“Law is not in isolation from public policy—it is the most important tool to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in the governance of the country.”
Ms Dipshreeya Das is currently serving as Assistant Professor of Law at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar. She specialises in Criminal Law and brings over years of academic and research experience to her role, having previously taught at Amity University, Kolkata and Arka Jain University, Jharkhand.
She also served as a Research Fellow in Law at the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, where she actively contributed to the National Centre for Law and Administration (NCLA). At LBSNAA, she was involved in organising and conducting several training programs for civil servants, ranging from probationary officers to Joint Secretary-Level Officials.
Ms Das has been invited as a resource person by the Police Department of Daman and Diu & Dadra and Nagar Haveli (UT) to conduct sessions on the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 20233 (BNSS) for police personnel. She also led a two-day workshop on the three new criminal laws for the Tinsukia Bar Association, Assam. Most recently, she coordinated a national-level three-day Advanced Training Programme at GNLU on the new criminal laws, which saw participation from legal professionals across India.
1. To begin with, could you tell us about your journey into the field of law and what inspired you to pursue a career in academia?
My journey into the legal field began with a deep-rooted interest in justice, rights and the structural functioning of legal systems. This passion led me to pursue a law degree. However, it was during my LLM at Tezpur University that I truly discovered my inclination for academic exploration and legal scholarship. The intellectual stimulation of research, combined with the satisfaction of engaging with curious minds in the classroom, inspired me to choose academia as a career. My academic journey took formal shape when I joined Arka Jain University as an Assistant Professor of Law, where I found my true calling in shaping young legal minds and contributing to legal education and research.
2. You cleared the prestigious Judge Advocate General (JAG) exam and were even shortlisted and screened in your very first attempt. What inspired you to pursue that path, and could you share some insights into your preparation strategy and experience?
My inspiration to attempt the JAG exam stemmed from my active involvement in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), where I earned A, B and C certificates and participated in the National Integration Camp. This experience gave me first-hand exposure to the discipline and service ethos of the armed forces. Although I did not have a detailed preparation strategy, I relied heavily on my general awareness, communication skills and physical fitness. Being screened in during my first attempt and making it to the final interview taught me the value of mental alertness, leadership qualities and positive mindset qualities are crucial for the Services Selection Board (SSB) process. It was a memorable and transformative experience that reinforced my respect for the armed forces.
3. Your time as a Research Fellow at LBSNAA, Mussoorie and your association with the NCLA, LBSNAA is quite unique. Could you share your experience of working with civil servants and the kind of legal training they receive?
My experience at LBSNAA was both enriching and humbling. As a Research Fellow, I worked closely with senior bureaucrats and officer trainees, contributing to the preparation of study materials, academic modules and documentation related to law and governance. At the NCLA, I was involved in planning and coordinating training programs, including organising the first-ever moot court for officer trainees. These engagements provided me with valuable insights into how law is integrated into civil service training to ensure that officers are well-equipped to address real-world administrative and governance challenges with a sound understanding of legal principles.
4. During your time at LBSNAA, what insights did you gain about the intersection of law and policymaking while working with officer trainees at different levels?
LBSNAA offered a front-row view of how law and policy intersect in governance. I observed that officer trainees are not only introduced to legal frameworks but are also trained in applying them contextually in policymaking and administration. The curriculum emphasised the importance of legal literacy in decision-making, dispute resolution and maintaining constitutional values. It became clear to me that effective policy implementation requires a nuanced understanding of legal systems. The experience taught me that law is not isolated from policy but a foundational tool that ensures fairness, accountability and transparency in governance.
5. Given your diverse experience in the legal field and your involvement with institutions like LBSNAA and GNLU, how do you see the relationship between law and governance evolving in the coming years?
