Ranchi, Nov 1: The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, has concluded the first batch of its Continuous Legal Education (CLE) Programme under Project JAI (Justice Access Initiative), aimed at strengthening the practical legal skills and professional competence of young advocates across Jharkhand.
The programme, conducted from March to May 2026, sought to equip young lawyers from different districts with practical knowledge of legal procedures, courtroom practices, professional ethics and the challenges of day-to-day advocacy through interactive sessions, discussions and practical exercises.
The concluding ceremony was attended by Justice Manoj Prasad as the chief guest, along with NUSRL Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Dharminder Kumar and retired judge Pradeep Kumar Maitra.
A key highlight of the event was Justice Prasad administering a pledge on Pro Bono Legal Services, urging young advocates to recognise their professional and social responsibility towards ensuring access to justice for all.
Emphasising the importance of lifelong learning in the legal profession, Justice Prasad said legal education continues throughout one’s professional journey. Recalling his experience as a civil advocate in Deoghar and his association with the Judicial Academy, Jharkhand, he said teaching and interacting with judicial officers had also enriched his own understanding of the law.
“The day you feel educated is the last day of your growth,” he remarked, urging participants to treat the completion of the programme as the beginning of further learning.
He advised young advocates to prioritise perseverance, compassion and dedication over monetary considerations. Stressing the importance of thorough case preparation, he urged them to examine every factual detail, understand their briefs and approach each matter with sincerity. He also encouraged participants to actively engage with resource persons and make full use of interactive learning opportunities.
Justice Prasad congratulated the organising team and encouraged NUSRL to expand its outreach to the Santhal Pargana region, highlighting the challenges faced by the area.
Dr. Koushik Bagchi, Assistant Professor at NUSRL, highlighted the role of continuous legal education in strengthening young advocates and their contribution to society. He also spoke about another component of Project JAI, which provides legal aid and assistance to undertrial prisoners.
Participants shared their experiences during the ceremony. Aditya Banerjee said the programme exceeded his expectations by exposing him to diverse areas of law, practical aspects of advocacy and meaningful academic discussions. He noted that the sessions encouraged participants to revisit Bare Acts, develop academic inquisitiveness and interact with legal practitioners from different districts.
Prince Kumar Soni, a practising advocate from Chatra, said the programme broadened his understanding of legal practice and inspired him to take up pro bono legal work, despite his initial hesitation about joining.
Participants of Batch I were felicitated with certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the programme.
The occasion also marked the formal inauguration of Batch II of the CLE Programme, signalling NUSRL’s continued efforts to expand legal education and professional development opportunities for young advocates across Jharkhand.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Shremanshu Dash, Project Head of Project JAI and faculty member at NUSRL, reiterated the initiative’s objective of making access to justice a meaningful reality. He expressed hope that the knowledge and practical insights gained through the programme would guide participants throughout their professional careers.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a group photograph of participants from both batches.
Through Project JAI, NUSRL continues to focus on accessible legal education, professional development and improved access to justice, with the aim of nurturing a competent and socially responsible legal fraternity in Jharkhand.
