Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, Mumbai & Mr. Anil Harish felicitating Chief Guest Ms. Indira Jaising at the inauguration of Indira Jaising Legal Aid Clinic on International Women’s Day 2025 at D.M. Harish School of Law in Worli, Mumbai | File Photo
D.M. Harish School of Law (DMHSL), a constituent School of HSNC University, inaugurated the Indira Jaising Legal Aid Clinic at HSNC University’s Worli campus on the occasion of International Women’s Day, 8th March 2025.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Ms. Indira Jaising, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India (SCI); Mr. Anil Harish, Provost, HSNC University; Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University; Dr. Leena Pujari, Dean, Interdisciplinary Studies; Dr. Bindu Variath, Associate Dean, (Law) Interdisciplinary Studies and Dr. Anju Singh, HOD, DMHSL.
It was also attended by legal luminaries, students, activists and legal professionals who came together to emphasise the importance of accessible justice for all.
To new beginnings: A symbolic snip to mark the start of something extraordinary | File Photo
The newly inaugurated clinic, named after iconic human rights lawyer Padma Shri Indira Jaising whose invaluable contributions to the field of law have inspired generations of legal professionals and activists, aims to provide free legal support to marginalised individuals who are unable to afford legal services. The dignitaries touched upon the need for the legal aid clinic from the point of view of society and how it can be instrumental in helping people access justice and make students and lawyers sensitive to the needs of society.
A moment of wisdom and vision—Dr. Bagla sets the tone for the day with her powerful opening address | File Photo
In her opening remarks, Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, Mumbai averred, “The launch of the Indira Jaising Legal Aid Clinic on International Women’s Day is a fitting tribute to the relentless contributions of women across domains. This clinic, in line with the core values of HSNC University, will provide essential free legal support to those who lack access to legal resources, ensuring that justice becomes a right for all and not a privilege. HSNC University remains committed to shaping future legal professionals who will uphold the values of equality, fairness and justice. Our aim is to provide legal assistance and support to the under-privileged, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their social or economic background, has the opportunity to seek justice. This clinic is a step forward in making the law accessible to all.” She encouraged students to ask thought-provoking questions and gain invaluable insights from the experts.
Mr. Anil Harish speaking passionately about the importance of accessible justice for all at the launch of the Indira Jaising Legal Aid Clinic at D.M. Harish School of Law | File Photo
In his address, Mr. Anil Harish, Provost, HSNC University said “Today’s event is not just about the unveiling of a clinic. It is about reaffirming our collective commitment to justice, equality and the fundamental principles – that the law must serve not just those who can afford it but also those who need it the most. Justice should not be just a luxury item but it should be available to everyone. In India, where millions struggle to access legal remedies, institutions like this clinic will serve as the bridge between the law and the people”. Touting this clinic to be a great opportunity for law students to serve people and also learn from lawyers who volunteer on pro-bono basis, Mr. Harish urged students to spend time at the clinic and hone their skills. He advised them to personalise every experience in law with their knowledge – both theory and practice. Every application of law is very important. There is no single standard cookie-cutter approach for everyone.
Chief Guest Ms. Indira Jaising during her keynote address inspired the audience with her vision for a more inclusive and just legal system. | File Photo
During her keynote address, Chief Guest Ms. Indira Jaising, Senior Advocate said “It is an honour to have this legal aid clinic named after me, but it is even more fulfilling to know that it will serve as a beacon of hope for those who are marginalised or who have been deprived of their rights due to lack of resources. I have always believed that the law must serve the people, not just the powerful. The clinic will be a space where legal aid can truly make a difference, particularly for women and marginalised communities. I hope this initiative inspires many others to get involved in the pursuit of justice.”
Ms. Indira Jaising remains a beacon of wisdom and strength in the pursuit of justice | File Photo
Ms. Jaising articulated her vision for the legal aid clinic. While emphasising that she is passionate about the law and legal education, she expressed that this is her way of giving back to society. She also shared her experiences and suggested that the Legal Aid Clinic should work hard to reach the people and win their trust. This, she stressed will also help integrate law with society and develop better litigation lawyers in the future.
