The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for a full-time (contractual) role of a Finance Manager (Clinics and Fellowships), for a period of two years (extendable based on performance). The role will be based out of the NLSIU Bengaluru campus (with local travel).
About the Role
The Finance Lead will be responsible for managing, monitoring, and reporting on the financial activities related to the Clinics and Fellowships project, funded by the Azim Premji Foundation. This role will ensure compliance with the University’s financial policies, grant requirements, and statutory norms.
The Finance Lead will also supervise the accountant assigned to the project, ensuring accurate accounting, timely reconciliations, and preparation of periodic reports.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
Oversee end to end financial operations under the Clinics and Fellowships project, ensuring adherence to NLSIU’s and the donor’s financial policies and procedures.
Prepare and maintain project accounts, budgets, forecasts and expenditure statements.
Monitor fund utilization and ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions.
Prepare periodic financial reports for submission to the donor, management and auditors.
Support the Director–Clinics and Fellowships in financial planning, budgeting, and audit preparedness.
Provide accounting and compliance support for institutional activities
Compliance & Audit
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements such as TDS, GST, PF, and professional tax.
Facilitate internal, statutory, and donor audits by providing necessary documentation and
Maintain proper records and documentation to ensure transparency and accountability.
Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and strengthen internal controls.
Reporting
The Finance Manager will report directly to the Chief Finance Officer of the University and will also work under the direction of the Director- Clinics and Fellowships.
Selection Criteria
Qualifications for the role
Essential
A Master’s degree (M. Com) or professional qualification (CA Inter / ICWA Inter)
Desirable
MBA Finance
Experience
Minimum of 5 plus years of relevant experience in accounting and financial management
Strong understanding of Indian accounting standards, tax laws, and statutory compliance.
Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Tally ERP, Zoho) and MS Excel.
Prior work experience in accounting, financial management or grant administration in higher education institutions, NGOs, or donor-funded projects.
Proven experience in managing budgets.
Key Attributes
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical financial management.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience, within a range of Rs.80,000-1,10, 000 per month.
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for a full-time (contractual) role of an Executive- Administration (Clinics and Fellowships), for a period of one year (extendable based on performance). The role will be based out of the NLSIU Bengaluru campus (with occasional travel).
About the Programme
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) has received a multi-year grant from the Azim Premji Foundation (APF) to support programmes on Clinical Legal Education (CLE) and Litigation Fellowships. The CLE programme will expand the work of our existing Clinics on child rights and statelessness and launch new Clinics, starting this year with one Clinic each in labour, caste, and criminal justice. The Clinics will introduce innovative pedagogical methods to teaching law, expose our students to diverse practices and issues of social concern, and drive and inspire legal interventions geared towards furthering constitutional goals and guarantees.
The Litigation Fellowship will offer technical and financial support to early-career lawyers, especially first-generation lawyers from underrepresented sections of society, for a period of two years. Through bespoke skill-building sessions and thoughtfully designed mentorship arrangements, the fellowship aims to support the professional advancement of otherwise disadvantaged lawyers and contribute to diversifying legal practice in India.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
Coordinating with teams to organise events, meetings, training sessions, and workshops. Handling paperwork and approvals as required
Administrative duties such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, and preparing documents, including office correspondence and memos. Welcoming visitors and directing them to the relevant office/personnel.
Coordinating and managing appointments, meetings and providing real-time scheduling support.
Coordinating with various vendors for procurement,
Maintaining general office files, including job files, vendor files, employee records, leave records, RA/intern certificates, stipend disbursement and other files related to the operations of the Office of Clinics and Fellowships.
General office management such as maintenance of the office, ordering office supplies, etc.
Providing logistical support by making travel arrangements, booking flights, transport and stay, booking event venues, vendor bookings and related organisational work.
Transcribing minutes from meetings and creating presentations.
Coordinating with the team members to keep track research outputs.
Performing other relevant duties as required.
