available mental health counsellors.
Her ladyship showed a keen interest towards interacting with the audience, which invited questions regarding the hotly-debated 3-year practice rule and challenges faced by young female advocates in procurement of cases due to a mental bias, among others. Answering each of the questions thoughtfully, she encouraged students to utilize the five years of their law course in learning beyond the books, to stay connected with the grassroot-level realities, which are sure to give them the requisite understanding, knowledge and compassion that define a good advocate. Ms. Justice Bahri advocated for student participation in legal aid services, as is also carried out by UILS through its in-house legal aid services cell.
Being the bold and courageous woman that Her Ladyship is, Ms. Justice Bahri believes that women are already empowered to chart their courses and make their mark in the world. Before seeking to change systems, there is a need to adopt a go-getter mindset, which, in fact, marks the starting point of women’s empowerment.
In the end, what truly stands out about Raising the Bar is the sense of continuity and inspiration that flows from one season to the next. Dr. Supreet Gill’s vision for Season 2 doesn’t exist in isolation, it carries forward the energy and impact created earlier, especially drawing inspiration from Prof Balram K. Gupta. His presence in Season 1 set a remarkable standard through his effortless way of connecting, mentoring, and engaging with students. This passing on of inspiration beautifully shows how meaningful academic experiences don’t just end with an event, they stay, grow, and inspire future efforts. In many ways, Raising the Bar itself becomes a living example of how inspiration comes full circle.