Ms. Indira Jaising responding to a student’s question during the Q&A | File Photo
The event saw a full house and students were extremely excited to hear Ms. Jaising and interact with her. This was evident in the lively and stimulating Q&A session that followed, where she fielded numerous diverse questions from the audience ranging from unequal pay for women, misuse of laws while ensuring victims receive justice to possible reforms to mitigate long-drawn delays in delivery of justice.
An attentive and enthusiastic audience, gathered to witness the launch of a new chapter in legal aid | File Photo
Dr. Leena Pujari, Dean, Inter-disciplinary Studies, HSNC University delivered the vote of thanks and said that the Indira Jaising Legal Aid Clinic shall bear the imprint of her phenomenal work and continue to build upon her enduring legacy.
The inauguration was marked by an inspiring legal aid workshop on the “Role of Law to Uphold Justice” which included four comprehensive sessions that explored the role of law in ensuring justice for all, with a focus on marginalised communities.
Justice Abhay Thipsay, former judge, Bombay High Court and Allahabad High Court spoke on ‘New Changes in Criminal Law’. Adv. Lavina Kriplani spoke on ‘The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987’. Adv. Ranjan Rajghor spoke on ‘Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 while Adv. Aileen Marques spoke on ‘The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007’.
Glimpses from the legal aid workshop on the “Role of Law to Uphold Justice” | File Photo
About D.M. Harish School of Law: D.M. Harish School of Law was inaugurated on 14th January 2022, in the esteemed presence of Mr. Rohinton F. Nariman, former judge, Supreme Court of India. The School is recognised by the Bar Council of India and all the programs are designed to create new age legal professionals by pooling resources of experts from the legal fraternity and best of academia.
The School has the perfect blend of physical, academic and ICT facilities. The Law School aims to structure the constructs of pedagogy, reinforced by assignments, internships and interactions with lawyers with great experience. The School offers 3 programs, viz, 3-year LL.B. program; 5-year B.A. LL.B program and 5-year BB.A. LL.B program. Since its inception in 2022, the D.M.
Harish School of Law has been on an upward journey of growth and is transitioning into an institution to reckon with. In line with its vision and mission, the School emphasises its aim to create new-age legal professionals by conducting guest lectures with the best from academia and industry, organising moot court competitions, offering internship assistance and encouraging participation of its students in cultural and other extracurricular activities.
About the Indira Jaising Legal Aid Clinic: The Indira Jaising Legal Aid Clinic is a pioneering initiative to provide free legal assistance to marginalized and underprivileged sections of society who are unable to afford legal services, empowering them with the knowledge of their rights and access to legal representation. It will also serve as a platform for students from D.M. Harish School of Law to gain hands-on experience in providing legal aid under the guidance of legal experts.
The clinic will focus on a wide range of legal matters, with a particular emphasis on women’s rights, domestic violence and the protection of marginalised groups. Recognising that law schools are the incubators of emerging legal professionals and scholars, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has mandated the establishment of a legal aid clinic in every law school, headed by senior faculty.
Through this initiative, the D.M. Harish School of Law hopes to empower students to take an active role in their communities and contribute to creating a more just society.
About Indira Jaising: Indira Jaising is an eminent Senior Advocate, SC; founder of the human rights organisation ‘Lawyers Collective’ and co-founder of ‘The Leaflet’ (a media publication). Since its establishment in 1981, ‘Lawyers Collective’ has been actively involved in human rights litigation and advocacy for the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of Indian society.
Indira Jaising was previously actively engaged with the United Nations (UN) system, serving as a member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. From the very beginning of her 60-year career this is what Jaising has fought for – the victim’s voice. Over the past few decades, Indira Jaising has taken on some of the most high-profile cases, including representing the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984.
She is one of the key persons behind the live-streaming of Supreme Court proceedings. In 2009, Ms Jaising became the first woman to be appointed as the Additional Solicitor General of India. She was named among Fortune magazine’s ‘Fifty Greatest Leaders’ in 2018.
For more information, visit https://www.hsncu.edu.in/ or https://dmhsl.edu.in/
