Shiv Nadar School Of Law Launched In Chennai With 45 Students Enrolled In BA LLB

The law school, a part of Shiv Nadar University, is offering a five-year BA.LLB programme.

Chennai: The Shiv Nadar School of Law, the latest initiative by the Shiv Nadar Foundation, has been inaugurated in Chennai on the campus of Shiv Nadar University. The inaugural event had Mr. Justice MM Sundresh, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance were prominent figures such as Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Bhattacharyya, Vice Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, Chennai; Mr. Shikhar Malhotra, Trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation; Prof. (Dr.) Shiv Swaminathan, Dean of the Shiv Nadar School of Law; and Prof. (Dr.) Vinay Sitapati, Associate Dean of the law school.

Approved by the Bar Council of India, the Shiv Nadar School of Law offers a five-year integrated BA.LLB program. 45 students have enrolled in the inaugural batch, with plans to expand to 120 students next year. Several students have been awarded generous scholarships, including full-tuition waivers.

Speaking at the event, Justice MM Sundresh highlighted the need for high-quality legal education in India. He remarked, “While India has many law colleges, the quality of legal education remains a concern. As a result, many law graduates struggle to contribute positively to society. This must change, as the legal profession plays a crucial role in addressing societal issues. Traditionally, the focus has been on procedural law, often overlooking substantive law. However, the legal field is evolving, with social and economic issues taking center stage. We’re seeing a shift toward commercial litigation and laws governing emerging technologies, leaving traditional litigation behind. A positive development is the growing number of women entering the legal profession, and this trend is set to accelerate. The future of the legal profession is bright, and I encourage students to stay focused and determined.”

Prof. Sriman Kumar Bhattacharyya, Vice-Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University Chennai, shared his vision for the law school: “We are excited to introduce the Shiv Nadar School of Law in Chennai, aiming to transform aspiring legal students into world-class professionals. Our curriculum is inspired by global best practices, blending a liberal arts education with legal studies. Our faculty members are drawn from prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, with one-fifth of them being active legal practitioners. We are committed to ensuring that our students receive comprehensive training in foundational, substantive, and procedural law.”

Mr. Shikhar Malhotra, Trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, emphasised the Foundation’s dedication to education, saying, “With over three decades of excellence, the Shiv Nadar Foundation has invested more than ₹7,600 crore in education. Our goal is to build enduring institutions that equip students with the skills to transform society. The establishment of the law school further strengthens Shiv Nadar University Chennai as a hub of intellectual exploration and innovation. We are now poised to develop India’s finest legal minds.”

Prof. Shivprasad Swaminathan, Dean of the Shiv Nadar School of Law, expressed his pride in the institution's launch, saying, “This is a landmark moment for the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which has a 30-year history of empowering communities through education. The law school’s cutting-edge facilities, global faculty, and student-focused approach position it to be a leader in shaping the future of legal education in India.”

Prof. Swaminathan further added, “Our faculty have been selected for their outstanding research achievements, which play a crucial role in enhancing classroom learning. This is especially important in core areas of Indian law such as contract, tort, property, and unjust enrichment, where academic activity has been limited. We aim to transform this landscape, ensuring that the latest research directly informs our curriculum.”

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