Law, Justice, and the Human Spirit: Reflections with Professor V.S. Mishra

Prof. V.S. Mishra is a distinguished faculty member at the Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University. With decades of experience in teaching, research and academic leadership, Prof. Mishra has made significant contributions to the development of legal thought in India. Known for his expertise in constitutional law, environmental law, jurisprudence and public policy, he is widely respected for his scholarly rigour and deep commitment to nurturing future generations of legal professionals. Throughout his career, Prof. Mishra has published extensively in leading law journals and has been an active participant in national and international conferences. His work not only reflects a profound understanding of legal principles but also addresses contemporary challenges in the Indian legal system.

1. Kindly introduce yourself to our readers. Could you share the pivotal moments that led you to pursue a career in law and academia?

I began my academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calcutta, followed by an LLB from the University of Allahabad. Subsequently, I returned to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to pursue an LLM and later earned my PhD. During this time, I was fortunate to receive University Grants Commission (UGC) merit scholarships, which provided invaluable encouragement and laid the foundation for my career in teaching and research.

Choosing to pursue an LLB from Allahabad University after my graduation marked a significant turning point. At that time, law was not widely regarded as a promising career choice, and convincing my parents to support this decision was challenging. However, I was determined to follow my passion rather than adhere to conventional expectations. This decision to pursue a path I genuinely believed in profoundly shaped my academic and professional journey.

My teaching career began at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore — an experience that was both enriching and formative. Later, I joined Vikramajit Singh Sanatan Dharma (VSSD) College, Kanpur University, as a Lecturer in Law. In 1997, I transitioned to BHU, where I have been privileged to grow with the institution, progressing from Lecturer to Professor in 2011. In 2007, I briefly served as a Reader at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, before returning to BHU later that year.

Early in my journey, I was drawn to issues of justice and public policy, recognising the power of legal frameworks to shape society and protect rights. Studying law allowed me to merge my interests in Science, policy and human welfare. My passion for the field was deepened through the guidance of distinguished educators such as Prof. C.M. Jariwala, Prof. R.K. Mishra and Prof. Madhava Menon. Their mentorship, coupled with engaging classroom debates and exposure to landmark cases, revealed how legal principles impact everyday lives. These formative experiences, connecting the past with the present, reinforced my aspiration to contribute to legal academia by educating future lawyers and pursuing meaningful research.

My main academic interests have always been environmental law, constitutional law and administrative law, and my Science background really gives me a different way of looking at things. For example, I have had the chance to teach environmental legislation in the MSc Environmental Science Program at BHU’s Department of Botany. Bringing these fields together has been key to my teaching and research, helping me tackle some really interesting and complex issues where law, science and policy meet.

Over nearly three decades, I have sought to approach my work with diligence and to make legal education practical and relevant to real-world challenges. Through my teaching and research, I aim to inspire students to think critically and engage thoughtfully with the evolving dimensions of legal education and the broader societal issues it seeks to address.

2. Having been associated with BHU since 1997, how has your experience evolved over the years?

When I joined BHU in 1997, I was a young lecturer eager to establish myself in teaching and research. Over the past twenty-eight years, I have witnessed and helped to shape remarkable growth at the Faculty of Law, BHU. The student body and faculty have expanded, and there has been a strong push towards interdisciplinary and practical education. I have seen new courses introduced (including the integrated BA LLB program) and a growing emphasis on research projects and clinical programs. In my early years, teaching focused on foundational courses and class lectures. I frequently engage in case studies and seminars, which support our more interactive teaching approach. Additionally, I have served in various administrative roles, such as Student Advisor, Coordinator for the BA LLB (5 years) and LLM (1 year) programs, and Chair of the Anti-Ragging Squad. These responsibilities have provided me with a broader perspective on the university’s growth and development

Each year brings new challenges: adapting to technological changes, mentoring graduate students in thesis research and expanding collaborations with other departments. Through it all, BHU’s spirit of scholarship has remained constant. I feel fortunate to have grown here, witnessing students whom I once taught go on to practise law, join academia or serve in public office. This continuity from my first lecture in 1997 to today’s research supervision has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career at BHU.

3. As the Founder and Coordinator of the BA LLB (5 years) course at BHU, what inspired you to initiate this program, and how do you envision its impact on legal education?

The idea to start the five-year integrated BA LLB program at BHU was driven by my desire to offer a more comprehensive and well-rounded legal education, inspired largely by my formative experience at NLSIU, Bangalore. I noticed that students entering law school after completing unrelated undergraduate degrees often had to begin from scratch when it came to legal reasoning and understanding. An integrated program, on the other hand, enables students to build a solid foundation in liberal arts subjects, such as History, Economics and Sociology, alongside their legal studies right from the start.

