Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha is the Vice-Chancellor of Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur. Previously, he served as Director of the Indian Law Institute. He holds a Doctorate in International Law from Jawaharlal Nehru University, an LL.M. from the University of Nottingham, and an LL.B. from the University of Delhi. His expertise spans Human Rights, Constitutional Law, International Humanitarian and Refugee Law, and International Criminal Law. A prolific author, he has published widely in national and international journals and regularly lectures at Indian and international institutions, including those under the UGC, ICRC, and various government ministries.
Interview: Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha | Vice-Chancellor, Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU)
We recently interviewed Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of DNLU, on legal education, international law, and the growing role of digital learning. Read the full interview transcript below:
Building a Law School of National Repute
Legal Bites: “Since taking charge as Vice Chancellor of DNLU Jabalpur, how have you built upon the institution’s initial vision?
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha: Since taking charge as Vice Chancellor of DNLU Jabalpur, my focus has been on building upon the University’s founding vision by promoting academic excellence, research, and institutional collaborations. We have established partnerships with leading institutions such as the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIUCLER), Goa; Bennett University; PDPM IIITDM Jabalpur; National Law University Delhi; Maharashtra National Law Universities (Mumbai and Nagpur); National Law Institute University, Bhopal; Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar; Chanakya National Law University, Patna; and National Law University, Jodhpur.
We have also collaborated with the Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), Prayas Institute of Juvenile Justice (PIJJ), and the Centre for WTO Studies (CWS) to strengthen research and academic initiatives.
In addition to academic collaborations, we have partnered with leading law firms to support placement and internship opportunities for our students. DNLU Jabalpur also actively hosts national and international conferences to foster academic dialogue; notable events include the WTO Conference and other specialised seminars in emerging areas of law and policy.
These efforts have considerably enhanced the University’s academic ecosystem, and while we have made significant progress, we remain committed to further strengthening DNLU’s position as a hub of excellence in legal education and research.
Legal Bites: How do you see DNLU distinguishing itself among the newer NLUs, and what are its key strengths in legal education and research?
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha: At DNLU Jabalpur, our vision has been to establish a future-oriented legal institution that combines strong academic foundations with innovation and interdisciplinary learning. Unlike many newer NLUs, we have prioritised building a research-intensive environment from the start, encouraging both students and faculty to engage in serious scholarship, policy research, and industry collaboration.
Our academic tie-ups with leading NLUs, specialised institutions like IIITDM Jabalpur, and research bodies such as the Centre for WTO Studies (CWS) and ICPS, reflect our commitment to broadening legal education beyond traditional boundaries.
Another key strength of DNLU is our proactive engagement with the professional world. Our collaborations with law firms to enhance placement and internship opportunities, ensuring that our students are workplace-ready. We regularly host international and national conferences, including the WTO Conference, which exposes students to real-world legal and policy debates. With a focus on blending rigorous academics, research innovation, and professional readiness, DNLU is rapidly distinguishing itself as a dynamic and progressive law university in the national landscape.
Collaborations and Global Legal Exposure
Legal Bites: What role do national and international collaborations play in shaping the academic landscape at DNLU?
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha: National and international collaborations play a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape at DNLU Jabalpur by expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, advanced research, and global exposure.
Through partnerships with premier institutions such as NLU Delhi, GNLU Gandhinagar, IIITDM Jabalpur, and organizations like the Centre for WTO Studies and the Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), we have been able to introduce a broader and more contemporary curriculum, encourage joint research initiatives, and create platforms for knowledge exchange.
Internationally, we aim to foster greater academic mobility and cross-border research collaborations, aligning our students and faculty with global legal trends. These partnerships not only enhance the academic rigor of our programs but also equip our students with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Our efforts in hosting international conferences, seminars, and specialised workshops further enrich the learning environment, ensuring that DNLU remains at the forefront of innovation in legal education.
Legal Bites: Given your rich background in international law, how do you ensure students at DNLU receive adequate exposure to global legal issues and comparative legal systems?
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha: Drawing from my extensive background in international and constitutional law, we have prioritised an integrated specialisation at DNLU that blends both global legal perspectives and domestic constitutional frameworks. From the beginning of their academic journey, our students are immersed in a curriculum that provides them with a specialised understanding of both international and constitutional law, preparing them to handle complex legal challenges in a globalised world.
We have embedded international law components across various courses, ensuring that students are exposed to comparative legal systems and global legal developments early on. To further enhance this integrated specialisation, we organise specialised lectures, workshops, and certificate programs featuring prominent global scholars and practitioners.
