News Type: News

Community Engagement and Field Visit at Hakki Pikki Settlement | By Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI)

A team of NLS faculty and students of the Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP) visited a Hakki Pikki settlement in Bannikuppe Village, Bengaluru, on August 20, 2025, as part of the voluntary outreach initiatives of the MPP programme. The visit aimed to engage with the Hakki Pikki community and understand their socio-economic conditions and explore issues related to inclusion and welfare.

The visit was facilitated by Prof. Sony Pellissery and Dr. R.V. Chandrashekar Ramenahalli of the Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI), NLSIU. This initiative is part of CSSI’s larger idea to link classroom learning with field realities and provide students with an opportunity to understand questions of marginalisation, welfare, and social justice in practice.

About the Community

The Hakki Pikki are a Scheduled Tribe and decriminalised community (formerly listed under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871) who migrated from Northern India. The term “Hakki Pikki” translates to “bird catchers” in Kannada. During the rehabilitation drives of the 1950s and 1960s, the community was relocated from forests to the outskirts of urban areas in Karnataka.

Traditionally the community is known for their migratory livelihoods, traditional healing and trading practices. They are famous for their renowned knowledge of indigenous medicines and herbal products, particularly herbal oils and other Ayurvedic formulations. Some members of the community travel to African and Gulf countries in order to sell these herbal oils. Many families also make artificial garlands and decorations for sale in nearby cities. According to the 2011 Census, their population in Karnataka is 11,892 and they particularly reside in districts such as Davangere, Mysuru, Kolar, Hassan, and Shivmogga.

Reflections from the Visit

The activity was coordinated by second-year MPP students. They were involved in interactive discussions with community members and elected representatives, observations of local livelihood practices, and participated in informal group conversations. The team also spent time at the local primary government school (Classes 1–7) interacting with students and teachers. At present, there are only 30 students in total, and they are taught by three teachers across just three classrooms. The school runs from 10 am to 4 pm with a midday meal at 1 pm.

Nabeel Abdur Rahman, a second-year MPP student from West Bengal joined the visit to better understand how tribal communities navigate education and welfare. Reflecting on the school interaction, he remarked:

“We engaged with children from classes 5–7 who expressed their dreams of becoming doctors or police officers. At first, these seemed like predictable answers. However, discussions with Panchayat members revealed that rampant alcoholism was causing health issues, violence, and instability in the community. The children’s aspirations, therefore, stemmed from these lived experiences.”

Alaka Rajeev, a second-year MPP student from Kerala, motivated by her interest in the sociology of education, shared:

“There were very few children in the school, and teachers were finding it difficult to convince their parents to send their other children as well. One reason being linguistic barrier, that is the language of instruction is Kannada which was different from their mother tongue. This showed how cultural and linguistic gaps intersect with education access.”

Glimpses from the Visit

Independence Day 2025 at NLS

Flag Hoisting Programme

The NLS community celebrated the 79th year of Independence on campus. The tricolour was hoisted by the University Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Sudhir Krishnaswamy and our support staff member B. Jayaramu. To mark the occasion, the NLS Music Society put up a performance that had the crowd engaged, while Firdaus-e-Alfaaz, the student poetry collective at NLS, did a reading of two selected poems: ‘The Gift of India’ by Sarojini Naidu, and ‘Arunoday’ by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.

Our faculty member Dr. Chandrabhan P Yadav delivered a brief message on the occasion:

“With several hindrances and limitations for the dream of liberty, equality and fraternity, Universities remain the site of possibilities. An utopia within the sight, not very far but realisable and achievable. In a socially and economically structured society of ours, we encounter a culturally, socially, and economically diverse set of people in the same space. One makes lifelong friendships, falls in love, and barriers of caste, class and region-religion seem to dissolve in the University. We encounter the fraternity in its closest possible forms. It gives us the opportunity to be socially mobile and the wheel in the national flag starts moving. On this day, we celebrate many such possibilities which Independence and self-rule gave to us.”

