Nagpur: Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud credited a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) for breaking bureaucratic delays that had hampered the development of Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur. Reflecting on the institution’s humble beginnings, he recalled, “Operations began in 2016 with just two classrooms and minimal staff at the Judicial Officers Training Institute (JOTI).”
CJI Chandrachud praised former CJI Sharad Bobde for laying the campus foundation and entrusting him with the task of envisioning the infrastructure. “In 2017, we held day-long sessions to finalize a vision rooted in modern amenities and green technology,” he said, adding that the architectural design was chosen through a jury of five international architects, whose plans were showcased at Chitnavis Centre.
He acknowledged the financial and political backing that sustained the project across multiple governments. “Then CM Devendra Fadnavis allocated ₹500 crore. Support remained uninterrupted through transitions to the Uddhav Thackeray administration and back,” he noted. He also highlighted critical support from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, former guardian ministers Nitin Raut and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and senior bureaucrat Manoj Saunik.
Justice Anil Kilor earned special praise for his consistent commitment and strategic planning. “He has worked tirelessly, and I am confident that I’m handing over the reins to capable hands,” Gavai said.
Concluding his address, the CJI placed the university’s future in the hands of its students and faculty. “Infrastructure is just the beginning. For MNLU Nagpur to become a globally reputed institution, it needs visionary students and passionate academicians,” he urged.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Supreme Court judges Dipankar Datta, Prasanna Varale, Atul Chandurkar, retired judge Vikas Sirpurkar, Bombay HC Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, and others including CM Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Advocate General Birendra Saraf, MNLU Vice-Chancellor Vijender Kumar, and Registrar Ragini Khubalkar.
