Overview: In a candid interview with Krishnadas Rajagopal for The Hindu Justice Unplugged (28 Feb 2026), former Orissa High Court Chief Justice S. Muralidhar highlighted how constitutional values must be nurtured from the home, the impact of National Law Schools , and the need to simplify statutes for better public access. Key Developments Social media has amplified public interest in courts and lawyers, making legal awareness a mass phenomenon. The rise of NLS graduates is raising the overall quality of the Bar and even influencing the Bench through internships and research assistance. Young lawyers are increasingly engaging in public‑interest causes such as de‑criminalisation of homosexuality and the Sukanya Shanta judgment . Emerging fields like AI governance are creating new legal specialisations. Calls for simplification of statutes to bridge the gap between law and laypersons. Important Facts from the Interview • Courts now influence everyday life through orders, statutes and policies. • Many NLS alumni return as faculty, creating a feedback loop that benefits both academia and the judiciary. • Young lawyers, exemplified by the initiative “Square Circle,” are visiting remote prisons, documenting stories of death‑row inmates, and filing petitions on human‑rights grounds. • Despite the growth of corporate law, a segment of the profession remains committed to public‑interest litigation (PIL). • Legal English remains jargon‑heavy; simplifying language would empower litigants who often know their facts better than their counsel. UPSC Relevance The discussion touches on several GS topics: the role of the Constitution in shaping societal behaviour; the impact of legal education reforms on governance; the significance of PIL in advancing social justice; and the emerging need for regulatory frameworks in AI governance . Understanding these trends helps aspirants answer questions on law‑related reforms, judicial activism, and the interface between law and society. Way Forward Integrate constitutional values into school curricula and family discussions to foster a rights‑aware citizenry. Encourage law schools to continue internships with courts, promoting practical exposure and research assistance. Support NGOs and young lawyers undertaking grassroots legal aid, especially in remote prisons. Mandate plain‑language drafting of statutes and judgments to improve accessibility. Develop specialised courses on AI governance to prepare future lawyers for emerging challenges. By nurturing constitutional thinking from the home and simplifying legal language, India can bridge the gap between law and the masses, ensuring that the judiciary remains a true guardian of rights.