Kareena Eugene
Chief Justice of India Sharad Bobde said, ‘Maharashtra National Law University here would produce judicial officers on the lines of the National Defence Academy through new courses introduced by it’.
On Wednesday, 14th April 2021, the CJI spoke at the inauguration MNLU-Nagpur’s new block at Waranga on Wardha Road. He said that the premiere law institution had also introduced a course ‘Nyaya Shastra’ based on the ancient Indian judicial system.
The event was graced by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Supreme Court Judge Bhushan Gavai, Bombay High Court Chief Justice Dipankar Datta, Nagpur Bench Administrative Judge Sunil Shukre, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant, Guardian Minister Nitin Raut and Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis, in blended mode.
While others joined the event virtually, CJI Bobde along with Justices Gavai, Datta and Shukre came to the new campus. Many sitting and retired High Court Judges and academics related to Legal Fraternity from the entire country witnessed this event through online platforms like YouTube.
In the event, CJI Bobde talked about the innovative courses, MNLU’s specialties, its concepts and the vision. He mentioned that, when the students pursue special courses for Judicial Officers would graduate, they need not go through any training and can be directly recruited.
He further stated, “The other course in Nyay Shastra was a bit difficult to impart as it was in Sanskrit. MNLU-N tied up with Ramtek-based Kavi Kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, in this regard. We have inherited the judicial system from the British. However, our ancient system isn’t inferior to anyone. The benefits of introducing these innovative courses would be realized in the long run”.
CJI Bobde said MNLU’s specialities intended to impart a national outlook for all those who will study there.
“The students and faculty hail from across India. There’s no regionalism or narrow mindedness that distinguishes this institution from ordinary law colleges. Its classrooms are world-class having all hi-tech devices under one roof. The facilities provided can be compared to globally renowned institutions like Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge”, he added.
The CJI while explaining MNLU’s concept said it was first mooted by the former SC Judge Vikas Sirpurkar to the then President Pratibha Patil, who instantly agreed to it. “Gadkari then advised us to hold a meeting with Fadnavis, who was CM then. During our meeting, the latter also supported the concept that led to a dream turning into a reality. Today, I am extremely proud to see this magnificent edifice. Its classrooms and facilities left me dumbfounded and the entire credit goes to architect Paramjit Singh Ahuja and his team”.
CJI Bobde nominated Gavai s the new chancellor MNLU-N chancellor. Justice Bobde declared that, Justice Gavai would succeed him as MNLU-N chancellor.
CJI Bobde remarked, “Gavai has made untiring efforts for this institution, being a chairman of its building construction committee. His enthusiasm is infectious and even pro-chancellor Justice Datta has inherited it. The original idea was to have the concept of Gurukul, the ancient concept, where the students could be taught under the tree. I am sure with facilities like the research centre, yoga, meditation, there would be fruitful interaction among the students and teachers”.
Justice Gavai said that the CJI has clearly mentioned the visions of the MNLU in 2016 that it should be different from other law schools and impart innovative courses.
Justice Gavai also added that, “The former and current administration continued their support with the same enthusiasm and vigour. I must express gratitude to the CM and Raut for their unflinching support”.
MNLU-N vice chancellor Vijender Kumar shared the dais and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Ramesh Kumar, the in-charge of the building committee, addressed that students.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar could not attend the event due to some emergency, however, he sent a written congratulatory message to the administration and students.
