In Conversation with Dr. Mudasir Bhat, Central University of Kashmir

Dr. Mudasir Bhat is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Law, School of Legal Studies, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, J&K. In this interview conducted by Campus Ambassador Raqeeb Ul Hassan, the professor talks about his own reason for pursuing a career in law, his specializations in the field, Judicial Service Examinations, and a whole lot more..What prompted you to pursue a career in Law?Law is a dynamic field, and it demands a vibrant and dynamic approach from everyone associated with this field. From the very inception, I wanted to remain active and involved. Under this impetus, I found the field of law more apt and felicitous. The legal profession has the scope to check and foster the intellectual wits of a person. .Could you tell us about your education and specializations in this field?I have done Bachelor’s degree in Law from the School of Law, University of Kashmir, and a Master’s (LL.M) and a Ph.D. in Criminal law specialization, from the Department of Laws, Panjab University, Chandigarh. In the meantime, I also passed the UGC NET and JRF. Recently, I have completed Post Doctorate (PDF) from the School of Legal Studies, Central University of Kashmir, which was sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research..You have a few books to your credit, including one on the J&K Judicial Examinations. What are your views on the judicial service examinations and your advice for its aspirants?It is important to convey to the judicial service aspirants that this examination is not a beyond-reach goal. It just demands discipline, dedication, and proper guidance. Aspirants are supposed to focus more on the provisions of law and case authorities. From the Preliminary test to the Interview, a stronghold on the bare acts and case authorities is a determining factor to crack this examination. Just be strong enough and take this goal as a passion, get proper guidance from your law professors, judicial officers, or those who attempted this examination..How significant do you think is the skill of writing research papers and articles for a law student?Research does play an essential role in the legal profession. Whether you chose to be a lawyer or get into judicial services or legal academics, research is important. It is through proper research that one makes a comprehensive and analytical study of the facts at hand. Law students should seek the guidance of their faculty members and their seniors to write some small or big write-ups for newspapers, magazines, journals or blogs. Every student has some kind of specialty, and that needs to be polished. If one is good at writing, he/she must be polished in that area. Even in legal academics, every research paper published in a reputed national or international journal has some points. Such points are counted during the selection for the post of assistant professor..You are In-charge of the Law Society of the Department of Law, Central University of Kashmir; Tell our readers something about its formation and motive?The Law Society, at the Department of Law, School of Legal Studies, Central University of Kashmir was established in 2016 with the motive and mandate to provide the platform to the students of law to discuss and discourse various legal issues, to conduct moot courts, legal quiz and speech competitions, to provide free legal aid and to provide legal literacy among the common masses. However, on account of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Law Society could not reach the public physically, but virtually; law society is playing a dynamic role in disseminating knowledge on various legal issues and successfully conducting online seminars and moot court competitions..You were the convener of the Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Noorani (R.A) 1st Inter-Semester Virtual Moot Court Competition, 2021. How much importance do you attribute to such events?As I have said at the very inception of this interview, the Law demands a dynamic approach. This dynamic approach is not possible through reading the law books only or through classroom teachings only. This dynamic approach is a blend of reading, research, and participation in various practical or clinical aspects of the law that include moot courts. To my understanding, moot courts are the most important practical aspect in the field of law. Law students learn court ethics, legal research, legal writing, and team spirit in this valuable aspect of law. To create a strong legacy of excellence of alma mater, all the Law Universities and Colleges must focus on the practical part of the law in general and Moots in particular. Participation of students in moot courts takes away their fear of public speaking and hesitation and prepares them for their brighter future..Finally, what advice do you have for the students aspiring to pursue a career in law?Well, life is very simple when one manages it properly. But may turn complex when we mismanage it. For the efficient management of life, one needs to utilize time properly. Time is really an asset in your hands. Utilize it for studies, physical work out, with family and friends. Also, I advise reading as much literature as possible. Diversity of knowledge makes one unique in this competitive world!