HPNLU Receives ₹2.36 Crore Grant From Azim Premji Foundation To Launch Courts And Civil Liberties Project
The Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, has received a grant of ₹2.36 crore from the Azim Premji Foundation to establish a "Courts and Civil Liberties Project" aimed at strengthening access to justice and legal aid services for vulnerable sections of society in Himachal Pradesh. The project will be implemented under the aegis of the Centre for Philosophy and Comparative Law Studies (CPCLS), HPNLU, and will run for an initial period of three years.
The initiative has been approved under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena. The grant has been awarded to Prof. (Dr.) Chanchal Kumar Singh, Director, CPCLS, for implementation of the project. According to HPNLU, the project will initially provide legal representation to male, female and transgender undertrial prisoners lodged in Kanda Central Jail, Kaithu Sub Jail and Solan District Jail, while also extending support for select full trials on a need basis in Shimla and Solan districts. The university stated that the project will subsequently be expanded to other district jails across the State.
The Courts and Civil Liberties Project will provide legal assistance at various stages of criminal proceedings, including facilitation of bail applications, legal representation before courts and, in deserving cases, continued support until the conclusion of trial and related proceedings. The project seeks to address barriers to access to justice and ensure effective legal representation for persons who may otherwise be unable to secure adequate legal assistance.
HPNLU stated that the project is expected to handle approximately 120 cases annually and provide legal assistance in around 360 cases during the three-year period. The university said the initiative aims to contribute to the protection of constitutional rights, fair trial guarantees and access to justice through a structured and professionally managed framework.
For implementation of the project, a dedicated secretariat and office will be established at the university. The project will engage a multidisciplinary team comprising eight full-time personnel, including a Project Coordinator, three Advocates, three Social Workers, including women social workers, and an Office Manager. The team will work with undertrial prisoners, their families, prisons, the police department, State and District Legal Services Authorities and other stakeholders to facilitate the objectives of the project.
Speaking about the initiative, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena stated that the project aligns with HPNLU's commitment to promoting constitutional values, human dignity, legal empowerment and social justice through community engagement and legal outreach programmes. The university further noted that the collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation is expected to create a sustainable model for institutional legal aid intervention and strengthen access to justice mechanisms in the State.
Prof. (Dr.) Chanchal Kumar Singh, Director of the Project, observed that the mounting pendency of criminal cases underscores the importance of the initiative and stated that its success would depend upon active collaboration and support from stakeholders across the State. HPNLU also noted that the project represents a significant milestone in its efforts to combine academic excellence with social impact and advance the cause of legal aid and civil liberties through advocacy and direct legal intervention. Dr. Aayush Raj, Assistant Professor of Law, will serve as the Project Co-Director.