The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, through its Project JAI (Justice Access Initiative),has successfully concluded Batch I of its ‘Continuous Legal Education (CLE) Programme’, conducted from March to May 2026.

The programme aimed to equip young advocates from different districts of Jharkhand with essential legal knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies required for effective legal practice. 

Through interactive sessions, discussions and practical learning exercises, participants gained valuable insights into legal procedures, courtroom practices, professional ethics and the challenges encountered in day-to-day advocacy.

The concluding ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Prasad as the Chief Guest, along with Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Vice-Chancellor, NUSRL Ranchi; Prof. (Dr.) Dharminder Kumar, Registrar, NUSRL Ranchi; and Retired Judge Pradeep Kumar Maitra.

A significant highlight of the ceremony was the address by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Prasad, who administered the pledge for Pro Bono Legal Services, encouraging young advocates to recognise their professional and social responsibility towards making justice accessible to all.

Emphasising the importance of lifelong learning in the legal profession, Justice Prasad observed that legal education never truly ends but continues throughout one’s professional journey. 

Recalling his experience as a civil advocate in Deoghar and his subsequent association with the Judicial Academy, Jharkhand, he shared how teaching and interacting with judicial officers had also enriched his own learning. He remarked, “The day you feel educated is the last day of your growth,” encouraging participants to consider the completion of the programme not as the end of their learning journey but as its beginning.

Offering practical guidance to young advocates, Justice Prasad stressed perseverance, compassion and dedication over monetary considerations. Sharing an anecdote, he highlighted the importance of accepting rejection and treating every ‘no’ as an opportunity for growth. 

He urged young lawyers to thoroughly understand their case briefs, examine every factual detail and approach each matter with sincerity. He also encouraged participants to actively engage with resource persons, ask questions and make the most of the programme’s interactive learning opportunities.

Justice Prasad congratulated the organising team for conceptualising this initiative and acknowledged his longstanding association with NUSRL Ranchi. He also encouraged the University to extend its outreach to the Santhal Pargana region, drawing attention to the challenges faced by the region.

Dr. Koushik Bagchi, Assistant Professor at NUSRL Ranchi, highlighted the importance of continuous legal education for young advocates and their potential contribution to society. He also discussed another important component of Project JAI, namely, providing legal aid and assistance to undertrial prisoners, thereby emphasising the project’s broader commitment to access to justice.

The concluding ceremony also provided an opportunity for participants of Batch I to share their experiences and reflect on the programme’s contribution to their professional development.

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Aditya Banerjee expressed his gratitude to the organising team and observed that the programme had exceeded his expectations by exposing him to diverse areas of law, practical aspects of advocacy and meaningful academic discussions. 

He highlighted how 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, shared that although he was initially hesitant to join the programme, the experience broadened his understanding of legal practice and inspired him to take up pro bono legal work.

The ceremony also witnessed the felicitation of Batch I participants with certificates in recognition of their successful participation in the programme.

The occasion further marked the formal inauguration of Batch II of the Continuous Legal Education (CLE) Programme under Project JAI. The inauguration signified the continuation of the University’s efforts towards strengthening the professional capacity of young advocates across Jharkhand. 

Through the second batch, Project JAI aims to further expand its outreach and provide opportunities for young legal professionals to enhance their practical knowledge, advocacy skills and understanding of access to justice.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Shremanshu Dash, Project Head of Project JAI and Faculty Member at NUSRL Ranchi, reiterated the initiative’s objective of making access to justice a meaningful reality. He expressed the hope that the knowledge and practical insights gained through the programme would remain with the participants and guide them throughout their professional journeys.

The programme concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, followed by a group photograph of participants from both batches, marking the successful culmination of the ceremony and the beginning of the next phase of the CLE initiative.

Through Project JAI, NUSRL Ranchi continues to strengthen its commitment to accessible legal education, professional development and access to justice, with the broader objective of nurturing a competent, compassionate and socially responsible legal fraternity across Jharkhand.