NALSAR University of Law Launches Certificate Course on Criminal Defence Practice in Pune

The Square Circle Clinic at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, has announced a new Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programme — a Certificate Course on Criminal Defence Practice — designed for trial court lawyers and scheduled to commence in Pune from November 2026.

The programme aims to bridge the gap between theoretical legal knowledge and the practical skills required for effective criminal defence litigation. Developed by the Fair Trial Programme team, which has handled over 5,000 criminal cases and secured the release of more than 1,500 undertrial prisoners, the curriculum also incorporates insights from over 80 death penalty cases argued before High Courts and the Supreme Court.

Programme Highlights and Structure

The course runs for six months (November 2026 to April 2027) with 144 hours of in-person weekend classes in Pune. Participants must also dedicate self-study time each week. An optional one-year Casework Mentoring Module extends the learning beyond the core coursework, providing guided support on ongoing trials.

Instruction will be delivered in Marathi, Hindi, and English by a faculty comprising experienced criminal defence lawyers, senior advocates, retired judges, and legal academics. The curriculum integrates classroom teaching with workshops, drafting exercises, group discussions, and mentored casework, covering topics from investigation and bail to trial conduct and post-trial procedures.

Who Should Enrol?

The course is specifically tailored for lawyers with two to seven years of experience in criminal defence litigation before trial courts within Pune district. Applicants must be proficient in Marathi and Hindi, and familiarity with English is desirable. The programme will accommodate a maximum of 40 participants.

Fee and Application Process

The course fee is ₹5,000, with fee waivers available for candidates from marginalised communities, economically weaker sections, women, sexual minorities, and persons with disabilities. Applications opened on July 29, 2026, and must be submitted online by September 15, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a resume and a three-minute video explaining their motivation, followed by an interview.

Key Observations

"The Programme is designed specifically for lawyers with 2–7 years of experience in criminal defence litigation before trial courts, seeking structured learning and exposure to criminal litigation."

"Regular attendance is mandatory for successful completion of the Programme."

The university reserves the right to modify the selection process as needed. The programme is not intended as coaching for judiciary, prosecution, or other government job exams.

Practical Training and Mentoring

Participants may work on cases from their own practice during the mentoring module, or the programme team will assist in identifying suitable matters. All travel, accommodation, and meal costs during in-person classes are to be borne by the participant.

With its interdisciplinary approach — incorporating psychology, forensics, technology, and electronic evidence — the Certificate Course on Criminal Defence Practice promises to equip early-career lawyers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of trial court litigation effectively.