Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Kumar Singh, Dean & Head, Professor (Cadre), Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow. He did his B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M. from BHU Varanasi and completed his LL.D. from Lucknow University. He is a recipient of “Jagdish Prasad Legal Research Gold Medal” for the best research work published in the Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, Lucknow in the year 2006 and also of the Best Teacher Award of Lucknow University, 2010.
He has done his specialization in Family Laws (Hindu Law and Muslim Law), Language Problems in India and Law relating to Women & Children. His book ‘Hindu Law’ and ‘Muslim Law’ have been awarded by “Raj Award” Ministry of Law and Justice, Legislative Department, Government of India, New Delhi.
He was interviewed by Ms.Muskan Agarwal, Campus Ambassador of Legal Desire for Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, Lucknow.
Briefly describe about the University of Lucknow and the main features that add to the repute of the university?
The University of Lucknow came into existence in 1921 and falls under the purview of Uttar Pradesh State Universities Act 1973. At present it is one of the well-known Universities in North India. This centre of ‘Light and Learning’ provides opportunities for scholarship and excellence in a wide range of disciplines from Humanities, Social Sciences, Management and Commerce to Science, Law, Fine Arts etc. Vast infrastructure and good faculty available with the University enables it to contribute towards mental, spiritual, social and physical development of around thirty thousand students directly and one lakh students studying in associated colleges.
- The mission of the University is, to be a University driven by values enriched with diverse cultures, to promote economic, social and spiritual advancement for an egalitarian society.
- The vision of the University is, to develop human resource for furtherance of knowledge through teaching, research and innovation and ranked amongst the top educational institutions of the world for the better service to the humanity in general and our nation in particular.
Ever since its inception in 1921 the institution has been global in nature and established departments of various languages in vogue in different parts of the globe. Among the first departments in the University of Lucknow were, Departments of Oriental Studies in Persian and Oriental Studies in Sanskrit. The University gained stature by adding newer areas of study over time, and today it has 43 departments, 10 institutes, Lucknow University Athletic Association (as a separate body for sports activities), 5 Delegacy Centres (to look into the co-curricular Activities of the students in the city), 16 hostels (5 for girls and 11 for boys) which the University serves through two campuses within the city.
The Central Library of the university known as the Tagore Library is one of the richest libraries in the country. It has 5.25 lakh books, 50,000 journals and approximately 10,000 copies of approved Ph.D. and D.Litt. dissertations. This library is computerized and has its own web site. It is equipped with the facilities of lending books, inter-library loan, reference services and photocopying.
What was the main aim behind establishing Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow and how is it different from other law schools?
The Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow has been pioneer legal institution of India. The real architect of Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow was Prof.R.U.Singh who held office of the dean till 1956. He has also structured the Law Faculty of Delhi University and Law School, B.H.U. Also, he drafted the Constitution of Nepal.
The Law Faculty was separated from main Campus and shifted to the new Campus having a total area of more than 75 acres located on the Sitapur Road, Lucknow from 2002-03. The newly constructed three storied building has twenty-four lecture rooms, libraries, legal aid hospital etc. The Faculty has residential facilities for students and staff. The campus has one Girl’s hostel, two Boy’s hostels, International Guest House, staff quarters and a well-equipped Canteen, Play-ground among others including Bank and Police outpost. Thus the campus is a self-contained unit to provide all infrastructural facilities to teachers as well as students. A congenial atmosphere and environment has been created where professional excellence and human virtues are being cultivated.
The University offers four regular courses in Law, LL.D. (Doctor of Laws), Ph.D. in Law, LL.M. (Master of Laws), LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) and a self-finance course, LL.B. (Hons).
The first Post Graduate Diploma in Criminology was started in 1964. The Post Graduate Diploma in “Environmental Pollution Law”, “Consumer Protection Law”, “Labour and Personnel Management” were started in 1994. The Post Graduate Diploma in “Criminal Procedure and Advocacy” was started in the year 1995. The Faculty has introduced LL.B. (Hons.) Five Year Course in 1995.
Dr. V.N.Shukla, the well-known authority on Constitutional Law was the first LL.M. alumna of University. His book on the Constitution is still an authoritative Volume. Dr. A.T.Markos, Director, Indian Law Institute was the first to complete his LL.D. from the Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow.
Some of the distinguished law graduates of the faculty of law, Lucknow University are as follows:
1. Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma, Former President of India
2. Shri Ram Krishna Hegde, Former Chief Minister of Karnataka
3. Mr. Surjeet Singh Barnala, Former Governer of Uttaranchal & Tamil Nadu
4. Mr. N.K.P.Salve., Ex- Union Minister
5. Mr. Justice A.S.Anand, Former Chief Justice of India
6. Mr. Justice Saghir Ahmed , Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
7. Mr. Justice Brijesh Kumar , Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
8. Dr. A.T. Markose, Cochin University
9. Prof. M.P. Singh, Ex-VC of NUJS, Kolkata
10. Prof. I.P. Massey, Ex. Chairman, Department of Law, Shimla University, Himachal Pradesh
11. Prof. V.S. Rekhi, Ex-V.C. NSIU, Bhopal
How is your University imparting practical skills to students apart from academic knowledge?
The students of Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow are practically skilled through the following activities:
- Inter-Semester and Intra-Collegiate Moot Court Competitions has been organising every year, since last five years. Faculty organized National Moot Court Competition in 2005,2010 and 2017 respectively.
- Regular Debates are organized on contemporary issues.
- Legal aid clinic is a most vivacious part of both faculty and student activity.
- Seminar, conferences, workshop are organized.
- Drafting and pleading is a subject taught to 4th year students.
- Guest lectured from alumnus and renowned people.
- Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya Memorial Trust is created in our library as bank for issuing books.
Does your institution provide campus placements and placement assurance?
Training and Placement Cell at Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, is being established to play a vital role for the training and placement of the students in the institute. A full-fledged placement cell is being established in our college with the support of senior teachers and students for this purpose. For placement, a large number of prospective employers are being contacted and efforts are being made to invite those firms to visit our faculty and to conduct campus recruitments.
Besides this approx. 25 students were selected in PCS (J) Examination, 2015. Also, many alumni of Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow are performing great in different national law schools.
Your message to our readers?
Impossible is a word in the dictionary of a foolish person. If you want to achieve anything, then work hard towards it. Nothing is impossible. Just realize your aim and work with all your dedication in achieving it.
Readers can visit www.lkouniv.ac.in for more info about the college.
