‘Digital access equalises rural-urban law students’

Justice Milind Jadhav observes that thousands of law students from rural and semi-urban backgrounds are steadily bridging the gap with their urban peers

Mumbai: The digital revolution has emerged as a decisive equalizer and a boon for law education, particularly for students in India’s mofussil regions, according to Justice Milind Narendra Jadhav of the Bombay High Court.

Justice Jadhav observed that thousands of law students from rural and semi-urban backgrounds - despite limited infrastructure and other disadvantages - are steadily bridging the gap with their urban peers. It is thanks to access to the internet, online lectures, digital libraries and virtual legal resources that were restricted and once beyond reach of those in need.

“The digital era has compressed distances like never before. Today, there is little difference in academic exposure between rural and urban students. The new generation of law students is no longer constrained by geography, and digital-technology has democratised legal education,” Justice Jadhav told ‘The Perfect Voice.’

Nevertheless, certain structural and operational gaps remain due to multiple factors. Justice Jadhav pointed out that many students from non-urban backgrounds continue to struggle with proficiency in English - the primary language of higher judiciary proceedings in India.

Local Languages

Simultaneously, he flagged a contrasting concern: a section of urban law students and even fresh graduates often lack adequate familiarity with local languages. In Maharashtra, for instance, crucial legal documents like FIRs, witness statements and police records are frequently drafted in Marathi.

“There are instances where young lawyers depend on juniors or clerical staff to interpret such local-language documents before they can proceed with a matter. This dependence can undermine professional confidence and efficiency,” he cautioned.

Under such circumstances, he urged both categories of students to consciously strengthen their command over English and the local languages respectively, to argue and present cases before constitutional courts effectively.

“Linguistic competence must be balanced at all levels. While English remains indispensable in higher courts, proficiency in regional languages is equally critical for effective litigation at the grassroots level. In a multilingual society like ours, language should serve as a bridge - not a barrier - to justice,” Justice Jadhav observed.

Moot Court 

His bold remarks came during an informal interaction on the sidelines of the third National Moot Court Competition hosted by Peoples Education Society (PES)'s Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Law College, Wadala, in which 30 student-teams from across India participated, said one of the organisers, Advocate Mangala Waghe.

“Moot Courts play a vital role in shaping young legal minds by simulating courtroom environments, helping students overcome hesitation and build advocacy skills. They afford students a ‘feel of the court’. While nothing can truly substitute real courtroom proceedings, these platforms help in shedding inhibitions and sharpening legal reasoning,” Justice Jadhav declared.

Broader Exposure 

Significantly, the judge suggested premier law institutions in metropolitan centres should take proactive steps to woo students from smaller towns – by physical participation or by facilitating virtual access - to prestigious academic or competitive platforms to ensure broader exposure and inclusivity.

Citing his own example, Justice Jadhav highlighted the importance of cultural and linguistic adaptability in legal practice, saying besides English, he routinely converses in Marathi and, where necessary, Gujarati—particularly to put young lawyers at ease in the court.

Though acknowledging the growing discourse around conducting court proceedings in regional languages, he felt it is too early to speak of a complete transition - given the complexities involved.

However, he was unequivocal that knowledge of local languages cannot be treated as optional for legal practitioners. “Language must act as a facilitator of justice. In a country governed by the rule of law, it should never become an obstacle,” Justice Jadhav asserted.

WR clerk to HC judge

Justice Milind Narendra Jadhav’s professional journey reflects determination, academic excellence and professional grit. An alumnus of St. Teresa’s High School, Charni Road, he graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai in Life Sciences and Biochemistry in 1990. Soon after, he joined the Western Railway (WR) as a Senior Clerk in the Establishment/Administration Department, where he served for seven years.

Even while working, he continued to pursue higher education - earning an advanced diploma in computers and a postgraduate diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations. He later completed his LL.B. from Government Law College, Mumbai and LL.M. from the University of Mumbai (1997–1998).

After interning under Advocate P. Y. Kulkarni, he enrolled as an advocate in February 1998 and built up an enviable practice on both the Original and Appellate sides of Bombay High Court. Notably, he served as Standing Counsel for the Custodian in proceedings before the Special Court dealing with the aftermath of the 1992 Harshad Mehta stock-market scam from 2000 onwards.

Justice Jadhav's judicial career took off with his elevation as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in August 2019, then confirmed as a permanent judge in June 2021 - marking the culmination of an inspiring rise from a railway clerk to a distinguished member of the country’s higher judiciary.