3rd National Pro Bono & Legal Aid Conclave | NFSU Gandhinagar

School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar is organizing its 3rd National Pro Bono & Legal Aid Conclave, scheduled to be held from 07th to 08th March 2026.

About the Institution

The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), formerly known as Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, is the world’s first university dedicated exclusively to forensic sciences and allied disciplines. In 2020, it was accorded the status of an Institution of National Importance by the Government of India. The School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies (SLFJPS) was established to impart professional legal education that integrates forensic science with law, criminal justice, and public policy.

About the Cell

The Pro Bono Club and Legal Assistance Cell at SLFJPS, NFSU, is a student-driven initiative committed to advancing access to justice for socially and economically marginalised communities. Guided by Article 39A of the Constitution of India and the DISHA Scheme of the Department of Justice, the Cell undertakes legal awareness programmes and provides free legal assistance through structured outreach and institutional engagement.

About the Victim Support Services Clinic (VSSC)

The Victim Support Services Clinic (VSSC) functions under the Pro Bono Club and Legal Assistance Cell as a specialised, victim-centric initiative. It aims to strengthen access to justice for crime victims by addressing their legal, psychological, and social needs through a holistic framework. The Clinic emphasises legal awareness, guided assistance, referral mechanisms, and effective coordination with institutions to ensure dignified participation and rehabilitation of victims within the justice system.

About the Conclave

The Pro Bono Club and Legal Assistance Cell is organising the 3rd National Pro Bono and Legal Aid Conclave – “The Justice Synergy”, conceived as a national forum to foster dialogue on strengthening access to justice in India. The Conclave seeks to bring together academicians, legal practitioners, policymakers, civil society stakeholders, and law students to deliberate on contemporary challenges and emerging frameworks in pro bono legal aid and justice delivery.

Theme

The theme for this edition is “Necessities for Building a Protective Legal Ecosystem for Children: Insights into Child Advocacy, POCSO, and Restorative Justice.”

The Conclave will focus on child-centric justice mechanisms, victim protection frameworks, and rights-based, rehabilitative approaches within the criminal justice system, with particular emphasis on procedural sensitivity and institutional accountability.

Events and Competitions

The Conclave features a diverse mix of academic and skill-based events structured around three thematic pillars:

Theme 1: Child-Centric Practice & Victim Support Mechanisms

• Margadarshan (Speed Mentoring): Interactive mentoring sessions connecting students with legal professionals.
• Sahara (Victim Counselling): A simulation-based exercise focused on first-response legal and emotional support.
• Drishti (Reel Making): Digital storytelling to promote awareness of victim support services.
• Abhivyakti (Extempore Challenge): A real-time assessment of legal reasoning and ethical decision-making.

Theme 2: Law, Policy & Strategic Legal Interventions

• Policy Prism (Policy Drafting): Drafting research-based policy proposals addressing systemic legal issues.
• Public Cause Pursuit (PIL Drafting): Conceptualising Public Interest Litigations on child-centric causes.

Theme 3: Strengthening Legal Education

• Panel Discussion: An exclusive session for Faculty Coordinators focusing on best practices in legal aid clinics and experiential legal education.

Eligibility and Team Composition

• The Conclave is open to bona fide students enrolled in a 3-year or 5-year law programme at any recognised institution or university.
• Each team shall consist of six members: five students and one Faculty Coordinator.
• The Faculty Coordinator shall participate online.
• Multiple teams from the same institution are permitted.

Date and Venue

• Dates: 7th – 8th March, 2026
• Mode: Offline
• Venue: National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Registration Fees

• With Accommodation: Rs. 8,000 per team
• Without accommodation: Rs. 2,000 per team

Awards and Prizes

The total prize pool for the Conclave is ₹51,000, distributed as follows:

• First Prize: ₹20,000
• Second Prize: ₹12,000
• Third Prize: ₹9,000
• PIL Prize: ₹5,000
• Best Reel: ₹5,000
• For Winners: One-year complimentary subscription to SCC Online Web Edition for the top three teams (worth ₹96,000).
• For Participants: One-month access to SCC Online Web Edition for all participants (worth ₹3,100 per participant).

Important Dates

• Release of Rulebook: January 20, 2026
• Last Date of Registration: February 15, 2026
• Submission of PIL & Policy Drafts: February 22, 2026
• Last Date for Queries: February 25, 2026
• Submission of Reel: February 28, 2026

Registration

Registration Link: [Click here to Register]

Downloads

• Brochure: [Click here to view]
• Rulebook: [Will be Updated Soon]

Contact

For further details, please refer to the brochure attached or contact us on probonoclub@nfsu.ac.in.

• Dr. Ripal Gupta [Assistant Professor, SLFJPS, NFSU (Gandhinagar)]: +91 99241 17449
• Mr. Sukrit Garg [Assistant Professor, SLFJPS, NFSU (Gandhinagar)]: +91 88539 73903
• Mr. Nikesh Kumar Kumawat [Convenor, PBC-LAC, SLFJPS, NFSU]: +91 63673 45019
• Ms. Prakriti Jha [Co-Convenor, PBC-LAC, SLFJPS, NFSU]: +91 98715 04270
• Ms. Riya Goel [Secretary, PBC-LAC, SLFJPS, NFSU]: +91 79924 16118
• Mr. Preetam Choudhary [Pro Bono Head, PBC-LAC, SLFJPS, NFSU]: +91 87646 17656
• Mr. Jatin Narula [Legal Assistance Cell Head, PBC-LAC, SLFJPS, NFSU]: +91 80771 91029
• Mr. Anirudh Mittal [Victim Support Services Clinic Head, PBC-LAC, SLFJPS, NFSU]: +91 87280 85780