DNLU VC Prof. Manoj Kumar Sinha Honoured with Prof. Upendra Baxi Award at Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Commemoration

New Delhi – In a ceremony celebrating the enduring legacy of one of India’s most iconic legal minds, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, was conferred with the prestigious Prof. Upendra Baxi Award. The honour was bestowed during the Capital Foundation Awards, held on November 16, 2025, at the Constitution Club of India, as part of an event commemorating the 110th Birth Anniversary of the legendary jurist, Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer.

The event, organised by the Capital Foundation Society, served as a powerful tribute to Justice Krishna Iyer, a judicial titan whose philosophy continues to shape Indian jurisprudence. It drew an assembly of eminent personalities from the judiciary, academia, and the legal profession. Supreme Court Judge, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.K. Sikri, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India, attended as the Guest of Honour.

The award recognizes Prof. Sinha's "outstanding contribution to legal education and research," a testament to a distinguished career spanning over three decades. His leadership and scholarly pursuits have left an indelible mark on some of India’s premier legal institutions, shaping the minds of future generations of lawyers and jurists.

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A Career Dedicated to Legal Scholarship and Institutional Excellence

Prof. Manoj Kumar Sinha's journey is a chronicle of academic dedication and administrative prowess. Before taking the helm at DNLU Jabalpur, he served as the Director of the Indian Law Institute (ILI), New Delhi, a premier institution for legal research and training. His academic career also includes a significant tenure at the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata, where he was instrumental in nurturing a culture of rigorous legal scholarship.

An eminent scholar, Prof. Sinha’s work has consistently bridged the gap between theoretical legal principles and their practical application. His focus extends beyond traditional legal education, with a particular emphasis on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The DNLU fraternity highlighted this aspect upon his recognition, "commending Prof. Sinha's exemplary leadership and his significant contributions to advancing legal education and promoting mediation as a vital component of India's justice system." This focus on mediation aligns with the broader judicial trend towards reducing the burden on Indian courts and fostering more conciliatory methods of justice delivery.

The Prof. Upendra Baxi Award, named after another stalwart of Indian legal academia, is a fitting tribute to Prof. Sinha’s multifaceted contributions. It acknowledges not just his personal academic achievements but also his role as an institution-builder, a mentor, and a visionary leader in the field of legal education.

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Honouring the Legacy of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer

The context of the award ceremony—the 110th birth anniversary of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer—added a profound layer of significance to the event. Justice Iyer, often referred to as the 'conscience keeper' of the Indian judiciary, was a pioneer of judicial activism, a champion of human rights, and a fervent advocate for social justice. His judgments expanded the horizons of fundamental rights, particularly the Right to Life under Article 21, and he played a crucial role in the development of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India.

By hosting the awards on this commemorative occasion, the Capital Foundation Society poignantly linked the recognition of present-day contributors like Prof. Sinha to the foundational principles laid down by judicial legends. The gathering was not merely a ceremony but a reflection on the evolution of law and justice in India, inspired by Justice Iyer's vision. The event, meticulously organised by Dr. Charu Mathur and Dr. Vinod Sethi, underscored the continuing relevance of Justice Iyer’s philosophy of a justice system that is accessible, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of the common person.

The Capital Foundation Society, a non-profit voluntary organization, has for over three decades provided a platform for articulating public opinion on vital policy issues. Its membership, which includes the President of India, Union Ministers, and leaders from various fields, lends significant weight to its initiatives and awards.

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The Imperative of Quality Legal Education in Modern India

The recognition of an academic leader like Prof. Sinha puts a spotlight on the critical role of legal education in upholding the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions. In an era of complex socio-economic challenges and rapid technological advancements, the demand for well-rounded, ethically grounded legal professionals has never been greater.

Prof. Sinha’s work exemplifies the modern approach to legal education, which emphasizes: 1. Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrating law with other disciplines like sociology, economics, and technology to produce lawyers who can navigate multifaceted legal problems. 2. Clinical Legal Education: Providing students with hands-on experience through legal aid clinics, moot courts, and internships, ensuring they are practice-ready upon graduation. 3. Promotion of ADR: Championing mediation and arbitration as effective tools for dispute resolution, thereby contributing to a more efficient and less adversarial justice system. 4. Research and Innovation: Fostering a culture of research that addresses contemporary legal challenges and contributes to policy formulation and legislative reform.

By receiving the Prof. Upendra Baxi Award, Prof. Sinha joins a revered list of individuals who have shaped the discourse on law and justice in India. The honour serves as both an acknowledgment of his past achievements and an encouragement for his ongoing mission at DNLU to cultivate a new generation of legal minds committed to excellence, integrity, and the pursuit of justice for all. The event was a powerful reminder that the torchbearers of legal education are as vital to the health of the justice system as the judges who preside over its courts.