Celebrating Educators as Subtle Shapers of a Fair Society
Law teachers in India play a crucial role in shaping the country's legal system, acting as mentors, researchers, and advisors. They guide the drafting of legislation, highlight legal gaps, and influence intellectual frameworks.
Professors such as Upendra Baxi, NR Madhava Menon, and Lotika Sarkar have redefined the nexus between legal education, social justice, and policy-making. Their visionary intellect has left an indelible imprint on the legal system, shaping the minds of lawyers, judges, lawmakers, and policymakers.
One notable achievement is PP Rao's consolidation of secularism in the case SR Bommai v Union of India (1994). Meanwhile, Prof Shamnad Basheer's scholarship influenced the debate in the case Novartis v Union of India (2013) on patents and access to medicines.
The role of a law teacher extends far beyond teaching. They mold aspiring lawyers, guide policymakers, and influence those who enter the justice system. This influence is not limited to India; law teachers have made significant contributions to doctrine and democracy around the world. For example, Charles Hamilton Houston's work set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education (1954) in the United States, while Yale Kamisar's writings influenced Miranda v. Arizona (1966).
However, the Indian legal academia faces persistent challenges. There is a faculty shortage, poor funding, lack of world exposure, and regional imbalance. Curricula are antiquated, and research in new streams like artificial intelligence law or climate justice is under-funded.
To support law teachers, India should invest in them through higher remuneration, endowed positions, academic positions in reform commissions, court-university collaborations, international exchanges, digital research platforms, and effective mentorship regimes.
Every year on the 5th of September, Teacher's Day is celebrated in India as a tribute to educators who instill knowledge and values. This day serves as a reminder of the indispensable role law teachers play in shaping the future of the legal system.
Despite these challenges, law teachers from state universities and law colleges have trained generations of legal aid lawyers, prosecutors, and judges. Specific names of significant professors of law at Indian state universities who have trained generations of legal assistants and judges in recent years are not readily available.
Despite the "brain drain" caused by talented teachers leaving for the Bar, judiciary, or foreign universities, the impact of law teachers in India on the legal landscape is significant and enduring. Supreme Court judges have acknowledged that their most enduring lessons came from the guidance of their law professors.
Law teachers identify gaps in the legal framework, often anticipating challenges such as those from cybercrime and privacy. They have led landmark cases, such as Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju in the case Navtej Johar (2018).
As we celebrate Teacher's Day, let us recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of law teachers in shaping India's legal system and fostering a just and equitable society.
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