In addition, by hosting international conferences such as the WTO Conference and encouraging student involvement in global moot courts, research projects, and exchange programs, we provide practical platforms for comparative legal learning. This integrated approach ensures that DNLU graduates are not only well-versed in Indian constitutional law but are also equipped with the expertise to navigate international legal complexities.
From ILI to ISIL: A Journey of Legal Excellence
Legal Bites: Your tenure at the Indian Law Institute (ILI) left a mark on legal research and pedagogy. What key lessons from ILI are you applying to your leadership at DNLU?
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha: My experience at the Indian Law Institute (ILI) profoundly shaped my understanding of the critical role a research-oriented curriculum plays in legal education. At ILI, the curriculum is heavily focused on research, encouraging students to think critically and engage deeply with legal issues.
This emphasis on research, coupled with a strong academic culture, led many graduates to pursue teaching careers, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering academic excellence. These lessons have been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership at DNLU.
At DNLU, we aim to replicate and enhance this model by prioritising the development of research skills among our students. We are dedicated to creating an academic environment where research is not only encouraged but is an integral part of the learning process.
Through research-based assignments, projects, and dedicated seminars, we help students cultivate a strong research foundation that will serve them well in their careers, whether in academia, policy-making, or practice. In addition to this, we actively promote publication in reputed journals and incorporate research projects throughout the curriculum.
Inspired by the collaborative research model at ILI, we also foster a vibrant academic community through national and international partnerships, regular academic conferences, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
Our goal is to create an environment where research, teaching, and practical impact intersect, ensuring that DNLU becomes a centre of excellence in both legal education and scholarship.
Legal Bites: As someone closely associated with the Indian Society of International Law (ISIL), how do you envision its future under your guidance, and what areas of international law do you wish to promote further?
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha: My association with the Indian Society of International Law (ISIL) and the Indian Law Institute (ILI) has significantly shaped my approach to legal education and research. ISIL, founded in 1959 by V.K. Krishna Menon, has been instrumental in promoting the study and development of international law, focusing on its application to India and encouraging comparative legal research. ILI, with its research-oriented curriculum, emphasises critical thinking and innovation in international law.
At ISIL, we aim to build upon its legacy by fostering global dialogues, encouraging young scholars, and promoting research in emerging fields like international trade law, human rights, and climate change law. Both institutions provide invaluable platforms for advancing legal scholarship, bridging academic insights with practical policy discussions, and strengthening India’s role in global legal affairs.
Empowering Students through Digital Platforms
Legal Bites: How effective do you find online educational platforms like Legal Bites in complementing classroom learning, particularly for students at institutions like DNLU?
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha: Online educational platforms like Legal Bites have become increasingly valuable in complementing traditional classroom learning, particularly in a rapidly evolving field like law. For students at institutions like DNLU, these platforms provide an excellent opportunity to supplement the knowledge gained in class with practical insights, specialised content, and diverse perspectives from professionals and experts in various areas of law.
At DNLU, we encourage students to take advantage of such platforms to enhance their learning experience. They serve as a valuable resource for staying updated on the latest legal trends, gaining in-depth knowledge of niche subjects, and improving skills like legal writing, research, and analysis.
While classroom learning offers a strong foundation, platforms like Legal Bites help bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving students the flexibility to learn at their own pace while also engaging with contemporary legal issues that go beyond the textbook.
Legal Bites: Do you believe such e-resources can bridge the access gap in legal education, especially for students from emerging NLUs?
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha: Absolutely. E-resources, including platforms like Legal Bites, have tremendous potential to bridge the access gap in legal education, particularly for students at emerging NLUs. These resources offer a level of accessibility that traditional education formats often cannot, especially for students from institutions with limited physical infrastructure or those who may not have access to specialised legal libraries or global legal databases.
E-resources democratize access to high-quality legal content, enabling students to learn from leading experts, access international case law, and stay current with the latest legal developments, regardless of their geographical location or institutional resources.
For emerging NLUs like DNLU, these platforms also provide an invaluable opportunity to level the playing field. They allow our students to engage with supplementary materials that are often beyond the scope of standard curricula and to build competencies that may otherwise be unavailable. By incorporating e-resources into our academic framework, we ensure that students have the tools to enhance their academic learning, enrich their research, and better prepare for the professional challenges they’ll face in a globalised legal landscape.