Selection Criteria
Qualifications for the role
Essential:
Bachelor’s degree in any field
Proficient in a variety of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, and Power point).
Desirable:
Diploma in office administration
Experience
Essential:
Minimum 2 years of experience working in an administrative/HR/programme co-ordinator, or similar roles
Excellent communication skills (written and spoken) in English
Desirable:
Past work experience in educational institutions/civil society organisations
Key Attributes
Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks.
Proactive and has attention to detail
Compensation
Commensurate with experience, within a range of Rs. 40,000-50,000 per month.
How to Apply
Please use the Google form, and include the following documents:
An updated CV
A statement of purpose (100 – 200 words)
Details of two professional references
Candidates who have taken a career break or are transitioning between careers are encouraged to apply. NLSIU is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our institution.
For any queries, please write to .
Deadline
The last date for submission of applications is May 4, 2026 (5 PM IST).
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for a full-time (contractual) role of a Manager – Litigation Fellowships for a period of one year (extendable based on performance). The role will be based out of the NLSIU Bengaluru campus (with occasional travel).
About the Fellowship Programme
The NLS Litigation Fellowship Programme will support early career, first-generation litigators in developing their litigation practice. Fellows will be able to access mentorship, robust training programmes, and networking opportunities that will allow them to become leaders in the field of litigation.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
Coordinating the annual selection and onboarding process for Litigation Fellows
Overseeing the development and periodic updating of the fellowship curriculum
Conducting periodic fellowship reviews with Litigation Fellows
Designing, coordinating, and conducting biannual fellowship meetings
Preparing annual fellowship review reports
Maintaining systematic records of meetings, workshops, and other planned fellowship activities
Serving as staff liaison to the Fellowship Advisory Group and supporting the development of annual work plans, including application review and selection processes and quarterly meetings to solicit recommendations and guidance on programme activities
Fostering strong communication with current and former Fellows and mentors through email, social media, in‑person meetings, and other modes of engagement
Managing programme budgets and related financial processes
Performing any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Reporting Structure:
The Fellowships Manager will report to the Director-Clinics and Fellowships, and work under the supervision of the Assistant Director- Litigation Fellowships.
Selection Criteria
Qualifications for the role
Essential:
Bachelor’s degree in law, and/or master’s degree in social work, human resources, public policy, or related fields
Excellent communication skills (written and spoken) in English
Desirable:
Familiarity with legal systems and fellowship programs is desirable.
Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in spoken English and Hindi
Experience
Essential:
4+ years in project/program management, preferably in legal education, access to justice, or nonprofit sectors. The criteria may be relaxed depending on the educational qualifications of the candidates
Desirable:
2+ years’ experience managing fellowship, professional development or continuing education programmes.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience, within a range of Rs. 60,000-70,000 per month.
How to Apply
Please use the Google form, and include the following documents:
An updated CV
A statement of purpose (100 – 200 words)
Details of two professional references
Candidates who have taken a career break or are transitioning between careers are encouraged to apply. NLSIU is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our institution.
For any queries, please write to .
Deadline
The last date for submission of applications is May 4, 2026 (5 PM IST).
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for two Research Associates to work on the project titled “Freedom from Violence: Capacity Building of Elected Women Representatives on Legal Provisions for Safety and Security of Women and Girls”. This is a full-time role on contractual basis for a period of one year, based in Bengaluru.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Government of India, under the Nirbhaya Fund.