Bangalore Little Theatre’s Performance of The Prophet and the Poet

The Student Bar Association hosted a special Independence Day cultural programme on August 15, 2025, with a performance of ‘The Prophet and the Poet’ by Bangalore Little Theatre (BLT).

The Prophet and the Poet is based on the exchange of letters and essays between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore over a span of 25 years, set against the backdrop of India’s freedom movement. The correspondence, interwoven with imagined but historically grounded dialogue, highlights their profound differences in ideology, Gandhi’s faith-driven activism and Tagore’s expansive intellectual humanism, while also revealing the deep respect they held for one another. The script was developed within BLT’s Academy of Theatre Arts, based on archival research by Prof. Sabyasachi Bhattacharya and first compiled by Shailesh Parekh (later published as Gandhi vs Tagore by Visva Bharati, 2010). With its minimalist staging, the play emphasises the text and ideas of Gandhi and Tagore rather than direct impersonation, bringing to life the philosophical debates that shaped India’s freedom struggle.

Following the performance, there was a Q&A session where attendees interacted with the cast and director about the creative process, the historical debates at the heart of the play, and the continuing relevance of Gandhi and Tagore’s ideas today.

Maisaheb Dr. Savita Ambedkar Memorial Quiz

The NLS Quiz Club organised an informative quiz centring around the topic of India, leading up to the day of Independence. The quiz saw the participation of many first-time quizzers and even faculty. Prof. Vijayavargia used creative quiz formatting to ensure a pleasant experience for all participants.

 

Call for Applications | Assistant Professor – Law (Contract) | 10 Positions

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) was established in 1987 to be a pioneer in legal education. Over the last three decades the University has evolved as an innovative leader in law, social sciences, humanities, and public policy education and research in India. It has also been ranked first among the law universities in the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) for the last seven years.

To sustain this leadership, the University invites applications from exceptionally well-qualified individuals, dedicated to academic teaching, scholarship, and institutional service for the following positions:

  1. Post: Assistant Professor (Law)(Contract) – 10 Vacancies (Unreserved)
  2. Subjects (Indicative): All major Law subjects including Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, Law and Development, Labour Law, Legal Theory Procedural Law, Private Law, Corporate and Financial Laws, Family Law, Intellectual Property Law, Taxation Law, Public Law.
  3. Pay Structure: Level 10 as per VII CPC (Consolidated)
  4. Appointment: On a contract basis for a period of two years (with a probation of one year)

To know more, read the official notification here.
To apply, fill out the form here. The application deadline has been extended to September 10, 2025 (5 PM IST). [View Corrigendum]

Family Feud: A Talk on LGBTQ Rights in the Aftermath of Supriyo | By NLS Queer Alliance

The NLS Queer Alliance hosted its first event of the academic year 2025-26 on August 7, 2025. The talk titled ‘Family Feud’ focussed on the high powered committee (HPC) set up in furtherance of the decision in Supriyo v. Union of India. The speakers were Jwalika Balaji from Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, and NLS Visiting Faculty Mario Da Penha. The session was moderated by Krishika Kamal and Dyuti Abhay (IInd year BA LLB), who were also the organisers of the event.

About the Speakers

  • Jwalika Balaji is an NLS alum (NLS BA LLB 2023). She is a Research Fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, and has worked on the submissions by Vidhi and Keshav Suri Foundation to the Committee.
  • Mario Da Penha is queer historian, activist, and political worker. He is currently teaching an elective course at NLS on the history of queerness. He was one of the co-petitioners in the case against Section 377 of the IPC and the marriage equality case. He leads work on LGBTQIA+ rights within the Professionals’ Congress.

About the Talk

Jwalika began by talking about the submissions made by Vidhi and Keshav Suri Foundation to the HPC, including the consultation process, the proposals, the broad nature of the demands and action plan, and the interaction with various stakeholders. They explained the rationale behind the submissions covering aspects which went beyond just marriage equality.

Mario added to the discussion by narrating the larger political and social landscape of the marriage equality debate; their experience in student politics and as a co-petitioner in the marriage equality case. They emphasised the need for political mobilisation of the queer community and the importance of marriage equality, along with other demands.