The relationship between law and governance is becoming increasingly symbiotic, especially as modern challenges grow more multifaceted. From my experiences at LBSNAA and currently at GNLU, I see a growing emphasis on law as a cornerstone of governance. Legal frameworks are shaping not just policies but the very direction of State intervention in areas such as environmental sustainability, digital rights, gender equality and economic reforms. As governance continues to adapt to emerging challenges, legal education and policy training will need to evolve hand in hand to equip future leaders with the tools to make ethically grounded and legally sound decisions.
6. Having conducted training sessions on the new criminal laws for both police officers and lawyers, what are some common challenges you have observed in transitioning from the old legal framework to the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) and Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)?
The transition from the Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC) and Evidence Act, 1872 to the new BNSS, BNS and BSA was initially met with scepticism and confusion among practitioners. Many found it difficult to adapt to the new terminologies and procedural shifts. However, through structured training sessions with simplified modules and real-life case examples, I found that both police personnel and legal professionals were gradually able to internalise the reforms. One recurring challenge was unlearning old procedural habits and adapting to a more citizen-centric approach envisioned in the new laws. Overall, these sessions reinforced the need for continuous professional development in the legal community.
7. As an academic with significant experience in criminal law, how do you view the role and significance of legal research engines such as SCC Online in facilitating legal research and staying abreast of legal developments?
SCC OnLine has been an indispensable part of my academic and professional journey. From my college days to my research work at LBSNAA and now in classroom teaching, it has provided reliable and timely access to case law, statutes and legal commentary. The platform, along with its blog updates, has been crucial in helping me and my students stay informed about legal developments. In an age where the law evolves rapidly, digital legal research platforms like SCC OnLine make it easier to conduct precise, time-efficient research and contribute meaningfully to academic writing and legal discourse.
8. As you pursue your PhD on transgender rights, how do you see the intersection of law and social justice influencing broader societal attitudes toward gender inclusivity in India?
Transgender rights in India have seen some progress, especially post National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India4, but significant legal and societal hurdles remain. My PhD research aims to explore and bridge the gap between formal legal recognition and actual social inclusion. I believe that law, when backed by inclusive policies and public awareness, can be a powerful instrument for social justice. By addressing structural discrimination and promoting legal literacy among marginalised communities, we can foster a more accepting and equitable society. The intersection of law and social justice is thus not only essential for policy reform but also for changing public perception and promoting dignity for all genders.
9. If not a legal academic, what alternative career would you have pursued and why?
Answer: If I were not a legal academic, I would have pursued a career either as a criminal defence lawyer or as a full-time transgender rights activist. Both roles align closely with my core values standing up for the marginalised, challenging unjust systems and striving to create meaningful change. My commitment to social justice and equity would have found expression in these professions just as it does in academia, though through different routes.
10. Many law graduates struggle with the decision of whether to pursue an LLM right after their undergraduate degree or after gaining some work experience. Based on your journey, what would you recommend?
This is a deeply personal decision and should be made after introspection about one’s long-term goals. Pursuing an LLM immediately after graduation provides continuity in academic rigour and is ideal for those inclined towards teaching or research. On the other hand, gaining practical experience before enrolling in a master’s program can provide clarity and a more nuanced understanding of legal issues. Personally, my LLM journey helped me cement my academic interests early on, but I strongly encourage students to weigh their goals, seek mentorship and choose a path that aligns with their vision.
11. Lastly, what advice would you give to law students who aspire to serve in policy, academia or even in institutions like the armed forces through avenues like JAG?
My foremost advice would be to identify your strengths and career aspirations as early as possible. If you aim for JAG or the armed forces, cultivate a balance between academic excellence and physical fitness. For those inclined towards policy or academia, develop strong research, writing and analytical skills. Regardless of the path you choose, consistency, discipline and integrity are non-negotiable. Take up internships, stay updated with legal developments and do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. I am always happy to support aspiring professionals and can be contacted via email for mentorship or career advice.
1. Assistant Professor of Law at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar.
2. EBC-SCC OnLine Student Ambassador, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow for SCC Times.
