DNLU Jabalpur Signs MoU with HPNLU Shimla to Boost Legal Education, Research, and Academic Exchange

This collaboration is part of DNLU’s ongoing efforts to broaden its academic engagements by entering into MoUs with reputed institutions. The MoU with HPNLU encompasses a wide range of collaborative initiatives including exchange of students and faculty members, joint academic activities, collaborative research and publications, and the development of joint training and research programs.

Established under the Madhya Pradesh Dharmashastra National Law University Act, 2018, DNLU is committed to advancing legal education and upholding the rule of law as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The university is led by an esteemed group of legal professionals and academics: Hon’ble Judge of the Supreme Court of India Shri Justice J.K. Maheshwari as its Visitor, Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh Shri Justice Suresh Kumar Kait as its Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha as Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Praveen Tripathi as Registrar. DNLU currently offers B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., and Ph.D. programs, fostering holistic legal education and research excellence.

HPNLU, Shimla, was established by the State Government in 2016 and is located in the serene terrains of the Himalayas. Recognized as one of the best institutions for studying law in India, HPNLU is helmed by Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, a distinguished legal academic with over 33 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership.

Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena is a Gold Medalist in LL.M., holds a Ph.D. in Law, and has made significant contributions to the legal field. She has previously served as the Director of the Center of Post Graduate Legal Studies and as Head of the Department of Human Rights and Dean of the School for Legal Studies at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow. Her scholarly portfolio includes authorship of two books, editorial work on four books, and publication of over 85 research papers. She has guided 18 Ph.D. scholars and nearly 170 LL.M. dissertations. Honored with several accolades, including the ‘Prashasti Patra’ by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Prof. Saxena has represented Indian academia globally and was the only law professor selected for the Government of India’s LeAP program. Her active engagement spans curriculum design, social justice, legal aid, and academic policy-making. She is also known for her educational outreach through a dedicated YouTube channel and her expertise in Constitutional Law, Constitutional Governance, Torts, and Human Rights.

The MoU signing ceremony took place on March 29, 2025, and was formalized by Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of DNLU, and Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of HPNLU. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Saxena expressed optimism that this partnership would bring significant academic and research benefits to both institutions. Prof. Sinha echoed her sentiments and emphasized the transformational opportunities for growth and academic cooperation that this collaboration will foster.

The MoU is aimed at synergizing professional capabilities of both institutions to promote capacity building, legal education, scholarly research, and publication. It will also facilitate student and faculty exchange programs, collaborative research initiatives, and joint academic events, including seminars, conferences, and moot court competitions, thereby contributing to the academic and professional development of the legal fraternity.

This partnership marks a forward-thinking initiative by DNLU and HPNLU to nurture a collaborative academic ecosystem, empower students and faculty, and advance the frontiers of legal scholarship in India.