Our govt took historic decision to set up 3 NLUs in Maharashtra, says CM Fadnavis

Time of India

12 hours ago

Nagpur: Pointing out that no state in the country has such an arrangement, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the Maharashtra govt under him took the historic decision of setting up three National Law Universities (NLUs) — Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Mumbai — to settle the debate over its location nearly a decade ago.
He also highlighted the role played by former CJI Sharad Bobde, then SC judge and CJI Bhushan Gavai, then at the Nagpur bench of Bombay HC, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, and himself in chalking out a plan for bringing the Maharashtra NLU to Nagpur.
In a lighter vein, Fadnavis said he witnessed the growth of MNLU in different capacities — as CM, leader of opposition, DyCM, and CM. He was speaking at the inauguration of the new administrative block of MNLU in Nagpur on Sunday.
The university began functioning in the Civil Lines area in July 2016, with the High Court Bar Association playing a key role in securing the land. Fadnavis said that this university is equipped with all facilities for quality education. "The surrounding environment enhances the natural beauty of the campus. Funds have been allocated for the university in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and land has been selected for the Mumbai campus.
In the coming years, all three universities will operate at full capacity," he said.
The CM added that not only their infrastructure will be of high quality, but these universities should also achieve global academic excellence. "Students should achieve success on a global stage. Three significant pre-Independence laws have been amended, not merely renamed but Indianised. These changes will enable the use of new technology, speeding up judicial processes and increasing conviction rates," he said.
As India becomes the world's fourth-largest economy, the CM said, swift resolution of commercial and investment-related cases is essential to attract investment. "India's Constitution is the finest, establishing an ideal as a sustainable value. To face the challenges of a changing world, students have no better platform than this university. Challenges like cybercrime and cyber breaches exist, but Artificial Intelligence offers opportunities.
Students must take responsibility for bringing positive changes to the legal field through technology," he said.
Putting the onus on teachers, he said the university should now provide education in innovation, creativity and modern processes, alongside academics. "The govt will fully support all initiatives to make this university the best and self-sufficient in the country," he said.
Gadkari Hails Fadnavis' Role In MNLU Setup
Acknowledging CM Devendra Fadnavis' persistent efforts in establishing the university and its modern facilities, Union minister Gadkari said this will lead to the university's qualitative growth.
"Updating knowledge is crucial, and this university will set an excellent example. Knowledge is a great power that must be transformed into wealth. By leveraging modern technologies like digital advancements, the university should achieve commendable performance globally," he said.
Gadkari praised the institution's innovative policy and design, highlighting its vision and the potential of its bright, upcoming students.
Inauguration of the new administrative building was followed by a tour of the facility by dignitaries. The Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Gavai, who is also chancellor of MNLU, also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the library building. Vice-chancellor Vijender Kumar delivered the introductory speech while registrar Ragini Khubalkar expressed gratitude.