In a historic milestone for legal education and women's empowerment in India, Banasthali Vidyapith has launched the country's first-ever all-women LL.M. program specializing in Forensics and Criminal Laws. Announced during the prestigious Forensic Science Conclave 2025, this innovative academic offering represents a significant stride towards bridging the disciplines of forensic science and criminal law through a gender-inclusive lens. The program aims to equip women with specialized expertise, fostering leadership in fields traditionally dominated by men and strengthening India’s justice system.
Program Launch and Inauguration
The LL.M. program was unveiled during the two-day Forensic Science Conclave 2025 hosted by the Department of Legal Studies, Banasthali Vidyapith.
The event gathered eminent forensic scientists, legal experts, academicians, and students from across India, fostering a vibrant knowledge exchange.
Inauguration ceremonies featured Prof. Ina Aditya Shastri, Vice-Chancellor of Banasthali Vidyapith, who expressed optimism about the program’s role in cultivating women leaders in forensic and criminal law domains.
Prof. Harsh Purohit, Dean of Legal Studies, provided a comprehensive introduction to the conclave and outlined the academic objectives of the LL.M. course.
Leading experts, including Dr. Harsh Sharma (former Director, U.P. Forensic Science Lab), Prof. Adarsh Kumar (Director, U.P. FSL), and Prof. Anupam Johri (SMS Medical College, Jaipur), were instrumental in shaping the program’s curriculum and provided insightful lectures during the conclave.
Curriculum and Academic Rigor
The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach combining rigorous legal studies with applied forensic science techniques.
Coursework includes crime scene investigation, forensic evidence analysis, criminal justice administration, and emerging legal frameworks relating to forensic science.
Students actively participate in practical exercises such as forensic model creation, poster competitions on forensic evidence, and case analysis sessions.
The course is designed to develop scientific temper, ethical awareness, and legal proficiency, critical for addressing complex criminal investigations and court proceedings.
Significance and Impact
This marks a pioneering initiative spotlighting women's increasing participation in specialized legal education sectors, especially those intersecting with science and law enforcement.
It addresses the urgent need for skilled professionals in forensic and criminal law fields to strengthen the justice delivery system and enhance conviction accuracy through scientific evidence.
The all-women cohort format aims to create supportive learning environments, encourage gender diversity, and promote leadership skills among female legal practitioners.
Graduates are expected to fill essential roles in law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, judiciary, legal academia, and advocacy groups focused on criminal justice reforms.
Broader Context
Forensics and criminal law are rapidly evolving fields in India, driven by legislative reforms such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and enhanced emphasis on victim rights and scientific evidence.
Educational programs like this LL.M. serve as vital bridges between these reforms and practical implementation by producing well-trained experts.
Women’s leadership in these realms contributes to more inclusive, equitable, and sensitive justice frameworks responsive to societal needs.
Conclusion
The launch of India’s first all-women LL.M. program in Forensics and Criminal Laws by Banasthali Vidyapith heralds a new frontier in legal education, blending science, law, and gender empowerment. It offers a transformative pathway for women to excel in cutting-edge legal disciplines, uplift the country’s justice delivery mechanisms, and inspire future generations. As the inaugural batch embarks on this journey, the program stands as a beacon of progress in India’s quest for legal modernization and equality.
Sources: The Hans India, Daily Excelsior, SCC Online, College Vidya, JGU Blog
