Faculty of Law of Delhi University

Overview

Faculty of Law of DU is the time tested legal institution of par excellence. It is the national hub of legal studies. Since its inception in 1924, the department has been a leader producing many legal luminaries, Supreme Court and High Court judges, leading advocates, political leaders, policy makers and trend-setters in all walks of life. The department is endowed with elitist alumni even though it is an egalitarian institute providing practically free legal education at a negligible cost. With the unparallel expertise of faculty members, multicultural environment and its seat at the heart of national capital, the department attracts brilliant students from all over the country and abroad. The department has more than 130 teachers and about 7000 students at present including LL.B., LL.M., and Ph.D. students but functions within limited resources. It is completely funded by national exchequer through UGC and HRD Ministry. The present intake for LLB students is 2400 students after OBC expansion. The three centres of the Faculty of Law were admitting 1500 students in LLB program prior to 1975. The department is in the constant process of improving its infrastructure with state of the art facilities. We offer three year LLB degree course. As the number of students grew, the department established its first Centre as Law Centre – I in 1970 and the second as Law Centre – II in 1971. The LL.B day classes of the Faculty of Law were shifted to newly established Campus Law Centre in 1975. The LL.M. and Ph.D. programmes are looked after directly by the Dean. We pursue the case method of teaching law; the department is not dependent on publishers' new editions of books as the case materials of LL.B. and LL.M. are revised by the faculty members every semester with dedication. Printed copies are distributed to all students without profit. In addition, we have a rich print library with e-resources.The faculty members are drawn with diversified knowledge and experience. Professors from other Universities including foreign Universities visit on various fellowship programs and conduct research in this institution. A number of delegations from foreign universities visit the department to share their knowledge and benefit the students. A few Memorandum(s) of Understanding (MOU) have been signed between the department and corresponding departments of the foreign universities. Law teaching has to be socially relevant, technically advanced and needs to concentrate on newer remunerative branches such as IPRs, insurance, negotiations, information technology and laws relating to wealth generation, finances including taxation shall be touchstone of future. The faculties in the department have been pioneers in developing new fields of law like Intellectual Property, Environmental law, Human Rights education, Gender sensitivity; uplifting women and poverty alleviation for the whole country. The faculties have successfully contributed by way of legislative interventions impacting the lives in fighting dowry deaths, introducing accountability of media in helping establishment of Prasar Bharati Corporation, promoting secularism, ushering rule of law for benefit of females and children and fighting against feudalism and oligarchies. It is desired to rise against female foeticide. The senior faculty members have a longstanding tradition of contributing prestigious books and literature in their fields of specialization which elevates the stature of Delhi Law Faculty as a tall academic leader contributing to the spread of legal knowledge throughout the country by training the trainers. We believe that learning does not end in the class rooms; windows have to be kept wide open to invite different perspectives and expertise from diverse sources and practitioners. National and International Seminars, Conferences and Workshops are organized regularly at the department level and in three Centres to share and deliberate upon legal issues and new ideas. Moot Court competitions, debates, group discussions, client counseling competitions are regular features in the three Centres of the Department. Our aim is to equip students to participate in providing good governance in democratic tradition and outshine the competition in all aspects of life. We consciously cater to the large masses and deprived sections through our 7000 students. I am confident that about 30% of our students outclass the best in comparison to students at high per capita expenditure national law schools with just about one tenth of budget allocations and fee. Our strength lies in the tradition of committed teaching and keenness of our students. The teachers at this department are accessible to discuss course material, legal issues and career goals etc. I have absolutely no hesitation in claiming that freshers should join the faculty of law with the conviction of becoming legal professionals and public leaders. In the new recruitment drive we wish to concentrate on developing expertise in corporate laws which generate wealth for the nation. Our department has a long tradition of creating pioneer leaders and social engineers for the country. We will continue to do this involving the strength of our faculty and students. Our students should be proud of this feature of our department and dedicate themselves to be more relevant to the development of our country and eradicating social evils. I welcome new ideas, dedication to learning, knowledge creation, adoption of best practices and research. My earnest appeal is that let all the members take the Faculty of Law to new heights.