In Conversation with Mahendra Soni, NLIU Bhopal

Mr. Mahendra Soni is an Assistant Professor of Law at the National Law Institute University, Bhopal. In this interview conducted by Campus Ambassador Devansh Malhotra, he discusses his own reasons for studying law, the state of Indian employment, and more. .Can you tell our readers how you ended up in the legal field? Coming from a family of Legal Professionals, I had a keen interest in Law since my High School. After completing my Post-Graduation from NLIU Bhopal in Business Laws, I started my career in the legal field as Legal Manager at Bank of Baroda. Thereafter, I was selected as Assistant Professor in NLIU, Bhopal to teach Banking and Insurance Laws in 2014 and since then, I am continuing my journey as an academician, seeking to achieve the industry standards and meet the expectations of the organization where I am serving..Why did you decide to pursue a master's in the field of business laws? During my graduation, I was always fascinated by the domain of Mercantile Laws, I had made my mind to pursue this field for my masters during my Law School days. Also, during the first half of the decade (2010-20), there was an immense scope for corporate experts and various employment opportunities were also lined up for people having academic exposure to corporate law. This was the reason I did my masters in Business Laws..You are the founder and chairperson of the Centre for Labour Laws (CLL) at NLIU. Could you tell us a bit about how the CLL was formed? The CLL, NLIU was established with an objective of creating awareness amongst the stakeholders, in the domain of Labour & Employment Laws, in 2019. During the 1st phase of Covid-19 which was followed by a nationwide lockdown the workmen, labourers, migrants were stranded in various parts of the country. We, through our platform named “Mazdoormitra” ensured supply of food and travel passes for the stranded workmen throughout the nation. Apart from this, the CLL also carried out academic activities like organizing quiz, workshops and debate competitions, etc. on the themes related to Labour & Employment Laws.We at CLL, have also started in 2020 a dedicated Blog i.e., Labour & Employment Law Blog and a Journal named NLIU Journal of Labour & Employment Law, so as to academically contribute towards this less explored field of Law. We also have a team named CLL Legal Aid Wing (CLL-LAW), where we give advice to the workmen, employees, labourers & all other stakeholders, in respect of the issues faced by them during the course of their employment and approach us with their problems. Today, we stand as one of the best Centre in the country which works for the sensitization of Labour & Employment related issues..How promising do you find the domain of labour and employment laws? As far as the employment aspect is concerned further awareness is required to be spread amongst various stakeholders, so that adequate employment prospects may be created.India is bound to grow great leaps in coming years as an economy and Employment Laws along with the Labour Laws will gradually develop, as evident from the Consolidation of Labour Laws into four Codes is done by the Government. This sector has immense employment potential and opportunities, if tapped properly..What are some of the country-wide changes taking place in the field of labour and employment laws? The new Labour Codes have endeavored to strike a balance between the interests of employer and the employee. These new Codes have consolidated and amended (wherever necessary) the law related to labour concerns. These new Codes shall create uniformity in the working conditions, by providing a better working environment for the deprived class of our society, that is workmen. At the same time, these legislations aim at reducing the legal complexities for an employer, which will also help them to utilize the positive industrial energy for the growth of our nation..How has the pandemic affected our country's workers, and what is the way forward ?Indian Labour was already going through a tough recession period and the Covid-19 lockdown had aggravated their grievances. Not only the payment related issues were brought to the notice of the adjudicator, rather security of employment was itself endangered during those difficult times and the situation continues to be the same. Gradually, the situation seems to be improving, but the Government must take appropriate steps for the Social Security of the workmen, employees, labourers especially in the informal sector and ensure that the benefits must reach the needy..Many students entering into law schools are oriented towards a job in the corporate sector. What do you think should be done to attract them to litigation and the judiciary as well? In order to attract the aspiring minds changes in the teaching curriculum and pedagogy are required so that they may be introduced to the bright side of Litigation and Judiciary as a career option. The top legal luminaries and other senior advocates across the nation, might come down to law schools for hiring associates for their chambers and offices. This way we can all contribute towards bringing a change in the existing situation..How can an academician fill the gap between research and practical training? An academician can by employing suitable illustrations and distinguished pedagogy can achieve this objective, the way of discussion in the classroom teaching must be that of a dialectic one, following the Socratic method of debate & discussion, where focus is tilted towards practical intricacies, which may be later useful for litigation. This way a student may develop the skill of critical analysis of the case, issue or problem at hand and this will be helpful for them in the professional life..Finally, what advice do you have for young students of law? For the young students, I would like to advice that they must impart equal consideration to all the subjects and complete the curriculum without differentiating among the topics and even subjects. They must never make their study selective rather should adopt the descriptive approach towards their study especially in Law. This way an interdisciplinary approach and attitude could be cultivated amongst the students. This approach will be helpful to them while they enter the profession.