Jabalpur, August 21, 2025 — In a significant step towards advancing legal education and research in India, Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening research-oriented programs, particularly at the Master’s and Ph.D. levels, while also fostering academic exchanges and joint initiatives.
Strengthening Legal Education at DNLU Jabalpur
Established in 2018 under the Madhya Pradesh Dharmashastra National Law University Act, 2018, DNLU has quickly risen to prominence as a hub of academic excellence and holistic legal education.
The university functions under the distinguished guidance of Hon’ble Shri Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, who serves as its Visitor. The position of Chancellor is held by Hon’ble Shri Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Chief Justice of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh. Providing academic leadership is Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, the Vice-Chancellor, while the administrative responsibilities are overseen by Dr. Praveen Tripathi, the Registrar.
Currently, DNLU offers B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., and Ph.D. programs, with a focus on nurturing critical thinking, constitutional values, and legal scholarship.
NUSRL Ranchi: A University with Vision
The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi was established by a State Legislature Act with the vision of India’s constitutional framers, recognizing the pivotal role of law, legal systems, and institutions in the nation’s development.
At the helm of NUSRL is Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, an accomplished academician and legal scholar. His credentials include:
- B.Sc. in Criminology & Forensic Science (1993)
- LL.B. (1996)
- LL.M. in Mercantile Law (1998) – First Rank
- Ph.D. in Consumer Law (2006) under UGC Fellowship, Karnataka University
- UGC-NET (2000) qualified, along with NCC and NSS certifications
- Diploma in Cyber Law and an Accredited Mediator
With over 25 years of teaching experience, Prof. Patil has previously served at KLE’s Bellad Law College, Belgaum, and later joined NLSIU Bengaluru, where he contributed significantly as Professor, Founder Director of the Online Consumer Mediation Centre (OCMC), and Chair on Consumer Law & Practice (established by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India). Since June 2023, he has been leading NUSRL Ranchi as its Vice-Chancellor. His areas of specialization include Consumer Welfare Laws, Law of Torts, Mediation, and Insurance Law.
Key Objectives of the MoU
The MoU, signed on 21st August 2025 by Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha (DNLU) and Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil (NUSRL), sets the stage for a wide range of academic collaborations, including:
- Student and Faculty Exchange Programs
- Collaborative Research Projects
- Joint Seminars, Conferences, and Moot Court Competitions
- Enhanced Opportunities for Innovation in Legal Education
By bringing together scholars, faculty, and students from both institutions, the partnership seeks to foster a vibrant and research-driven academic ecosystem that contributes to the growth of legal education in India.
A Step Forward for Legal Academia
This collaboration between DNLU Jabalpur and NUSRL Ranchi represents a landmark initiative in the realm of legal education. By pooling resources, expertise, and vision, the two universities aim to enhance research capacity, nurture legal talent, and create new opportunities for students and faculty alike.