The Indian Law Institute (ILI), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) and the Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy & Training (MILAT), successfully concluded the Valedictory Ceremony of the CLEA-MILAT Research Mentoring Programme (RMP)® 2026 at its New Delhi campus.
The programme brought together law teachers, research scholars, advocates, and legal professionals from across India for an intensive mentorship-driven legal research and academic capacity-building initiative.
Justice P.S. Narasimha Highlights the Role of Research in Advancing Justice
The valedictory session was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice P. S. Narasimha, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as the Chief Guest.
In his valedictory address, Justice Narasimha highlighted the transformative role of research in strengthening institutions and advancing justice. He emphasised that legal research must move beyond abstract theory and engage meaningfully with lived realities.
He underlined the importance of logical reasoning, institutionalisation, academic integrity, and interdisciplinary convergence in the pursuit of truth. Justice Narasimha described research as a continuous process through which scholarship, legal practice, and judicial decision-making collectively contribute towards building a better society.
Reflecting on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence on research and human reasoning, he cautioned that while technology enhances human capability, unchecked dependence on AI may weaken independent critical thinking.
He urged participants to treat research methodology not merely as a professional requirement, but as a lifelong intellectual discipline and a vital life skill.
Prof. Manoj Kumar Sinha Stresses Ethical Academic Publishing
Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, delivered the Special Address at the ceremony.
He stressed the importance of credible and ethical academic publishing and expressed concern over the increasing trend of paid publications and unreliable journals.
Prof. Sinha observed that quality legal scholarship must be nurtured through trustworthy institutions and rigorous peer-reviewed research ecosystems. He called upon academic institutions and researchers to uphold integrity and ensure that genuine scholarship receives due recognition and respect.
Session Presided Over by Senior Academic Leaders
The session was presided over by Sr. Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Ahuja, Director, Indian Law Institute, and Sr. Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar, Senior Professor, ILI; President, CLEA; Chairman, MILAT; and Lead Mentor & Director of the Research Mentoring Programme.
About CLEA-MILAT Research Mentoring Programme 2026
The CLEA-MILAT Research Mentoring Programme (RMP)® 2026 was conceived as a structured mentorship-driven initiative aimed at enhancing competencies in legal research design, methodology, academic writing, empirical research, publication ethics, policy research, and emerging technologies in law.
The programme included lectures and mentoring sessions by eminent academicians, judges, policy experts, and researchers from leading institutions across the country.
Vote of Thanks by Ms. Nabila Zehra
The valedictory session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Nabila Zehra, Convenor, RMP 2026.
She expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, resource persons, organisers, participants, and collaborating institutions for contributing to the success of the programme.
Significance for Legal Academia
The successful conclusion of the CLEA-MILAT Research Mentoring Programme 2026 marks an important contribution to legal research capacity-building in India.
At a time when questions of research ethics, publication quality, and the role of Artificial Intelligence in academic work are becoming increasingly significant, the programme reinforced the need for responsible scholarship, critical thinking, and institutional mentorship in legal education.