About the Project
The project aims to train and sensitise Women Elected Representatives (WER) throughout the country on legal provisions relating to safety and security of women and girls. To this end, NLSIU, Bengaluru will undertake the following key activities:
Development of comprehensive training modules on legal provisions for women’s safety and security
Translation of training modules and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) material into 8+ regional languages with the help of BHASHINI
Training of Master Trainers through 15 workshops (three days duration each)
Development of IEC material, short videos and digital content for dissemination
Creating awareness on roles and responsibilities of PRI members in handling incidents of violence against women
Covering topics including filing of FIR (online and offline), evidence collection and protection, new criminal laws, POCSO, and dealing with social issues like human trafficking, khap panchayat, honour killings, and dowry deaths
Introduction to Community Justice System and dissemination of constitutional responsibilities
Exploration of helpline number for counselling and legal aid services
About the Role
Research Associates will work under the direct supervision of the faculty Project Leads and will be responsible for the following tasks:
Assist in the development and finalisation of training modules on legal provisions relating to women’s safety and security
Research and collation of provisions in laws, regulations, manuals and case law relating to violence against women, including new criminal laws (BNS 2023), POCSO, and women-specific legislation
Assist with preparation of IEC material, digital content, short-form videos and social media content
Support in coordinating translation of training modules and IEC material into regional languages
Assist in organising and coordinating 15 Master Trainer workshops across the country
Assist with finalising questionnaires and content for stakeholder consultations and training sessions
Research on evidence collection and protection mechanisms in crimes against women
Assist in developing content on Community Justice Systems and constitutional responsibilities of PRI members
Ensure systematic record and documentation of all project-related meetings, workshops, consultations and other activities
Maintain monthly progress reports on assigned tasks under the project
Utilise digital legal resources and databases for comprehensive legal research
Publish 1–2 short form pieces, including blogs, policy briefs, and/or legal commentaries for the NLS Scholarship Repository on individual research areas of focus (in addition to the project work)
Participate in intellectual activities on campus as required
Reporting
The Research Associates will report to the faculty Project Leads. Dr. Sairam Bhat, Professor of Law, NLSIU will be steering this project.
Eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualifications
Essential
BA LLB/BBALLB/LLB or a master’s degree in social sciences, gender studies, public policy, or allied disciplines from any reputed institution with a minimum of fifty-five per cent marks.
Desirable
Candidates with a master’s degree in law will be given added weightage
Demonstrable academic interest in issues related to gender justice, violence against women, legal system reform, criminal justice, legal literacy and awareness, capacity building, and/or community-based justice systems
Training in research methodology
Work Experience
Graduates with writing and research skills can apply. Post-qualification experience in legal and policy research (universities; research institutes; think tanks; civil society organisations; legal aid organisations) is desirable.
Prior experience in using digital legal resources, creating digital legal literacy content and legal databases is preferred.
Skills and Competencies
Excellent communication and writing skills
Strong execution rigour and operational skills
Digital literacy and proficiency in using digital tools, legal databases, and online research platforms
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Zeal and enthusiasm to contribute to legal aid and capacity-building initiatives for women empowerment
How to Apply
Please use the Google form, and include the following documents:
An up-to-date CV
Writing sample
A statement of purpose (not more than 250 words) explaining your interest in the project and how your background aligns with the project objectives
Contact details and designation of two references
Compensation
Salary will be in the range of 50,000 – Rs. 55,000 per month.
For any queries, please write to
Deadline
The last date for submission of applications is April 30, 2026 (5 PM IST).
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for a Senior Research Associate to work on the project titled “Freedom from Violence: Capacity Building of Elected Women Representatives on Legal Provisions for Safety and Security of Women and Girls”. This is a full-time role on contractual basis for a period of one year, based in Bengaluru.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Government of India, under the Nirbhaya Fund.
