In this Eminent Conversation, Prof. (Dr.) Azim Khan Pathan, Dean at Kalinga University and a distinguished scholar of environmental and public law, speaks with Mr. Ranjan Singhania* about his inspiring journey from a small town in Maharashtra to becoming one of India’s leading academic voices in environmental jurisprudence. Drawing from his early years in advocacy, rich teaching experience, and deep engagement with climate and biodiversity law, Prof. (Dr.) Azim reflects on the evolution of environmental legal education, emerging opportunities for young lawyers, and the pressing ecological challenges shaping India’s legal landscape today. 

 

1. Early Life and Academic Background 

Q: Could you tell us about your early journey and academic background? What got you interested in law, and particularly in environmental and public law?

Indeed, I started my education and career from a small town in Maharashtra, near Sevagram, which is historically significant for the Vinoba Bhave and Gandhi movements. My schooling began in the Yavatmal district, and later, I moved to Nagpur for higher education. From Nagpur, I gained diverse perspectives on law and pursued my law graduation there.

I began practicing law in 2005, and this exposure brought me close to academia. Encouraged by my mentors and professors, including Professor Bhalerao and Professor Subrabha Yadgirwar, I realized the importance of legal research and teaching. This inspired me to pursue a Master of Law from Nagpur University, which I completed in 2006–2007. My early exposure to law practice and academic guidance laid the foundation for my dual interests in litigation and legal education.

 

2. Initial Experience in Advocacy 

Q: How was your experience starting in court after graduation? What were your initial encounters like in the Yavatmal District Court and Nagpur High Court?

Entering advocacy in Yavatmal District Court was like an adventure. As a fresher, I faced challenges requiring guidance and backup. I received immense support from my seniors, including Advocate Bhalerao, which motivated me to persevere. The mentorship and exposure to legal practice gradually directed me toward academics as well. By 2007–2008, I decided to pursue my Master’s alongside practice, eventually transitioning toward legal academia.

 

3. Transition into Academia 

Q: When did you formally move into an academic role, and what was your initial journey as an academic leader?

I began my academic journey in Nagpur while completing my Master’s. In 2007–2008, I became the first merit holder from Nagpur University, which led to my invitation as a visiting faculty member. Under the mentorship of Professor Dr. Thirty Patel, I joined the postgraduate teaching department as a lecturer. In 2009, I joined Hidayatullah National Law University as a Research Associate and Assistant Lecturer. Concurrently, I registered for my PhD program, balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. This marked my transition from a practicing lawyer to a full-time academician.

 

4. Specialization in Environmental Law 

Q: What were your primary areas of specialization in law, and what drew you to environmental law?

My specialization in Master of Law was environmental law, closely aligned with public and constitutional law. Environmental law fascinated me because it deals with contemporary issues like air and water pollution, climate change, and international treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol and the UNFCCC. Teaching environmental law at Nagpur University and later at Hidayatullah National Law University deepened my research interests in climate change law, biodiversity, and sustainable development. Environmental law offers a profound intersection of state responsibility, international obligations, and public welfare, making it a compelling field for both research and practice.

5. Opportunities in Environmental Law 

Q: For law students, can you explain the opportunities available in environmental law? If a student wants to pursue a career in this field, what roles and possibilities exist?

Environmental law is dynamic, intersecting with corporate compliance, intellectual property, indigenous knowledge, international law, and public policy. Students passionate about ecological protection have numerous opportunities—domestically and internationally.

Environmental law specialists are in high demand as consultants, legal advisors, and compliance officers. Industries require guidance on CSR obligations, waste management, pollution control, and sustainable business operations. Exposure to institutions like the National Biodiversity Board, State Pollution Control Boards, and environmental NGOs provides practical experience crucial for building expertise.

 

 Key niches in environmental law include:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Advising industries and corporations on pollution control, waste management, and climate commitments.
   
   
2. Litigation and Advocacy: Representing NGOs, community groups, and government agencies in environmental disputes, including cases before the National Green Tribunal and Supreme Court.
   
   
3. Policy and Research: Contributing to policy formulation, environmental impact assessments, and international climate change negotiations.
   
   
4. Corporate Legal Advisory: Guiding businesses on sustainable practices and legal compliance.
   
   
5. Intellectual Property and Indigenous Knowledge: Specializing in geographical indications, traditional knowledge, and patents related to environmental innovations.

