Centre for Legal Aid Programme, National University of Study and Research in Law (India)
The Centre for Legal Aid Programme (CLAP) is the Second-Place Prize winner of the 2025 MacJannet Prize. CLAP is an integral centre of learning at the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, recognized by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, under its Pro Bono Club Scheme. It is affiliated with the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ranchi. The motto “Paritranaya Sadhunam” (‘For the Support of the Virtuous’) embodies the core ethos of CLAP and serves as a guiding principle for its endeavors.
Established in 2011, the Centre is recognized for championing the contemporary and globally relevant domain of legal aid and awareness, working to uplift marginalized sections of society. It has since expanded into various domains. The Centre has been instrumental in organizing legal awareness camps and ensuring pro bono legal services for indigent complainants with the support of various Ministries and Government Agencies. Through its various fieldwork, a dual purpose is served: fostering student collaboration and advancing access to justice for marginalized individuals in Jharkhand, one of India’s poorest states. Through its grassroots engagement, the Centre generates valuable data that aids government departments in understanding the legal aid gaps in implementation, identifying systemic issues within local legal and administrative processes, and targeting welfare schemes, thereby delivering more responsive and inclusive services. Through its diverse approach centred on addressing multiple issues, it has assisted various Government agencies, including the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Law and Justice, among others.
Menstrual Awareness and Hygiene Drive undertaken by members of CLAP
“We are deeply honoured and immensely proud to receive Second Place in the prestigious MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship 2025. This international recognition is a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment, compassion, and leadership demonstrated by our students and faculty, who have worked tirelessly through the Centre for Legal Aid Programme (CLAP) to bring legal aid, awareness, and access to justice to marginalised communities in Jharkhand, India. This achievement is more than an award; it is a reflection of the values we uphold at the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL): inclusivity, service, academic excellence, and social responsibility. This recognition will serve as a source of inspiration for all of us to continue leveraging legal knowledge for equity, empowerment, and justice.”
– Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Vice Chancellor, National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi
Over the years, CLAP has undertaken prison visits, a village adoption project, collaborated with NGOs, senior citizens welfare programmes, conducted speed mentoring sessions and sensitization programs in government schools, implemented street vendor engagement programmes, organized blood donation camps, client counselling sessions, blanket distribution drives, and organised legal aid courses, guest lectures, panel discussions, and national-level seminars, among other activities. For its continued work over the years, it has been recognized at National level including winning the National Legal Award for Legal Aid and Social Justice Activities by Knowledge Steez for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and winning the Best Faculty Coordinator Award at the second Prof. V. S. Mallar Memorial Legal Aid Competition organised by National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
Client Counseling Session as a part of the Awareness Program on issues about the welfare of Senior Citizens
The Centre actively contributes to the delivery of pro bono legal services through its Common Service Centre (CSC). Upon receiving a legal issue or grievance, the Centre undertakes a preliminary assessment by preparing a detailed case report, accompanied by all relevant documentation. Once done, the matter is formally forwarded to the DLSA, which then examines the case and assigns an empanelled advocate to provide appropriate legal assistance. Through this process, the Centre ensures that individuals from underrepresented communities receive timely and effective legal support.
The Centre is managed by a dedicated student leadership team, which comprises a Student Convenor, Secretary, and Treasurer who work alongside the other senior members and faculty advisors. Several wings of the Centre, including documentation, legal research, social media, organisation, and nukkad natak (street play), are led by designated student leaders who ensure smooth functioning. This not only fosters active student participation but also develops skills in legal writing, advocacy, public speaking, and community outreach. Members also undergo specialised training sessions to serve as Student Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs), actively engaging in fieldwork, awareness drives, and pro bono legal assistance initiatives.
CLAP reflects the mission of NUSRL to create socially responsible citizens and strengthen the legal sphere in Jharkhand and beyond, with a strong commitment to human rights, equality, and social justice.