Christ Academy Institute of Law (CAIL): A Leading-edge Centre of Legal Excellence

In 2024, legal education in India is experiencing a transformational change. With the advent of digital technologies and the increasing need for socially engaged legal education, institutions are rethinking their approach to legal education. One such institution that has been at the forefront of this transformational change is the Christ Academy Institute of Law, Bengaluru (CAIL).

CAIL is a renowned institution that strives to be a leading-edge centre of global excellence in legal education, research, and policy analysis. Its mission is to catalyse, through its innovative graduates and ideas, legal reforms that effectively serve the needs of the common people in India.

Guided by India’s core constitutional values, CAIL aims to deliver socially engaged legal education that meets the highest global academic and professional standards. It is committed to directly engaging with social challenges and evaluating and responding to the legal dimensions of globalization and its impact.

CAIL’s ultimate vision is to foster a legal and justice system that effectively meets the needs of the common people in India. By providing world-class legal education, promoting research, and generating innovative ideas, CAIL seeks to create a positive impact on society.

Rooted in Tradition and Committed to Innovation

CAIL was established in 2017 and is affiliated with the Karnataka State Law University. What sets CAIL apart is its commitment to providing a world-class education that is both innovative and modern. The institute’s educators are passionate about their work and are dedicated to nurturing students’ academic and spiritual growth.

Moreover, CAIL takes pride in its rich history, as it was born out of the educational vision of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara, an educationist and social reformer of the nineteenth century. The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), the first Catholic indigenous congregation founded by St Kuriakose, administers CAIL.

With the support of creative and dedicated staff, CAIL has taken initiatives in Indian legal education that have been path-breaking. The institute was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan

Prof. (Dr.) N.R. Madhava Menon, father of modern legal education in India, and Prof. (Dr.) R. Venkata Rao as our Chief Guest.

Remarkable Contribution to Legal Education

CAIL has achieved remarkable success in just 7 years of its inception. Its students have set a record in the history of Karnataka State Law University (KSLU). The first batch of B.A LL.B student won the 3rd rank in KSLU’s exams of 2017, while the second batch of 2018 excelled with 100% pass results in B.A. LL.B and B. Com LL.B.

Additionally, B.B.A. LL.B. secured 87% pass results during the same year. CAIL is also known for its exceptional performance in National Level Moot Court Competitions, International Mediation Competition, and Model Parliament. One of its students has been appointed as the Campus Ambassador by Bar & Bench to represent CAIL.

It has also contributed to more than 50 series of university-level books on law and non-law subjects, making a mark in research and publication. Furthermore, CAIL’s football and basketball teams have received accolades in KSLU’s intercollegiate tournaments this academic year.

Leveraging Technology to Enhance Education

In today’s ever-evolving and fast-paced world, technology plays a crucial role in education. CAIL recognises this and has made it a priority to leverage technology to enhance both institutional experiences and individual learning. With easy access to infinite amounts of information and digital tools, learners can acquire knowledge on a wide range of topics.

Parents and guardians can stay informed about their wards’ progress through digital technology. CAIL aims to assimilate technology and holistic education to cultivate responsible individuals in the global society.

The classrooms at CAIL are equipped with the latest hi-tech audio-visual teaching and presentation equipment, providing an engaging and interactive learning experience. Several seminar halls featuring LCD projectors with AV equipment, WiFi, screens, and whiteboards are available to facilitate effective presentations. To manage all academic activities efficiently, CAIL uses Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, which provides access to information about students and faculty members.

CAIL takes pride in its digital library as well as an in-house library with a large collection of more than 10000 law books, journals and periodicals; free and open access to a vast amount

of online journals like Manupatra, Jstor, West Law, Bar and Bench, British Library provides a technologically sound and globally rooted viewpoint to its students.

CAIL also has a well-equipped computer lab and resources, online chatrooms, and Google classroom activities that enhance learning and classroom delivery. The institution’s vibrant and efficient on-site IT support staff is always available for both students and faculty.

Broadening the Horizons of Legal Education

CAIL is revolutionising legal education in India by providing Judicial Services and UPSC Training as an integral part of its curriculum. The program is designed to prepare students, especially those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, for the judicial services exams.

Simultaneously, to support deserving students, CAIL offers various performance-based scholarships to meritorious students belonging to SC/ST, Karnataka villages, and even the General category. These scholarships are in the form of fee waivers ranging from 50% to 100% of the semester tuition fee.

CAIL has established its position as a leader in research and publication by contributing over 50 university-level books on both law and non-law subjects. CAIL has even translated some of these books into Kannada to cater to the needs of rural students and the common man.

CAIL also provides a broad range of ‘Add-on Courses’ at no additional cost, introducing students to various emerging areas in the field of law.

Creating Equal Opportunities

CAIL is a leading institute that stands by its core values of faith in God, integrity of character, respect for every individual, pursuit of excellence, and commitment to the country. Guided by India’s central constitutional ideals, CAIL strives to deliver socially engaged legal education that meets the highest global academic and professional standards.