About the Project
The project aims to train and sensitise Women Elected Representatives (WER) throughout the country on legal provisions relating to safety and security of women and girls. To this end, NLSIU, Bengaluru will undertake the following key activities:
Development of comprehensive training modules on legal provisions for women’s safety and security
Translation of training modules and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) material into 8+ regional languages with the help of BHASHINI
Training of Master Trainers through 15 workshops (three days duration each)
Development of IEC material, short videos and digital content for dissemination
Creating awareness on roles and responsibilities of PRI members in handling incidents of violence against women
Covering topics including filing of FIR (online and offline), evidence collection and protection, new criminal laws, POCSO, and dealing with social issues like human trafficking, khap panchayat, honour killings, and dowry deaths
Introduction to Community Justice System and dissemination of constitutional responsibilities
Exploration of helpline number for counselling and legal aid services
About the Role
The Senior Research Associate will work under the guidance of the faculty Project Lead and will play a key role in coordinating research, training content development, and overall implementation of the project.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and finalisation of training modules on legal provisions relating to women’s safety and security
Conduct legal and policy research on laws, regulations, and case law relating to violence against women, including BNS 2023, POCSO, and other relevant legislation
Supervise and guide Research Associates and support faculty Project Leads in ensuring timely completion of research outputs
Contribute to the preparation of IEC materials, digital content, and dissemination through short-form media and social platforms
Coordinate translation of training modules and IEC materials and support the organisation of Master Trainer workshops and stakeholder consultations
Design research tools, questionnaires, and training content, including materials on Community Justice Systems and PRI responsibilities
Maintain documentation of project activities, prepare periodic progress reports, and use digital legal databases for research and knowledge resources
Publish at least two short form pieces each year including blogs, policy briefs, and/or legal commentaries for the NLS Scholarship Repository on individual research areas of focus (in addition to the project work)
Contribute to scholarly outputs and participate in intellectual activities on campus
Assist faculty Project Lead(s) in drafting research reports, policy recommendations, and other dissemination outputs
Reporting
The Senior Research Associate will report to the faculty Project Lead. Dr. Sairam Bhat, Professor of Law, NLSIU will be steering this project.
Eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualifications
Essential
Master’s degree in law or social sciences, gender studies, public policy, or allied disciplines from any reputed institution.
Desirable
Demonstrable academic interest in issues related to gender justice, violence against women, criminal justice reform, legal literacy and awareness, capacity building, and community-based justice systems
Training in research methodology and legal/policy analysis
Prior academic publications or research outputs in relevant areas
Work Experience
Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience in legal and policy research in universities, research institutes, think tanks, civil society organisations, legal aid organisations, or related institutions
Experience in coordinating research projects, training programmes, or stakeholder consultations is desirable
Prior experience in using digital legal resources, research databases, and legal information systems is preferred
Skills and Competencies
Excellent research, analytical, and academic writing skills
Strong project coordination and organisational skills
Ability to mentor and guide junior research staff
Digital literacy and proficiency in using legal databases, digital research tools, and online knowledge platforms
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Commitment to advancing legal empowerment, gender justice, and capacity-building initiatives
How to Apply
Please use the Google form, and include the following documents:
An updated CV
A statement of purpose (500 words) outlining your interest in the position, and suitability for the role.
Details of two professional references.
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with experience in the range of approx. Rs. 80,000-1,00,000 per month.
For any queries, please write to
Deadline
The last date for submission of applications is April 30, 2026 (5 PM IST).
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for 2 full-time Research Assistants to work for the Chair on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Both positions are for a period of one-year and are extendable subject to performance. Both positions are contractual and will be based out of NLS campus in Bengaluru.
About the DPIIT Chair in IPR
The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Chair established at NLSIU by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, under the Scheme for Pedagogy & Research in IPRs for Holistic Education & Academia (SPRIHA) seeks to promote the study of, education in, research on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) as well as outreach on Intellectual Property matters. The Chair supports specialised courses on IPR with the aim of inculcating a nuanced understanding of Intellectual Property among students. It holds seminars, workshops and special lectures with the aim of producing high quality research, strengthening pedagogy, engaging in public policy dialogue and attracting world class researchers and academicians to the University in the field of intellectual property rights. Read more.