International opportunities exist with the United Nations and other global organizations for consultancy, research, and advisory roles. Climate change litigation is also emerging in India, with Supreme Court recognition of environmental rights as part of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Students should gain interdisciplinary expertise, including environmental science, economics, and technology, and actively participate in workshops, moot courts, and internships. Environmental law is not just a career but an avenue for meaningful societal impact. Students who combine legal acumen with environmental awareness can contribute to policy, advocacy, and corporate compliance while shaping a rewarding career.

 

6. Legal Education: Bridging Theory and Practice 

Q: Law students often debate practical skills versus academic theory. How effective is the current curriculum in providing real-world law skills, especially for tier two and three law colleges?

Legal education is continuously evolving. The top-tier law schools integrate experiential learning, while tier two and three colleges often require more structured support to bridge this gap. The Bar Council of India prescribes a curriculum focusing on theory, but it leaves room for law schools to enhance experiential learning.

At Kalinga University, we have integrated moot courts, industry interactions, and expert lectures into the curriculum. Collaborations with organizations such as the Indian Society of Law Firms and Cyber Law University provide students exposure to real-time industry practices. This approach ensures that students graduate with a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ready to enter the legal profession effectively.

 

7. Enhancing Opportunities in Tier Two and Three Colleges 

Q: What three measures should tier two and tier three law colleges implement to enhance student opportunities and level the playing field?

First, law schools should teach both statutes and their operative rules, as rules often provide the practical details of implementation, e.g., fee structures, procedural requirements, and compliance mechanisms.

Second, students should plan their academic and extracurricular activities meticulously, including internships, moot courts, and mentoring relationships. Strategic planning from the first year increases employability.

Third, law schools must foster industry and institutional collaborations to provide exposure to corporate, public, and environmental law practices. Even students from tier two and three colleges can secure roles in top law firms or consultancy positions with focused preparation, discipline, and leveraging opportunities proactively.

 

8. Pressing Environmental Legal Issues in India 

Q: Given your expertise in environmental law and biodiversity, what are the most pressing legal issues India currently faces in ecological protection?

India, as a rapidly developing nation, faces unique challenges balancing economic growth with environmental responsibilities. Corporate expansion, industrialization, and urban development increase carbon emissions and pollution. India also has obligations under international treaties such as the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement.

Critical challenges include enforcing environmental regulations, ensuring corporate compliance with emission standards, promoting renewable energy, and developing climate change litigation frameworks. India has begun initiatives like solar and wind energy projects, electric vehicles, and ethanol blending. The next decade will see increased climate-related litigation and legal consultancy opportunities, emphasizing the significance of environmental law in achieving sustainable development goals.

9. Publications and Research Contributions 

Q: Among your publications and research in environmental law, which works do you consider most impactful and recommend to law students?

My publications include books and articles on biodiversity law, environmental litigation, IPR issues in environmental law, and artificial intelligence in public law. My co-authored book on euthanasia and edited volumes on IPR and cyberspace complement environmental law research. Students will find these works valuable for understanding practical applications, emerging legal challenges, and interdisciplinary perspectives in public and environmental law.

 

10. Awards and Recognition  

Q: How have awards and recognitions, such as the Ex-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao Gold Medal and INBA Teacher of the Year Award, influenced your professional journey?

These awards are forms of appreciation for the contributions made in legal education, research, and capacity-building initiatives. They validate the impact of teaching, mentoring, and research efforts, motivating continued dedication to advancing environmental law, public law, and constitutional law. Recognition from reputable institutions like the Indian National Bar Association affirms the value of persistent work in academia and legal research.

11. Advice to Aspiring Lawyers

Q: What message would you give to the next generation of law students who aspire to excel as lawyers?

My advice is simple but lifelong: plan your 24 hours carefully and with discipline. Dedicate time for study, research, internships, and personal development. Rise early, remain focused, and treat your goals with utmost seriousness.

For those pursuing corporate law, litigation, judiciary, or consultancy, it is essential to set clear career goals from the first semester. Strategically plan internships, mentoring relationships, and skill development opportunities. Emulate the discipline and planning of eminent legal professionals like Nani Palkhivala, Fali Nariman, and Harish Salve. By combining meticulous planning, focused effort, and continuous learning, students can achieve excellence in any legal domain they choose.

*Consultant - CLAonline and Founder@DreamLegal