My goal was to nurture lawyers who are not only proficient in statutes and case law but also deeply aware of the social and cultural contexts that shape them. As the Founder Coordinator, I played an active role in designing a curriculum that thoughtfully combines humanities and legal subjects. For instance, students might study political theory and constitutional law simultaneously, allowing them to appreciate the connections between these disciplines firsthand.

We also emphasised practical learning by integrating activities like legal aid clinics and moot courts, into the undergraduate program. I believe this integrated approach makes legal education more engaging and relevant to real-world challenges.

Looking ahead, I expect the impact of this program to be significant and lasting. Graduates of the five-year course will enter the legal profession with a broader perspective and stronger analytical skills. They will have had the time and exposure to understand how law interacts with society, preparing them well for careers in human rights litigation, environmental policy, public administration and beyond.

Reflecting on the journey so far, I am proud that the law school has produced accomplished lawyers, Judges, civil servants and law officers across both the private and public sectors. These professionals are not only technically skilled but also thoughtful about the role of law in society.

4. Your UGC-sponsored major research project focused on the protection of water bodies in Varanasi and adjoining areas. What were the key findings, and how can they influence policy-making?

Our UGC-funded project, titled “Protection of Water Bodies and Regulatory Measures: A Case Study of Varanasi”, combined detailed field surveys and rigorous legal analysis to examine the state of traditional ponds, lakes, kunds and minor water bodies in and around the city. The findings were sobering. Rapid urban expansion has not only encroached on numerous water bodies but also disrupted their natural ecosystems. Many of these once-thriving spaces have been filled in or polluted with untreated sewage and industrial effluents, stripping them of both ecological significance and cultural value.

The research highlights two primary challenges in water body conservation: fragmented regulatory oversight and diminished community involvement. Multiple agencies handle different aspects, leading to enforcement gaps and inefficiency. Urbanisation and societal changes have eroded traditional community roles in maintaining water bodies, resulting in unchecked pollution and encroachment.

To address these issues, the study recommends stricter enforcement of laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974², harsher penalties for violations, and integrated urban water management plans aligning conservation with development. Scientific identification of ecologically sensitive areas, buffer zones and targeted restoration are key strategies.

Reviving community participation is central, including reintroducing traditional water-rights systems and forming Local Conservation Committees. Transparency through accessible water-quality data can enhance accountability and encourage collective action. These measures aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of water bodies.

The findings and recommendations from this project have been encapsulated in the book Conserving Water Bodies through Law: Insights from Varanasi (Satyam Law International, 2025). This work underscores that the survival of water bodies in Varanasi and other urban centers depends on a balanced approach — one that blends strict regulatory enforcement, integrated urban planning, community-led initiatives and transparent monitoring. By addressing these interconnected challenges holistically, we believe it is possible to secure the ecological and cultural heritage of water resources for generations to come.

5. How do you approach teaching complex subjects like constitutional law, administrative law and environmental law to ensure students grasp both theoretical and practical aspects?

Teaching complex subjects like constitutional and administrative law and environmental law requires a careful balance between rigorous theory and practical application. My approach begins with an exposition of fundamental principles and historical context. For constitutional law, this involves exploring the philosophical underpinnings of justice, liberty and federalism before delving into specific clauses and landmark cases.

To bridge the gap between theory and practice, I rely extensively on case studies. For instance, when teaching constitutional rights, we analyse Supreme Court decisions to understand how abstract principles, such as the right to equality, are applied in real-world contexts. Discussions on current issues are central to my pedagogy; when new laws are enacted, I engage students in analysing their alignment with constitutional guarantees or administrative norms. Recent judgments, such as those on environmental or privacy rights, often serve as a springboard for debates on their broader implications.

To provide practical insights and professional exposure, we invite Judges and practitioners for guest lectures. This not only enhances the learning experience but also helps students connect with the legal profession. I aim for students to leave the class not only with a thorough understanding of doctrines but also with the ability to critically analyse their application in diverse scenarios.

By blending theory, practice and professional insights, my goal is to equip students with the tools to navigate the complexities of law meaningfully and effectively.

6. In your 2022 publication, you discuss the journey from constitutionalism to transformative constitutionalism. How do you perceive this transition impacting the Indian legal system?

In our exploration of India’s constitutional journey, the transition from traditional to transformative constitutionalism represents a profound change. Traditional constitutionalism focuses on limiting governmental power and safeguarding individual rights. Transformative constitutionalism, however, envisions the as a living, breathing instrument to bring about societal change — one that strives to uphold equality, liberty, fraternity and dignity, addressing deep-rooted injustices and creating a fairer society.