About the Role
The Research Assistants (RA) will work on diverse kinds of research and dissemination activities of the Chair, particularly the following project. The Chair proposes to undertake a study on “Patent Landscape of Cancer Drugs Relevant to India and the impact on Affordability and Accessibility”. The research will identify the cancers relevant to India, explore the treatment options, map the patents relating to the drugs, examine their affordability and accessibility. This requires one Research Assistant who has a biomedical background and another with patent specialisation.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the RAs include:
Conduct literature review and prepare a research plan
Carry out analysis of the cancers with high impact in India, associated therapy, and their accessibility and affordability from the Indian perspective
Organise workshops/consultations/prepare case studies
Conduct interviews and/ or surveys
Map the patent landscape of the drugs that has relevance to India
Prepare research outputs, including periodic reports and academic publications
Assist with other research and dissemination activities of the Chair as required
The RAs are required to publish at least two short-form pieces that may include a blog, commentary, policy brief or a research paper for the NLS Scholarship Repository every year.
Duration
One year from the date of appointment order, extendable subject to performance.
Eligibility criteria:
One RA position is for candidates with educational training in the biomedical field whereas the second RA position will be for candidates with educational training in law. The application form will require you to choose the position you wish to apply for.
Educational Qualifications
Essential
Graduate degree in the biomedical field or an MBBS degree or graduate degree in law
Desirable
Candidates with a MSc/LLM in relevant fields will be preferred
Candidates with specialisation in patents as evidenced from published papers or with experience in patent search will be preferred
Academic/research/ industry experience in the field of IP
Interest in empirical investigations
Fieldwork experience
Quantitative data analysis skills
How to Apply
Please use the Google form, and include the following documents:
An updated CV
A statement of purpose (500 words) outlining your interest in the position, and suitability for the role
Details of two professional references
A writing sample, preferably a solo-authored published piece
Reporting
The RAs will work under the supervision of, and report to, the IPR Chair Professor.
Compensation
The RAs monthly compensation will be between Rs 47,000 and 67,000 commensurate with educational qualifications.
For any queries, please write to
Deadline
The last date for submission of applications is April 30, 2026 (5 PM IST).
The National Law School of India, Bengaluru (“NLSIU/University”), a University established under the National Law School of India Act, 1986, imparting legal education invites quotations from eligible persons (individuals/firms/companies/establishments) for the “Supply and Installation of Equipment Required for Setting-up Two Hybrid Classrooms in New Academic Block (NAB) at NLSIU.”
Interested parties are requested to submit their quotations in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the RFP document.
Date of Issue of Quotation: April 8, 2026
Last date of submission of RFP proposal: April 15, 2026 (5 PM IST)
Delivery and Installation Timelines: Within 21 days from the date of issue of Purchase Order
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, in collaboration with Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas (SAM) & Co., has released a white paper titled “Designing a Framework for Asset Tokenisation in India.” The study was completed in December 2025.
Authored by Dr. Sudhanshu Kumar, Associate Professor of Law, NLSIU; Varsha Aithala, Assistant Professor of Law, NLSIU; Karthik Suresh, Assistant Professor of Law, NLSIU; and Shinjini Mitra, Academic Fellow, NLSIU, along with along with Ms Shilpa Mankar Ahluwalia, Head of the FinTech Practice Group and Co-Head of the Banking & Finance Practice Group, SAM & Co. and Ms Purva Anand, Associate, Financial Regulatory and FinTech vertical, SAM & Co., the white paper examines the emerging landscape of asset tokenisation and its implications for India’s financial and regulatory systems.
Reimagining Ownership and Financial Systems
Asset tokenisation is increasingly reshaping financial systems globally. By enabling the digital representation of rights and interests in assets, tokenisation has the potential to make transactions faster, reduce operational and compliance costs, and expand access to investment opportunities.
At its core, tokenisation allows high-value assets to be broken into smaller, more accessible units, while also enabling the bundling and unbundling of rights associated with both physical and intangible assets. While the underlying technology may appear complex, the white paper frames tokenisation as an extension of established legal and economic principles.
The Need for Regulatory Clarity
As tokenisation continues to evolve, the need for regulatory clarity has become increasingly urgent. For India, this moment presents an opportunity to shape a forward-looking and contextually grounded framework.