Call for Applications | NLSIU Research Fellowships (Multiple Positions)

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for the following NLSIU Fellowships on a contract basis:

1. Graduate Research Fellowship (10 positions)
2. NLSIU Postdoctoral Fellowship (5 positions)
3. University Research Fellowship (5 positions)

NOTE: Two of the Graduate Research Fellowships will be supported by the JSW Centre for the Future of Law at NLSIU. Applications for the JSW Centre Fellowships has been advertised separately. To know more and apply, click here.

About the Fellowships

In 2020–21, the University developed a Grand Challenges Model of research. Five grand challenges were identified for the 21st century. These are: Climate Justice; Labour and Work; State Capacity and Reform; Law and Technology; and Access to Justice and Legal Reform.

The NLSIU Research Fellowships Programme starting AY 2025-26 further responds to the grand challenges model. Its goals are to contribute to the creation of original knowledge in law, social sciences, public policy, and cognate disciplines, and cultivate a robust research community that both drives and benefits from the intellectual life on campus. The programme includes fellowships of varying duration and scope that will be offered annually to researchers with different levels of academic and professional experience. All Fellows will get an opportunity to be part of NLSIU’s rich intellectual environment, participate in its workshops and seminars, avail of its extensive library and digital resources, and publish widely, including for NLS platforms (NLSIU blogs, peer-reviewed journals, and website).

Aim and Objectives of the Fellowships

  • To respond to and institutionalise research and policy interventions responding to the grand challenges identified by the University;
  • To diversify and expand interdisciplinary research in legal studies, social sciences, public policy, and cognate disciplines;
  • To develop a robust research community at the University comprising faculty, fellows, and researchers, working in collaboration with each other, and building on each others’ work;
  • To achieve and sustain leadership in knowledge creation, use and dissemination through collaborations with global leaders in these fields.

To know more about the Fellowships, visit our Research Fellowships page. 

Location

Fellows are ordinarily expected to be on campus during their fellowship period. The University may on a case-to-case basis offer flexibility for presence on campus.

Remuneration

Salary will be commensurate to the candidate’s educational background, qualifications, and relevant experience.

How to Apply

Please use the Google form for the relevant fellowship:

1. Graduate Research Fellowship (10 positions)
2. NLSIU Postdoctoral Fellowship (5 positions)
3. University Research Fellowship (5 positions)

Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with three rounds of review.

The first review of applications is currently underway for applications received till 11:59 pm on September 15, 2025.
The second round of reviews will take place in February 2026 for applications received between September 16, 2025 and February 28, 2026 (11:59 pm).

For any queries, please write to .

About NLSIU

NLSIU was established in 1987 to be a pioneer in legal education. Over the last three decades the University has evolved as an innovative leader in law, social sciences, humanities, and public policy education and research in India. It has also been ranked first among the law universities in the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) for the last seven years.

The Karnataka Devadasi Bill, 2025: A Landmark Framework | By Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion, NLSIU

The Karnataka State Cabinet has approved the transformative and comprehensive model legislation for the Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Redress and Rehabilitation) Act, 2025 submitted by the Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. Karnataka State Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation and Tourism Department, Shri H.K.Patil, has said that the Bill will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly.

The draft proposal, which repeals the Karnataka Devadasi (Prohibition of Surrender) Act, 1982 and the Karnataka Devadasi (Prohibition of Surrender) (Amendment) Act, 2009,  had been submitted to Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka for consideration by the Cabinet agenda.

The proposed law represents a holistic and rights-based strategy to dismantle the Devadasi system — an oppressive and illegal social practice still prevalent in parts of Karnataka despite historical bans.

About the Bill

The draft law reflects seven months of field research, consultation, discussion and dialogue initiated by the Talasamudaayagala Adhyayana Kendra at NLSIU in collaboration with Devadasi Community members, Government of Karnataka, NGOs, State universities and activists working for the empowerment and emancipation of the Devadasi community for erasing the Devadasi practice in its intent and practice. Students from the Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP) at NLSIU provided research support for the initiative.