This transition has profoundly touched lives, offering hope and empowerment to those on the margins. Landmark judgments, such as the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the recognition of socio-economic rights, have given voice to the silenced and validated their struggles. The judiciary, in embracing transformative constitutionalism, has positioned itself as a guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that constitutional values resonate with contemporary realities.

Yet, this evolution is not without its challenges. Judges must balance the noble goal of societal transformation with respect for democratic processes, ensuring their interpretations do not encroach upon the roles of the legislature and executive. Striking this balance requires wisdom, empathy and humility.

For transformative constitutionalism to truly succeed, it must extend beyond courtrooms. Legal education and institutions must evolve, equipping lawyers, Judges and policy-makers with the skills and sensitivity to apply these principles in meaningful ways. It calls for collaboration between citizens, communities and all branches of Government to translate constitutional ideals into tangible, everyday realities.

Ultimately, transformative constitutionalism reflects the heart of the Constitution: a promise to make justice accessible and to uplift the human spirit. It is a reminder that the Constitution is not just a legal document but a moral compass, guiding us toward a future where every individual can live with dignity and hope.

7. How important is an interdisciplinary approach in legal education, particularly concerning environmental and constitutional law?

An interdisciplinary approach is not just valuable but essential in legal education, particularly in fields like environmental and constitutional law. Law does not operate in a vacuum; it is deeply intertwined with Science, Economics, History and Society. Understanding these connections can transform how we approach legal problems and find solutions.

Take environmental law, for example. To tackle ecological challenges, one must grasp the science behind them whether its understanding pollution control, biodiversity or the impacts of urban development. My experience working on a World Bank funded environmental law capacity project with the Ministry of Environment and NLSIU taught me that effective legal solutions require collaboration with ecologists, urban planners, engineers and social scientists. Legal responses must align with scientific realities and community perspectives to be meaningful and lasting.

Similarly, constitutional law thrives on interdisciplinary insight. Issues like federalism, fundamental rights and public policy are enriched by understanding Political Science, Sociology and Economics. For example, when we debate reservation (affirmative action) policies, it is crucial to explore the social history and demographics that shaped these measures. When analysing free speech, insights from media studies and psychology add depth to our understanding. Drawing from comparative examples, such as how other democracies navigate similar challenges, often requires a blend of political economy and international law.

In the classroom, I strive to bring these connections to life. We do not just analyse legal principles in isolation; we explore their real-world implications through economic data, scientific findings or historical context. Students are encouraged to think beyond the text of the law, integrating perspectives from different fields to understand the full picture.

Ultimately, interdisciplinary learning equips future legal professionals to tackle complex challenges with creativity and empathy. It encourages holistic problem-solving, where the law becomes not just a tool for regulation but a bridge to justice and practical solutions. This approach, as my own research projects have shown, leads to legal frameworks that are not only sound on paper but also responsive to the needs of people and the environment.

8. What trends do you foresee shaping the future of legal education in India, and how should institutions adapt?

Looking ahead, several significant trends will shape the future of legal education in India, requiring institutions to adapt thoughtfully and inclusively. First, technology is poised to play a transformative role. Online platforms, advanced legal research databases, and even artificial intelligence (AI) tools for case analysis are becoming integral to the legal profession. However, while these tools can enhance efficiency, they cannot replace human judgment and critical thinking. Institutions must ensure students learn to use technology responsibly and strategically. For instance, integrating e-courtroom simulations and virtual hearings into the curriculum can prepare students for the tech-driven legal ecosystem while emphasising the human element of justice.

Second, experiential learning will become more central to legal education. There is a growing recognition of the value of hands-on experience, whether through legal aid clinics, mediation centers, or internships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government bodies. The pandemic highlighted the advantages of remote learning while reaffirming the irreplaceable value of hands-on, real-world engagement. Institutions should prioritise the expansion of clinical legal education programs and mediation centers, making practical exposure a cornerstone of the curriculum while fostering a strong sense of service among students.

Third, interdisciplinary learning will gain prominence. As legal issues increasingly intersect with other domains, lawyers need expertise beyond traditional boundaries. Law schools are beginning to offer specialised courses in areas like health law, technology law and corporate law. The future demands more of these collaborative programs, such as joint degrees in law and environmental science or courses on cybersecurity and intellectual property. These initiatives not only reflect global trends but also prepare students for emerging challenges in specialised fields.

Fourth, globalisation and the entry of foreign universities are set to significantly transform legal education. As interest in international law grows among students and Indian courts increasingly reference foreign judgments, institutions must seize the opportunity to foster this global outlook. Initiatives such as exchange programs, international internships and comparative law studies can broaden students’ horizons. Exposure to diverse legal systems not only enriches their understanding but also prepares them to operate effectively in an interconnected world.