The white paper highlights the importance of coordinated engagement between policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and users to define taxonomies, regulatory categories, and key legal considerations.
Key Contributions of the White Paper
The paper provides a structured and comprehensive approach to understanding and regulating tokenisation in India:
Conceptual Foundations: An introduction to tokenisation, including the lifecycle of tokens and their functional characteristics
Legal Analysis: Examination of how tokens intersect with existing Indian laws on contracts, property, securities, payments, consumer protection, and foreign exchange
Token Classification Framework: A practical taxonomy categorising tokens into securities, investment, and ownership tokens, supported by real-world examples
Comparative Insights: Analysis of regulatory approaches across six international jurisdictions
Policy Pathway: A phased framework for India, balancing innovation with regulatory safeguards
Towards a Phased and Parallel Framework
Rather than proposing a complete overhaul of existing systems, the white paper recommends a phased and parallel approach, allowing tokenised markets to develop alongside current regulatory and market structures. Over time, these systems can integrate as legal certainty, infrastructure, and regulatory capacity mature.
The paper offers a directional policy perspective, focusing on taxonomy, regulatory design choices, inter-agency coordination, and the role of sandbox-led experimentation.
Advancing the National Conversation
This collaborative effort seeks to contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving discourse on digital asset infrastructure. By outlining both conceptual foundations and actionable policy pathways, the white paper aims to support the development of a balanced, innovation-friendly, and future-ready regulatory framework for asset tokenisation in India.
The Chair on Consumer Law and Practice, at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru has undertaken a research study titled “Digital Lending Ecosystem: A Case for Inclusion of NBFCs in Credit Line on UPI.”
Funded by the Technology Services Industry Association, the study examines the evolution of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) from a payments rail into a credit-enabled digital public infrastructure, with a focus on the Credit Line on UPI framework and the present exclusion of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) from direct participation.
As part of the project, a stakeholder consultation was held on January 16, 2026, with participation from industry and industry associations, generating positive feedback on the White Paper. The findings were also presented to government stakeholders on March 24 and 27, 2026.
This work contributes to ongoing policy discussions on digital lending, financial inclusion, and the future of India’s digital public infrastructure.
As she retires after more than three decades at National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Dr. V. S. Elizabeth looks back not just on a career, but on a life intertwined with the University. She joined at a time when NLSIU was still finding its feet, and stayed on to witness, and shape, its evolution into a leading institution. Her reflections are not only about teaching and scholarship, but about people, relationships, and a deeply held sense of purpose. In her words, NLSIU was never just a workplace, it was a shared project, built with care, conviction, and a belief in what legal education could become. Dr. Elizabeth, Professor of History, NLSIU in conversation with Deepti Soni, Director, Communications & External Relations, NLSIU.
“It never felt like a workplace. It felt like building something that was ours.”
Please tell us about your journey at NLSIU.
I joined NLSIU in 1991, when everything was still new, uncertain, and full of possibility. We were a small group of faculty, guided by Professor N. R. Madhava Menon, the Founding Director. I began with a modest salary of ₹2,000 a month while finishing my Ph.D. and was regularised as Assistant Professor in 1995.
But what stands out is not the designation or the timeline, it is the spirit of those years.
There was a remarkable sense of togetherness. There was very little hierarchy, faculty, administrative staff, drivers, support staff, everyone worked as one unit. We knew each other, we relied on each other, and we respected each other.
I still remember the entrance examinations, faculty travelling across the country, staff staying up through the night packing question papers, carrying heavy suitcases to airports at odd hours. Nobody asked about working hours or overtime. We simply did what needed to be done.
And then there were the long nights of evaluation, finishing classes, gathering in a room, working through the night, sharing meals, and returning to class the next morning. It sounds exhausting now, but at that time, it felt purposeful. It felt like we were building something meaningful.
