Experiencing the justice system first-hand: Apeejay students explore Saket District Courts

The School of Legal Studies (SOLS) organised an educational visit to the Saket District Courts, offering students a valuable opportunity to observe the justice system’s functioning and gain insights beyond the classroom. The visit was organised under the guidance of Dr. Teena and coordinated by Mr. Adnan Irshad, Faculty In-charge, who accompanied the students throughout the visit.

Approximately 25 selected students from the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.B. (Hons.) programmes participated in the educational visit. Designed as an experiential learning initiative, the visit enabled students to witness first-hand how concepts studied as part of their legal education are applied within the formal judicial system.

During the visit, students observed proceedings before Metropolitan Magistrates, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Sessions Courts and Family Courts. Exposure to proceedings across different judicial forums helped students understand the distinct nature and functioning of various courts and provided them with a practical perspective on courtroom procedures.

The students also visited the Mediation Centre, where they were briefed about mediation procedures and the importance of alternative approaches to dispute resolution. The interaction introduced them to the role of mediation in facilitating dialogue between parties and resolving disputes through a structured process.

Another important aspect of the visit was the briefing on the functioning of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). Students gained an understanding of the role played by legal services institutions in facilitating access to justice and supporting the wider justice-delivery mechanism. This exposure helped broaden their understanding of the legal system beyond courtroom proceedings alone.

The educational visit provided students with an opportunity to connect their classroom knowledge with the practical functioning of courts and justice-delivery institutions. Observing actual proceedings enabled them to develop a more contextual understanding of legal procedures, judicial processes and the professional environment in which legal principles are implemented.

Such experiential exposure is particularly valuable for law students as it allows them to observe the practical dimensions of the profession and understand how different components of the justice system function in coordination with one another. The visit also encouraged students to reflect on the responsibilities associated with the legal profession and the importance of understanding judicial processes through direct observation.

The visit concluded successfully, with all participants returning safely by evening. The experience left students with enhanced legal understanding and renewed enthusiasm for their academic journey. The initiative reflected SOLS’s emphasis on experiential learning and its endeavour to provide students with meaningful opportunities to complement theoretical legal education with practical exposure.