Finally, the evolving student profile will require teaching methods to be more inclusive and adaptive. Legal education is drawing a more diverse group of learners, each bringing unique backgrounds, strengths and challenges. Institutions must invest in faculty development to equip professors with the skills to mentor and inspire a varied student body. A focus on empathy and understanding in the classroom will ensure that every student feels valued and supported in their journey. Ultimately, the future of legal education lies in balancing innovation with humanity. While embracing technology, practical training and global insights, we must never lose sight of the people — the students, educators and communities that form the heart of the legal profession.

9. How can students and young researchers get involved in impactful legal research projects, such as those you have led?

Students and young researchers can take several steps to become involved in meaningful legal research. First, they should stay curious about real-world problems. Whenever you read a news story or come across a legal issue, ask whether there might be a gap in the law or its implementation. For example, in our water bodies project, it was local news about polluted ponds that sparked the research question. Second, connect with faculty and experts. Attend seminars and workshops where professors present their research. Approach professors whose work interests you and express your willingness to assist. Many professors supervise small projects or can involve students in larger funded research. Proposing your small study — perhaps a survey or case analysis under guidance — is also a good way to start. Third, join or form study groups on specialised topics. Collaborative research can begin with discussing an issue among peers and then approaching a mentor. For example, if you are interested in environmental law, create a student group to analyse recent environmental cases. You might later publish that analysis as a group. Fourth, seek internships or volunteering opportunities with NGOs, government bodies or courts. Working on the ground gives practical insights that can spark academic research questions. For instance, interns in a public interest law firm might notice a pattern that leads them to write a research paper on that topic. Finally, be proactive in accessing resources. Familiarise yourself with legal databases, academic journals and policy reports.

Many institutions host specialised research centers focused on areas such as environmental law, constitutional law, intellectual property rights (IPR) and mediation. These centers often organise conferences, provide internships and invite contributions for publications. Engaging with these platforms not only enhances your research abilities but also helps you build connections within a broader academic and professional community.

Above all, stay curious and open to learning. Research is not just about answering questions — it is about discovering new ones and finding ways to make a difference. Your journey, fueled by curiosity and collaboration, can contribute meaningfully to the legal field and beyond.

10. What advice would you offer to law students aspiring to specialise in environmental law, constitutional law or any specialised area?

For students dreaming of a career in environmental or constitutional law, your journey will be as much about passion as it is about preparation. Start by truly understanding the basics: explore core constitutional provisions like fundamental rights and directive principles, and get to know landmark environmental laws — the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981³ and key Supreme Court rulings. Reading about real-life events — from the Bhopal tragedy to today’s climate debates — will show you how law and policy shape people’s lives and the world around us.

Do not be afraid to step outside textbook boundaries. Environmental law, for instance, asks you to think like an ecologist or an economist, while constitutional law benefits from insights into political theories and the history behind our Constitution. This broader perspective lets you see problems not just as legal puzzles but as opportunities to make a real difference in society.

If you are considering other specialisations like corporate law, IPR, criminal law, family law, cyber law or human rights; start by mastering core legislation in that field. Combine this foundation with internships and moot courts to gain practical experience.

Stay updated on current trends and technological developments whether it is securities regulations for corporate lawyers or data privacy for cyber-law practitioners. Strong communication, advocacy skills and relevant certifications will further set you apart, and pro bono work or research helps you build real-world insight and credibility.

Hands-on experience will teach you lessons no classroom can. Join a moot court or debate team, work on drafting legal documents, or volunteer with an NGO or public interest law clinic. These experiences reinforce your learning and help you discover what truly excites you and where you can contribute most effectively.

Always keep your curiosity alive. Laws and court decisions evolve rapidly — new environmental regulations, privacy rulings or global agreements like the Paris Agreement⁴ can shift the framework overnight. Make it a habit to read law journals, follow trusted legal news and attend webinars. Staying informed will help you feel confident when changes arrive.

Writing is another powerful way to grow. Start small, perhaps a blog post about a recent case that fascinates you or a short article on a local issue. Sharing your thoughts will sharpen your analytical skills and help you find your voice in ongoing legal conversations. It is also a way to connect with others who share your interests.

Finally, be gentle with yourself and stay persistent. Specialising in these fields can be tough, but it can also be deeply fulfilling. Seek out mentors such as professors, practitioners or senior students who can guide you and offer encouragement. Embrace every setback as a chance to learn. The legal world is always evolving; if you remain curious, open-minded and determined, you will find your place and have a real impact on justice and change.