What made this possible was the sense that this institution belonged to us. Faculty meetings were spaces where ideas were debated openly. Even when decisions did not go your way, you knew you had been heard. Over time, that created a deep emotional investment, this was not just a job, it was our university.
“Teaching, for me, was never static. It was a journey of learning alongside my students.”
How did your academic journey evolve over the years?
I came to NLSIU as a historian, and to be honest, I was not very enthusiastic about teaching in a law school. Legal history, as it was then framed, felt narrow and descriptive. I struggled initially to find my place.
But over time, that changed.
I began to reimagine my courses, not as a recounting of statutes, but as an exploration of historical context, ideas, and lived realities. My engagement with the Centre for Women and the Law was particularly transformative. It introduced me to feminist thought and feminist legal theory, which reshaped both my teaching and my own understanding of the world.
Gradually, my courses began to reflect these shifts, bringing together history, law, gender, and society.
And in many ways, my students were my teachers. Their questions, their disagreements, the materials they brought into discussions, they constantly pushed me to think differently. Teaching became a space of mutual intellectual growth, not one-way instruction.
“We did not just teach courses. We built an institution and we stood by our students.”
What distinguished NLSIU in its early years?
One of the defining features was the emphasis on research and writing. The system of continuous evaluation, especially project work, ensured that students learned how to think, analyse, and articulate ideas clearly. Over five years, this created graduates who were not just knowledgeable, but thoughtful and independent.
But equally important, perhaps even more so, was the mentorship culture.
This was a fully residential programme. Students came in at 18, at a very formative stage in their lives. They were navigating academic pressure, personal challenges, relationships, identity. As faculty, we were present, not just in classrooms, but in their lives.
Students came to us with everything, from academic doubts to deeply personal struggles. And we listened. We guided. We supported.
Looking back, I would say we were, in many ways, surrogate families to our students. That closeness created bonds that have lasted decades.
“The classroom was my anchor. No matter how I felt, it always lifted me.”
What has been the most fulfilling part of your time here?
Without a doubt – the classroom.
I could walk into class feeling tired, low, or distracted, and walk out completely energised. There was something deeply fulfilling about that space, the exchange of ideas, the questions, the debates.
When students engage, when they challenge you, when they think for themselves, you can see learning happening. And that is incredibly rewarding.
Those moments, of connection, curiosity, and shared thinking, have been the most meaningful part of my 34.5 years here.
“I would like to be remembered as someone who walked the talk.”
What would you like to be remembered for?
For integrity.
It was always important to me that my students saw me as fair and objective, not influenced by bias or personal preference. I tried, as far as I could, to practice what I spoke about in class.
I remember a student once telling me that he saw me as a person of integrity. It stayed with me, because it meant that what I was trying to live by was visible to them.
If my students remember me as someone who walked the talk, that would be enough.
“These five years can shape your life. Don’t take them lightly.”
What message would you like to leave for faculty and students?
For faculty, teaching is not just about delivering lectures. It is about being present, as mentors, as listeners, as guides. Students need more than instruction; they need engagement and care.
For students, these five years are incredibly important. This is a time of growth, intellectual, personal, emotional. NLSIU offers you opportunities you may not even fully recognise right now.
Use them well.
There will be distractions, there will be moments of doubt, but what you do with these years will shape the course of your life. Invest in them with sincerity and purpose.
As Dr. Elizabeth steps away from the classroom, her legacy endures in the generations of students she has taught, mentored, and shaped. Her journey is inseparable from the story of NLSIU itself, of building an institution with care, conviction, and integrity. In her words and work, she leaves behind not just memories, but a standard: of teaching with purpose, engaging with empathy, and remaining steadfast to one’s values.
I joined NLSIU in 1991, when everything was still new, uncertain, and full of possibility. We were a small group of faculty, guided by Professor N. R. Madhava Menon, the Founding Director. I began with a modest salary of ₹2,000 a month while finishing my Ph.D. and was regularised as Assistant Professor in 1995.
