Hidayatullah National Law University , Raipur, has officially commenced the inaugural cohort of its “Vidhi Sarathi – Justice Connect Litigation Fellowship” program, a significant initiative designed to bolster legal representation for disadvantaged populations across Chhattisgarh. By integrating professional development for early-career advocates with the pressing need for grassroots legal services, the university aims to bridge systemic gaps in the justice delivery system. The program specifically targets the professional growth of first-generation lawyers, providing them with a structured environment to gain litigation experience while fulfilling a mandate of public service.

The fellowship operates across five strategic districts—Bilaspur, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Durg, and Baloda Bazar—where the need for sustained legal aid is particularly acute. Over an eighteen-month tenure, ten selected advocates will provide pro bono legal services to underserved individuals. The university has set an ambitious target to reach approximately 1,000 beneficiaries during this pilot cycle, focusing on empowering litigants who face significant economic and social barriers when navigating the court system. Each fellow receives a monthly honorarium of ₹22,000, ensuring they can commit fully to their pro bono obligations without the immediate financial pressure often associated with starting a private litigation practice.

Expanding Legal Representation for Vulnerable Populations

The initiative is built upon a collaborative framework, receiving critical institutional support from the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority . This partnership is designed to maximize the reach of the fellows, ensuring that their work is aligned with state-led efforts to democratize legal remedies . By embedding these lawyers within the district and sessions court ecosystem, the university seeks to provide consistent and effective counsel to those who might otherwise be unrepresented.

During the two-day orientation held on October 14 and 15, 2026 , the focus was placed on the intersection of professional ethics and social responsibility. Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, the Vice-Chancellor of Hidayatullah National Law University and the project’s director, underscored the program's strategic objectives during his opening remarks. He noted that the initiative aims to translate abstract legal knowledge into tangible public benefit, stating, "The fellowship's dual objective is to improve access to justice and foster the professional development of young advocates." His address emphasized that the ultimate success of the program lies in cultivating a new generation of lawyers who view their practice as an essential pillar of social development.

Training the Next Generation of Public Service Advocates

The orientation provided a rigorous introduction to the practical demands of litigation. Justice Gautam Bhaduri, a former judge of the High Court of Chhattisgarh and a former Executive Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority , delivered the keynote address. He urged the fellows to approach their caseloads with sensitivity and intellectual rigor. According to Justice Bhaduri, the fellowship represents a “distinctive effort to connect legal practice with social responsibility,” highlighting that an advocate’s duty extends beyond the courtroom to ensuring that the barriers of cost and procedure do not preclude access to justice for the marginalized.

Following this, Justice Deepak Kumar Tiwari, also a former judge of the High Court of Chhattisgarh , conducted a specialized session titled “ Free Legal Aid and Access to Justice : Practical Aspects of Legal Drafting , Pleadings and Advocacy .” This session provided the fellows with a roadmap for navigating the procedural complexities of the Indian judicial system. The curriculum focused on the mechanics of effective legal drafting , the nuances of courtroom advocacy , and the professional responsibilities inherent in client representation. By focusing on these core pillars, the university aims to ensure that the fellows are not merely providing aid but are delivering high-quality, ethically grounded representation that meets the standards of professional practice.

Building Professional Capacity Through Collaborative Practice

The selection process for the program was notably competitive, with approximately 500 applications submitted for only ten available positions. The selection panel, composed of former High Court judges and distinguished members of the Bar and academia, utilized a rigorous evaluation process to ensure that the chosen advocates possessed both the technical aptitude and the commitment to public service required for this challenging role. This focus on merit-based selection ensures that the program serves as a prestigious professional milestone for the participants, many of whom are first-generation lawyers seeking to establish themselves in a crowded legal market.

Throughout the fellowship, participants will benefit from an interactive support structure involving experts from the Bar, Bench, and prosecution services. This mentorship-heavy approach is intended to mitigate the practical isolation often felt by young lawyers when they enter the litigation field. By engaging in discussions regarding ethical dilemmas, the practical challenges of client representation, and the procedural preparedness required for complex litigation, the fellows will develop a robust skill set that is highly valued in modern practice. Furthermore, the collaborative involvement of various institutional leaders—including faculty members and officials from the State Legal Services Authority—ensures that the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of the state’s legal landscape.

As the first cohort begins their engagement in their respective districts, the university is already setting its sights on expansion. Preparations are currently underway for the second cohort, which is expected to launch in November 2026 . This staggered implementation schedule is intended to allow for continuous evaluation of the program’s outcomes and to refine the model for broader application. By bridging the gap between clinical legal education and the realities of the district-level justice system, Hidayatullah National Law University is creating a blueprint for how academic institutions can contribute directly to the strengthening of rule-of-law infrastructure. The current focus remains on ensuring the success of the initial participants as they begin their pro bono practice before the district and sessions courts across the five districts.