More than 15,000 Devadasi women and community members participated during the district and taluk devadasi research consultations in the districts of Koppala, Raichur, Bellary, Bagalakote, Yadgiri, Gulbarga, Belgaum, Vijayapura, Dharwad, Haveri, Gadaga, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Shimoga, and Vijayanagara.

This legislation aspires to go beyond relief – to recognition, justice, accountability, and institutional transformation – laying the final foundation for the eradication of the Devadasi system in Karnataka.

Read the Draft

Reflections

Dr. Chandrashekar R. V., Coordinator, Drafting Committee, and Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion, NLSIU, said:

“Heartfelt congratulations to the Devadasi mothers and children who have tirelessly led this movement. Many organisations and subject matter experts have supported and guided us throughout this journey. Based on the collective input of all stakeholders, the 2025 Bill is now a step closer to reality.

This is a historic moment for Karnataka – a law truly made by the people. Unlike the traditional approach where laws are created and imposed by governments, experts, and researchers, this Bill was envisioned, shaped, and demanded by the people themselves. For the past eight years, Devadasi mothers, children-led groups, and allied organisations have worked relentlessly to make this happen.

Congratulations to everyone – those who have directly or indirectly contributed to this transformative process. Special thanks to the Chief Secretary Dr. Shamla Iqbal Department of Women and Child Welfare and all the officials who have worked continuously to bring this Bill to the Cabinet. We also extend our gratitude to those who supported and reported on this journey.

Thanks to the collective cooperation, encouragement, and support of so many, this law now stands on the threshold of implementation.

A sincere thanks to the Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Siddaramaiah and the Chief Secretaries for supporting this people’s Bill to be brought forward for Cabinet discussion.”

Key Highlights of the Bill

1. Anchored in Constitutional and Social Justice Values

  • The Bill upholds the core constitutional principles of equality before law (Article 14), prohibition of discrimination (Article 15), and protection of human dignity (Article 21). It is aligned with Karnataka Government’s AHINDA vision, reaffirming the State’s duty to dismantle caste- and gender-based oppression through inclusive and rights-based governance.

2. Community-Led, Inclusive Legislative Process

  • Developed through an unprecedented participatory process led by Talasamudaayagala Adhyayana Kendra of National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bengaluru, the Bill integrates insights from over 15,000 Devadasi women, their children, and community leaders across 16 districts.

3. Prohibition and Criminalisation of the Devadasi System

  • Establishes strong legal safeguards to eliminate the Devadasi system in all its manifestations. Reinforces punitive measures while promoting preventive strategies through education and awareness.

4. Comprehensive Relief and Rehabilitation

  • Guarantees time-bound access to essential entitlements—healthcare, housing, education, pensions, and livelihood opportunities. Introduces Charters of Relief and institutional mechanisms at taluk, district, and state levels for effective implementation.

5. Protection of Children’s Rights

  • Ensures children born to Devadasi women can claim paternal identity, inheritance, and maintenance. Institutionalises safeguards against stigma and exclusion in public institutions.

6. Empowerment through Community Governance

  • Promotes democratic inclusion by institutionalising the participation of Devadasi women and youth in decision-making bodies and monitoring committees. Enables community ownership of implementation and accountability.

7. Accessible and Rights-Based Legal Design

  • The Bill is structured in community-friendly language and design, modelled on RTI principles, ensuring usability and awareness at the grassroots level. Recognizes Devadasi families as rights-holders, not passive recipients.

Evolution of Legal Framework

There has been an evolution in legal thinking from punitive to rights-based and participatory frameworks. The 2025 Bill has  transformative potential in addressing structural, intergenerational injustices experienced by Devadasi women and their families. For a comparative analysis of the Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025 vis-à-vis the earlier legislations—The Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1982 and its 2009 Amendment (Act 1 of 2010), read more.