By directly engaging with social challenges, particularly the legal dimensions of globalisation, CAIL has established itself as a pioneer institute that fosters a legal and justice system that effectively meets the needs of the common people in India, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.

Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

As technology continues to advance and global challenges become more disruptive, the legal profession is evolving rapidly. To remain relevant and useful, the future of legal education

must adapt to prepare law students for the shifting landscape they will face in practice beyond the classroom.

This is especially important as the legal profession plays a crucial role in society. Lawyers are responsible for upholding the law and protecting the rights of individuals. They also play a vital role in resolving disputes and ensuring that justice is served with fairness.

Despite the fact that there are over 20 national law schools and many private institutions offering law courses, CAIL stands out by providing its students with deeper knowledge of the subject matter, integrity of character, and a sense of social responsibility.

At CAIL, the focus is on high-quality research, innovative teaching methods, and experiential learning. The institution provides its students with a unique interdisciplinary approach, coupled with field study and regular dialectic sessions that are closely connected to the ideas of great thinkers and philosophers. By instilling the ‘Cause of Justice’ in the minds of its students, CAIL hopes to mold them into excellent professionals who are not only well-versed in the law but also committed to serving society.

Building an Inclusive Future

CAIL is an institution that prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. With a student body and faculty hailing from 26 states and representing a variety of social, economic, religious and racial backgrounds, CAIL is a truly inclusive environment that values and welcomes everyone.

CAIL’s mission is to deliver socially engaged legal education that meets the highest global academic and professional standards. To ensure the physical and mental well-being of its students, CAIL has a dedicated on-campus psychologist and nurse. Additionally, the ‘Happiness Lab’ at CAIL is a unique initiative that has been created to facilitate the mental health of its students. By conducting programs that help students overcome difficult situations, CAIL aims to equip its students with the necessary tools to navigate life’s challenges.

Preparing Law Students for a Satisfying Career Path

The Internship and Placement Committee at CAIL has been established to provide students with comprehensive training and development opportunities through internships, expert talks, interaction with prospective employers, and more. The aim is to equip students with a better understanding of the role of law in society and help them choose an intellectually stimulating and satisfying career path.

At CAIL, a structured internship program is followed, where it is mandatory for students to do an internship every semester. During the first five semesters, students are required to intern at different types of law offices to ensure that they have all-round exposure to various opportunities available to them before making a career decision. From the sixth semester, they can select the internship of their choice.

The focus of CAIL is to bridge the gap between National Law Schools and Traditional Law Schools. The institute places a strong emphasis on co-curricular activities, UPSC, Judicial Service Training, Add-on courses, Village Sustainability Development Programmes, and more.

With the Moot Court in the style of Harvard University, the best in India with International Standards, and Legal Aid Clinic, which enriches learning by adopting a hands-on approach, students are guaranteed an all-encompassing learning experience that prepares them for the competitive legal industry.

The Key Elements of CAIL's Success

The Advisory Body and the Governing Council are at the heart of CAIL’s success. Comprising of eminent personalities in public life, they guide and enlighten the institution at every step.

Among them are former judges, renowned legal experts, and accomplished academicians like Mr Justice Kurian Joseph (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India), Mr Patrick Reyners (Former Head of Legal Affairs at OECD, Nuclear Energy Agency, Paris), Prof. Dr R. Venkata Rao (Former Vice Chancellor, National Law School of India University, Bangalore; Chairperson, Vivekananda School of Law and Legal Studies, New Delhi), Prof. Dr V. Nagaraj (Vice Chancellor – DNLU Jabalpur, Former Vice-Chancellor – NLUO, Former Registrar – NLSIU Bangalore) and Prof. Dr Jose P. Verghese (Former Vice Chairman (Judicial), Central Administrative Tribunal (Principal Bench), New Delhi), who bring their rich experience and expertise to the table.

Its governing council comprises eminent personalities in public life. Among them are Hon’ble Justice Mr. N. Kumar, Former Judge, High Court of Karnataka and Prof. Dr. Sairam Bhat, Professor, NLSIU, Bangalore.

However, every successful institution needs a strong leader, and CAIL is no exception. At the helm of the institution’s affairs is the beloved Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Fr. Davis Panadan, CMI.

A seasoned disciplinarian, Prof. Davis Panadan has served in academic and prestigious positions such as Academic Council Member of Karnataka State Law University, 2021-22; Director of the Post Graduate Centre at DVK, 2009-2012; Director of DVK Research Centre, 2012-2017; Finance administrator of DVK, 2012-2015.

In recognition of his contributions to society, he was awarded the prestigious ‘Kempegowda Award’ for social work by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike in 2011. He is also a recipient of the Most Dynamic Principal’s Award in recognition of his professional efforts in legal education by Golden Aim Conference, Bengaluru, 2023. Prof. (Dr.) Fr. Davis is a prolific author, having authored a long list of books.