DES Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College, Pune

About College:

The DES’s Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College is based in the education hub of Pune in Maharashtra. It was established in 2004. The campus is located within the new academic complex of the renowned Fergusson College. That is why the complex has a modern functionalist look, covering 2 acres of urban land. The college is run by the DES which stands for Deccan Education Society, which was founded, way back in the 19^th century, 1884 to be precise. The Fergusson College was also started by this group, a year later in 1885. The greatest of revolutionaries such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Vishnushastri Chiplunkar, Mahadeo Ballal Namjoshi and Vamanrao Apte have been members of the DES. 

The DES’s Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College is affiliated to the Savitribai Phule Pune University. It has been accredited by the NAAC (National Assessments and Accreditation Council), earning a B+ grade rating in it. A separate IQAC (Internal Quality Assurance Cell) has been created to this end, to ensure that all the terms of the NAAC are complied with. An AQAR (Annual Quality Assurance Report) gets generated to quantify the results. The legal courses here, are also ratified by the BCI (Bar Council of India). 

At the Pune- based DES’s Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College, courses are available at both the undergrad as well as the master’s levels. The UG programme may be pursued under both the five- year as well as the three- year modes. The former may be pursued immediately after school, while for the latter, a minimum of graduation is needed. The five- year programme is an integrated BA plus LLB programme, but the latter is a stand- alone one. The LLB of course is the standard degree offered to Common Law countries’ legal study graduates. At the post grad level, the two- year duration LLM programme is offered here. At this level, the studies get more specialized. This is the programme where research is highly encouraged.  

Admissions to these programmes is via the MAH- CET (Common Entrance Test), held across the different levels. Non- Resident Indians (NRIs) or foreigners need not apply to this exam, but may avail admission via the CAP (Common Admissions Process). A one- year evening course is also on offer known as the DTL or Diploma in Taxation Laws. This is primarily meant for working professionals, seeking a skill upgrade. 

Research plays a very important role at the DES’s Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College. That is why the college publishes an annual magazine, titled the SWA- DES. This is a primarily student- driven initiative. “Youth for Sustainable Development” was the theme of the latest edition. Several research projects also keep being undertaken by the college. There is also a separate Legal Research Cell. It publishes the periodic college journal titled the Fiat Justitia. Regular guest lectures and seminars are also held on campus. Some of the key topics, on which such sessions have taken place include- RTI, Mental Health Awareness, Dispute Resolution in Sports, Anti- doping Measures, Clinical Treatments, Clean India Movement, Sexual Health among Young Adults and several more. 

Several study tours have also been conducted by the college. Some areas visited recently include the likes of the Bombay High Court, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory and the High Court of Judicature in Aurangabad. A study tour was also conducted to New Delhi. Some fun visits have been arranged for the students to places such as the Kashid Beach in Maharashtra, amusement park IMAGICA in Khopoli and the Essel World in Mumbai. The DES’s Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College in Pune has always believed in providing benefits to the broader society. The students here have likewise been instilled with such value. And that is why the students of this college have been active participants in government schemes such as the NSS (National Service Scheme).

The campus has much to offer. There are hostel facilities for both boys and girls. Banking facilities with ATM, convenience stores and access to public transport are all available just outside the college campus. There is a sports field where outdoor sports may be played. Facilities are also there for indoor sports. The gymnasium may also be used by all. A large auditorium is there to facilitate major events, at both intra and inter college level. The campus is Wi- Fi enabled. An important aspect of law college life is the moot court contests. For this a separate hall has been curated, replete with all real court room paraphernalia. This then resembles the closest to the real model. A health centre is also there to cater to medical emergencies. Hygienic food is prepared at the college cafeteria. The library here is one of the best stocked within the region. Besides the physical books on display, it also provides digital access to en number of international academic journals for research and academic purposes.