For more details, please contact
Dr. Chandrashekar R. V., Coordinator, Drafting Committee
Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion, NLSIU
Email:

In the Press

Related Media

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NLSIU Wins The 25th International Maritime Law Arbitration Moot (IMLAM)

We are proud to share that the NLSIU team has won the 25th International Maritime Law Arbitration Moot (IMLAM), hosted by the University of Sydney, Australia from July 6-11, 2025. The team comprised Vedika Warrier (Vth year BA LLB), Vrinda Sinha (IVth year BA LLB) and Advaith Anand (Vth year BA LLB). They competed against National University of Singapore in the finals.

The Problem

This year’s IMLAM problem dealt with shipowners’ indemnities against the charterer for cargo damage claims—under the Inter-Club Agreement, with a particular focus on the precondition of ‘proper settlement’, and under an implied indemnity in a time charter party. The problem can be found here.

Awards

  • Winners:
    • Finals: Against the National University of Singapore (NUS)
    • Semifinals: Against the University of Copenhagen
    • Quaterfinals: Against the University of Versailles (Paris-Saclay)
    • Preliminary rounds: Against NLU Jodhpur, Symbiosis Law School Pune, NUS, and the University of Sydney
  • Best Female Speaker (Final Round): Vrinda Sinha
  • Best Female Speaker (General Rounds): Vedika Warrier

The Team’s Mooting Experience

Reflecting on the experience, Vrinda Sinha told us:

“I quite enjoyed the issues I worked on, and getting to argue out some subtle points about the common law was, as always, super thrilling, and doubly so when you get questioned by judges who (in the words of one of the organisers) ‘know everything about maritime law.’ Needless to say, the teamwork and collective brainstorming was challenging and taught me a lot. It was quite a hectic preparatory month for us in June, since all of us were interning, too. In hindsight it’s incredible that we managed to get as much practice in as we did—I think the credit for that goes fully to the team being very understanding with each other and proactive about the moot.

My heartfelt thanks to the library staff, who helped us with finding books and resources in this area of the law, and also many seniors who helped us with oral rounds’ preparation, and alumni, particularly Mr. Ashwin Shanker (NLS BA LLB 2000) who coached us, took many rounds for us, and walked us through the fundamentals of maritime law.”

‘Walking Experience of Footpaths’ | A Workshop by MPP Alumna Genesia Rodrigues

NLS alumna Genesia Rodrigues (NLS MPP 2019), Senior Manager – Public Policy, Kazam, conducted a workshop on ‘Walking Experience of Footpaths’ at NLS between July 28 to 30, 2025. Genesia, who works in the space of urban mobility, had previously conducted a similar workshop on urban infrastructure at NLS. This latest workshop saw the participation of second-year students of the Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP), facilitated by Dr. Sony Pellissery, Professor and Co-Director, Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion, NLSIU.

Here’s a short interview with Genesia.

What has been your professional journey since graduating from the MPP Programme at NLS?

I graduated in 2019 and I have been working in the space of urban mobility for the last seven years.

I started my career in urban mobility as a volunteer and I remember finding it very difficult to use buses in Bengaluru. At that time, I used to go to various NGO meetings and found one where they wanted volunteers – the Bangalore Bus Prayaanikara Vedike (BBPV). BBVP works for the mobility rights for government workers, low income groups, domestic workers, sex workers, etc. and questions how we can build inclusive mobility.

I also worked as a consultant to the Government of Karnataka for a time. After that, I was a public policy manager at Namma Yatri, which is a ride hailing application. Currently, I am Senior Manager – Public Policy at an EV tech company, Kazam. Here we are looking at the electrification of mobility and how to make it more accessible for the gig economy, two-wheeler users, delivery fleets and also buses.

Can you tell us more about the workshop?

The workshop focussed on the walking experience of footpaths.

There are certain guidelines for how footpaths should be designed and we looked at whether those guidelines are translating in real life. We also analysed the lived experiences of people.

Footpaths essentially have different uses. Street vendors use them differently. An elderly person, a woman or a child will experience it very differently. So we looked at footpaths from those different lenses. We did a qualitative and a quantitative study, asking:

  • What’s the width of the footpath?
  • What’s the height of the footpath?
  • How much area of the footpath meets policy requirements?
  • How many number of trees and street lights are present?

