‘We aim to groom next generation of air and space lawyers’: RGNUL Punjab VC

NEW DELHI: Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law’s Centre for Studies in Aviation, Space and Defence Laws is the first centre of its kind in north India. Launched in September 2021, it aims to conduct research and groom legal expertise for the growing aviation sector. RGNUL Punjab’s Vice-Chancellor GS Bajpai spoke to Careers360 about how the university aims to bridge the gap between law and studies in aviation, space and defence through a range of courses and a collaboration with the General Counsels’ Association of India. The centre offers a “rare blend of academia and industry”, he said. Edited excerpts are below.

Q. Why is there a need to focus on aviation and defence laws. What is its significance in legal education in India?

A. These are challenging times for everyone and especially for the aerospace industry across the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Air and space law is a niche area and is considered to be a complex subject. There is a need to study and research on the evolution of air and space law and policy in India. Often there is scepticism that space law and air law are the same. Yet these two fields are remarkably distinct branches of international law.

India’s aviation and space activities are at a very nascent stage where not enough study has been done on the issues arising in aviation and space. It is pertinent to disseminate the knowledge on the non-technical issues in this area such as safety, security, accident investigation, environmental protection, the use of drones, fair competition, sustainability of space activities, commercialisation of space militarisation of outer space etc.

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Q. How many courses do you intend to start under the Centre for Studies in Aviation, Space, and Defence Laws?

A. We intend to start certificate courses for six months, diploma courses for one year and a master’s course in aviation, air and space law for two years. These courses will be launched from the next academic session, in the month of July 2022. Initially, we will start with 30 seats for all courses and increase the seats gradually.

Q. RGNUL has signed an agreement with the General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI), New Delhi. What do you plan to achieve through this collaboration?

A. Study of air and space law in an interdisciplinary fashion requires the collaboration of both these institutions. We are prepared to learn from each other so as to achieve fruitful osmosis in the right direction. We plan to realise the ultimate purpose of this collaboration by generating the interests of young lawyers in air and space law by promoting joint research, publications, developing courses on air and space law, joint workshops, seminars, and conferences, internships and most importantly, placements for the students to promote healthy and balanced development of global aviation and space industry.

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Q. What kind of infrastructural and academic facilities will you provide to the law students?

A. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab has been providing quality legal education since 2006. Keeping pace with time, RGNUL has been adopting the best practice to provide comprehensive legal education including distance and continuing legal education. It is the objective of the University to address the contemporary issues concerning society and to achieve excellence and promote research in all branches of law. Air and space law being a niche area, RGNUL is committed to providing the best legal education in northern India in this avenue as well. Besides this RGNUL has some of the best state-of-the-art infrastructure in the country and highly experienced senior faculty members with requisite qualifications who can teach and guide the students.

Q. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, what opportunities and challenges do you see in the aerospace and defence industry five years from now?

A. The pandemic had crippled the aviation industry; the sudden halt imposed on air travel hit the aviation industry faster and harder than most other sectors. The industry is slowly rebounding and we have witnessed challenging situations, including those related to risk management, safety, in-flight management, layoffs of employees and financial crisis. COVID-19 has accelerated several pre-existing trends in the aviation and aerospace sector, with market participants identifying sustainable technologies, industry consolidation and environmental, social and corporate governance. There has been the development of more advanced remote and autonomous air traffic control systems; ultraviolet wands or UV robots to sanitize air cabins in between flights in a way that’s much faster, more efficient, and safer than disinfectants. There may be potential for a shift towards the use of smaller aircraft for regional travel, which could, in turn, provide the impetus for fledgling electric aircraft technology.

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Q. What kind of arrangement has been made for placements and internship opportunities for the students?

A. There is a dedicated team of alumni, senior students and faculty members in the Internship and Placement Cell of the university where students are guided and assisted to get internships and placements in top-notch law firms of the country. General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) will also guide the placement cell to reach out to air and space law firms, airlines and other stakeholders in the aviation industry.

Q. Other law universities also run space and aviation law centres. How is this centre different from others?

A. RGNUL has always endeavoured to promote quality research in contemporary legal issues. In pursuance to that, we have established this pioneering centre in the northern region. This centre will provide a unique blend of teaching courses and interdisciplinary research in the area of air and space law and policy; it would maintain collaborations with various international organisations in the aerospace industry; organise conferences, seminars, workshops, lectures and other outreach programs addressing topics of historical and contemporary relevance; increase cooperation with educational institutions, governmental and non-governmental organisations involved in aerospace activities; publish and disseminate books, journals, policy papers, monographs and other documents pertinent to the field of air and space law and policy.

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Q. Experts indicate the need to develop space laws relevant to contemporary challenges. How can law graduates contribute towards this goal?

A. The aim of this Centre is to educate the next generation of air and space lawyers to serve the needs of the air and space community. There are a variety of issues to be dealt with like air environment, safety, security, liability, general issues, space tourism, space debris, militarisation of outer space and sub-orbital flights, space medicines. Proper aid, guidance and supervision by the faculty and undertaking multidisciplinary research such as technical, policy and legal implications of aviation and aerospace issues would contribute towards this goal.