The Vice-Chancellor of National Law University (NLU) Delhi, Prof (Dr) GS Bajpai has stressed that legal education in India requires a serious transformation. He argued that law courses must be rethought, redefined, and re-evolved to meet the needs of a modern, democratic and inclusive society. From curriculum design to teaching methods, he emphasised that law schools need to move beyond outdated frameworks and align with contemporary issues such as technology, diversity, and globalisation.
I am writing about this because the call for change in law education is not just about producing more lawyers but about shaping future leaders who understand society and justice in a holistic manner. India’s legal education system still follows a structure that was created decades ago, focusing largely on theory while missing out on practical skills and interdisciplinary learning. As someone who follows education policy closely, I see this as a chance to open conversations about bridging the gap between classrooms and courts, law and technology, as well as tradition and inclusivity. It is important for students, educators, and policymakers to pay attention because the changes made today will shape the kind of justice system we will have tomorrow.
Why Legal Education Needs Reform
The present law curriculum in many universities still revolves around colonial-era structures. While India has made progress, law schools often fail to address modern challenges like cyber laws, artificial intelligence in justice systems, environmental disputes, and human rights in a rapidly changing world.
Key Areas Highlighted by NLU Delhi VC
- Curriculum modernisation: Integrating contemporary issues such as digital rights, environmental law, and gender justice.
- Practical training: More focus on internships, moot courts, and real-world problem-solving.
- Inclusivity: Making legal education more accessible and relevant for students from diverse social and economic backgrounds.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Encouraging collaboration between law, technology, economics, and political science.
How Law Schools Can Implement Change
To achieve this transformation, law schools need to adopt flexible learning models. For example, courses can be designed in partnership with professionals from the judiciary, corporate sector, NGOs, and tech industries. Regular interaction with courts, legal aid centres, and communities will help students apply their classroom knowledge to real situations.
Impact on Students and the Justice System
If reforms are implemented effectively, students will graduate not only with a degree but also with the skills and sensitivity to respond to India’s diverse legal needs. This would also strengthen the judiciary and ensure that justice is more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to modern challenges.