I had conducted a similar workshop a couple of years ago at NLS. It was a ward level exercise, where we tried to look at the infrastructure available. (I think Sony Sir still has a chart and creative content from that workshop.) We asked:

  • Are there schools?
  • Are there hospitals at a walking distance?
  • What are the different types of land uses?
  • How are the lived experiences of a lower income group area versus a higher income group?
  • What are the different types of infrastructure available for both groups?

How does it feel to come back to your alma mater? What brings you back here?

I think NLS gave me a lot. It gave me a good starting point to kick off my public policy career because I came from an engineering background. The way I looked at policies actually changed in my two years here. It gave me good networks to start with. I have kept in touch with Prof. Babu Mathew (Co-Director, Centre for Labour Studies) and Prof. Sony Pellissery. They both helped me reach out to a lot of NGOs when I was doing my dissertation. I had a very technical dissertation but over the course of time and with their guidance, the ‘people element’ started coming in.

I got a lot from NLS, so I want to give back a little.

Glimpses from the Workshop

Open Challengers 2025 | By Moot Court Society, NLSIU

Over the course of three weeks in July 2025, the Moot Court Society (MCS) at the National Law School of India University successfully conducted four Open Challenger (OC) rounds to select representative teams for some of the most prestigious international moot court competitions. These include The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the International Bar Association International Criminal Court Moot, and The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition.

Here are the teams that will represent NLSIU at the following competitions:

  • IBA ICC Moot Court Competition 2026: Lohith Reddy B (BA LLB IInd year), Ayesha Khan (BA LLB IInd year), Pradnesh Kamat (BA LLB IInd year), Aayushi Yadav (BA LLB IIIrd year)
  • John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition 2026: Gurnoor Singh (BA LLB IIIrd year), Chahat Bhambri (BA LLB IIIrd year), Bhumika Bansal (BA LLB IIIrd)
  • 33rd Willem C. Vis (Vienna) International Commercial Arbitration Moot 2026: Aumita Mishra ( BA LLB IVth year), Dewanshee Singh (BA LLB IIIrd year), Arushi Singh (BA LLB IVth year), and Abhyudaya Singh (BA LLB IVth year)
  • 23rd Vis East (Hong Kong) Moot 2026: Akshat Agarwal (BA LLB IVth year), Namya Gambhir (BA LLB IVth year), Aditya Bhargava (BA LLB IVth year), and Viraj Thakur (BA LLB IIIrd year)
  • The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition: Anoushka Kothari (BA LLB Vth year), Anshu Varahagiri (BA LLB Vth year), Kartik Kalra (BA LLB Vth year), Rishab Deviah (BA LLB Vth year)

About the Open Challenger

The Open Challenger format for all four competitions, introduced for the first time this year, was conceived as an intensive, simulation-based selection mechanism conducted at the very beginning of the academic year. With two rounds held on campus and two online, the format was tailored to reflect the procedural structure, complexity, and advocacy standards of the actual competitions. Despite tight schedules, the OCs drew participation from over 80 students across batches and were executed with academic rigour and logistical precision.

The orals rounds for the competitions happened on the following days:

  • Jessup OC: July 13, 2025
  • Vis (Vienna and Hong Kong) OC: July 19 and 20, 2025
  • ELSA: July 12 and 13, 2025
  • IBA ICC: July 5 and 6, 2025

Drafting Problems

Each OC problem was meticulously crafted to align with the subject matter and procedural expectations of the respective moot. The drafting team – Ms. Sanya Kishwar, Ms. Ronjini Ray, Dr. Ajar Rab, and Mr. Arnav Sharma, designed problems that challenged participants to engage with complex issues in international law, commercial arbitration, trade, and criminal procedure. These problems served not only as evaluative tools but as pedagogical exercises, exposing participants to realistic case analysis under pressure.

