A nation growing “economically, politically, in the rule of law and in good governance” requires not only the “military in dress” but also a “civilian army” of experts to diligently and intelligently look after its interests both within and outside, Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant said here on Sunday.

The field of law does not demand perfection but perseverance, curiosity and a commitment to the ideals of fairness and equity, he said.