NALSAR University History: How Judges Helped Build One of India's Top Law Schools

NALSAR University of Law, one of India's most prestigious legal institutions, has found itself at the centre of national attention after students opposed the participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at its convocation ceremony. While the controversy sparked debate over student dissent and judicial independence, it has also brought renewed focus to the university's remarkable journey.

Established in 1998, NALSAR has grown from a small law school operating from temporary premises in Hyderabad into one of India's leading National Law Universities (NLUs), consistently ranking among the country's best institutions for legal education.

Why NALSAR is back in the spotlight

More than 450 students recently objected to the Chief Justice of India's participation in the university's convocation ceremony, prompting comments from the Bar Council of India.

The legal body's initial observation that protesting students should not be allowed to practise law drew criticism from legal experts and academic circles. It later clarified that no student would be denied graduation or the right to practise law.

The controversy has also reignited discussion about NALSAR's institutional history and its long-standing association with India's judiciary.

Founded through a state law, not Parliament

Contrary to a common misconception, NALSAR was not created through a parliamentary law.

The university was established under the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research University Act, 1998, passed by the then Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

The idea for creating a world-class law university in Hyderabad emerged during the mid-1990s under the leadership of Justice Prabha Shankar Mishra, then Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

A group of senior judges and legal experts subsequently formed the National Society for Promotion and Advancement of Legal Studies and Research, laying the foundation for what would become NALSAR.

The project gained momentum after Justice Umesh Chandra Banerjee became Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1998. The legislation came into force on June 15, 1998, and Professor Ranbir Singh was appointed the institution's founding Director.

From a temporary campus to a premier law university

NALSAR admitted its first batch of BA LL.B. (Hons.) students in December 1998 from a temporary campus in Barkatpura, Hyderabad.

The university initially operated with modest facilities, including classrooms, hostels, a library and student amenities.

In 1999, the Andhra Pradesh government allotted 50 acres of land at Shamirpet, where NALSAR shifted its permanent campus by 2000.

The move provided the infrastructure required for rapid academic expansion.

How NALSAR became one of India's top law schools

Over the past two decades, NALSAR has evolved into a nationally recognised centre for legal education and research.

The university has expanded well beyond undergraduate legal studies by introducing postgraduate programmes, doctoral research and specialised centres focusing on:

• Constitutional Law
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Criminal Justice
• Human Rights
• Air and Space Law
• Public Policy
• Alternative Dispute Resolution

Academic reforms introduced under successive vice-chancellors also modernised the curriculum by incorporating flexible elective systems and interdisciplinary learning.

Today, NALSAR admits students through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and offers approximately 160 undergraduate seats annually, making admission highly competitive.

Strong judicial connections

NALSAR has maintained close institutional ties with India's judiciary since its inception.

Former Chief Justices of India, including Justice N.V. Ramana, have been associated with the university.

The institution also appointed Justice B.R. Gavai as its inaugural Dr B.R. Ambedkar Chair Professor on Constitutional Law and Social Inclusion, strengthening its focus on constitutional scholarship and legal research.

Ranked among India's best law universities

NALSAR is currently ranked third in the latest NIRF Law Rankings, reflecting its strong academic reputation, research output and legal training.

Its library houses more than 27,000 volumes, including legal journals, law reports, textbooks and reference material, making it one of the country's leading legal research centres.

The university has also introduced several gender-inclusive administrative reforms in recent years, including changes to hostel policies and institutional documentation.

Why NALSAR's history matters today

The recent controversy has highlighted an important feature of India's National Law Universities.

While institutions like NALSAR were established with significant judicial involvement, they are also expected to encourage independent legal thinking, constitutional values and critical engagement with public institutions—including the judiciary itself.

As debates continue over student protests and institutional autonomy, NALSAR's history reflects the evolving balance between judicial legacy, academic freedom and constitutional democracy.

Key Highlights

• NALSAR University was established in 1998 through an Andhra Pradesh state law.
• The institution was founded with the support of several senior judges and legal scholars.
• It began operations from Barkatpura before shifting to its permanent Shamirpet campus.
• NALSAR is currently ranked third in the latest NIRF Law rankings.
• Admission is through CLAT, with only around 160 undergraduate seats offered each year.