Adjudication

The rounds were adjudicated by a panel of 16 accomplished legal professionals, many of whom are distinguished alumni of NLSIU and veterans of the international mooting circuit. Their assessments combined doctrinal depth with advocacy expertise, offering participants substantive feedback on argument structure, legal reasoning, and courtroom presentation. All the rounds were marked by high-calibre performances, evidencing participants’ intellectual agility, research clarity, and courtroom composure.

The Judging Panel across the challengers comprised Aniruddha Basu, Ashika Jain, Devyani Gupta, Akshay Sapre, Sneha Bhandary, Sapna Khajuria, Dr. Priya Pillai, Mihir Naniwadekar, Rishabha Meena, Dr. Bipin Kumar, Gauri Tyagi, Anand Nandakumar, Harshit Kothari, Dr. Rashmi Salpekar, Sameena Syed, and Rohit Gupta.

A Note from MCS

Beyond the competitive dimension, the Open Challengers served as a vital learning platform. For many participants, these rounds constituted their first significant engagement with international-style mooting. The experience enabled students to develop practical advocacy skills, refine their understanding of comparative legal systems, and receive structured guidance from seasoned professionals. Even the teams that may not have won the challengers emerged with a clearer sense of direction, enhanced skillsets, and a deeper appreciation for the demands of global mooting.

The successful execution of the Open Challengers would not have been possible without the exceptional commitment and coordination of the members of the Moot Court Society and the Convenors. Operating under tight timelines and managing multiple complex moots back-to-back, they ensured that every aspect, from problem-setting and judge coordination to logistics and evaluation, was handled with precision and professionalism. Their ability to deliver high-quality rounds within a compressed schedule is a testament to their dedication, efficiency, and deep understanding of the mooting ecosystem at NLSIU.

This initiative reflects the Moot Court Society’s commitment to evolving mooting pedagogy at NLSIU by bridging doctrinal excellence with realistic simulation, and by cultivating not only competitive strength but also intellectual discipline and collaborative learning. As the selected teams now begin their preparations to represent NLSIU at global forums, they carry forward a legacy grounded in academic integrity, procedural excellence, and institutional pride.

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Stakeholder Consultation on Legal Protection for Domestic Workers | By Centre for Labour Studies, NLSIU & Human Rights Collective

The Centre for Labour Studies, and Human Rights Collective at NLSIU, in collaboration with the Domestic Workers Union and Stree Jagruti Samiti, organised a day-long Stakeholder Consultation on Legal Protection for Domestic Workers, in hybrid mode, on August 2, 2025, at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, from 10 am to 5 pm.

This consultation forms part of an ongoing initiative aimed at bringing together diverse perspectives to formulate a legal framework for domestic workers within India.

View the Schedule

About the Consultation

The impetus for this consultation has been significantly influenced by the Supreme Court’s judgment in Ajay Malik v. State of Uttarakhand [2025 INSC 118]. This judgment mandated the establishment of a national committee to propose legislative measures for domestic workers. Despite this directive, no such committee has yet been constituted.

In response to this, the Human Rights Collective at NLSIU, in partnership with the Centre for Labour Studies, NLSIU, Domestic Workers Union and the Stree Jagruti Samiti, has initiated a series of independent consultations. These consultations are designed to foreground worker experiences and address existing legal gaps. As part of this effort, the team has prepared a position paper critically analysing the current legal landscape and conducted a worker consultation in Bengaluru on July 16, 2025, with a follow-up consultation with union leaders on July 19, 2025.

Notes from the Conference

This consultation was attended by domestic workers’ unions, activists from central trade unions, civil society groups, leading academics, labour lawyers, officials from the state government and law students.

The attendees emphasised on the need for adoption of a separate law for domestic workers and deliberated on the minimum protection that the legislation must guarantee to ensure dignity and rights. They also demanded for immediate compliance with the SC directive in relation to the judgment in Ajay Malik v. State of Uttarakhand.

Dr. G Manjunath, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka said that the Labour Department is working on a Draft Bill on regulating domestic work. The participants welcomed this initiative and called upon the government to release the draft bill for public consultation.

In the News

The Hindu | Position paper by NLSIU calls for legal recognition of domestic workers 

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