Department of Legal Studies

Dr. Prashant Jaiwardhan is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Legal Studies at Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi. His areas of expertise include Public Relations, Development Communication, and community change through media, content creation, and community engagement.
He has 12 years of Academic and research experience, in addition to freelance teaching engagements throughout his career. Dr. Jaiwardhan holds three Master’s degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication, Human Rights, and Hindi Literature.
As a research supervisor, Dr. Prashant has successfully guided three (03) Ph.D. scholars. He has contributed two book chapters published by National and International publishers and has also had the distinction of writing the preface for Pearson India’s NTA UGC NET Hindi Literature book. In addition, he is the author of the book “Livelihood Management.”
He is a recipient of the first Chief Minister Fellowship Award of Jharkhand for his research on the Forest Rights Act and Customary and Traditional Law. He is also a Certified Master Trainer with the Google News Initiative (GNI) India Training Network, Google India. Prior to joining Jharkhand Rai University, Dr. Prashant accumulated 11 years of professional experience in the PR and Media sector, including print, electronic, and community media. He has also served as a Field Associate Consultant with a leading Indian political consultancy firm specializing in data-driven analytics (Varahe Analytics).

Dr. Pandey is currently associated with Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi as Associate Professor (NET, PhD). She has completed 10 years in Academics with 6 years as Assistant Professor. She has done her PhD on “Effect of Acquisition of Generic drug producing companies on compulsory license” from Symbiosis International Deemed University. She was awarded Junior Research Fellowship by Symbiosis International University and was Assistant Professor at Symbiosis Law School, Pune. She has published chapters in books, articles in various national and international UGC Care Listed Journals (SCOPUS & WoS). She is also a member of the Editorial Review Board of “International Journal of Engineering Research & Management”. She was part of various projects related to Scheduled Tribes and environmental issues under the aegis of the university. She was also Evaluator and conductor of PhD Thesis viva at Sangam University, Bhilwara. She was co-editor of Chotanagpur Law Journal. She has taught Research Methodology, Cyber Laws, Information Technology Laws, Environmental Law and Laws related to Intellectual Property Rights, Contract Law, Insurance Law, Business Law at LL B and LL M level. She is a qualified Patent Agent and Trademark Agent. She has practiced as an Agent and IPR Attorney for two years in Law Firm at Patna.

Razia Syed is an Assistant professor in the Faculty of Legal Studies at Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi. She is pursuing her PhD from Raffles University, Neemrana (Rajasthan) on the topic of “Collection of Evidence in Cyber Crime”. She has done her LLB from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and LLM from Maharaj Ganga Singh University, Bikaner, Rajasthan. She is having 4 years of teaching experience as Teaching Assistant (1 year in Baba Farid Law college, Faridkot, Punjab and 3 years in Chotanagpur Law College, Namkum, Ranchi). She has also 6 years’ experience of practice as an advocate at District court Faridkot, Punjab. She was also chosen as an advocate of District legal service Authority, Faridkot to provide Free Legal Aid Services. She was member of Free Legal Aid Cell and NSS Cell Chotanagpur Law college. She was also a Coordinator cum incharge of Moot Court Association in Chota Nagpur Law College, Ranchi. She has 4 publications as of now. She has also completed her two weeks Refresher course and 4-week Induction/ Orientation Programme. She has attended 11 Webinars and 3 Workshop so far.She has also attended International Virtual Mediation Summer School. She has taught Crpc, Insurance Law, Banking law and Interpretation of Statutes in Baba Farid Law College and Practical training, Intellectual Property Rights and Muslim Law in Chotanagpur Law College.

Sonu Kumar is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Legal Studies at Jharkhand Rai University. He has done his BALLB from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun and earned his Master’s Degree (LLM) in Corporate Law from Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), Gaya. The topic of his Master’s dissertation was “Protection of Homebuyers Interest under RERDA- A Critical Study. He has qualified UGC-NET and also pursuing his Company Secretary Professional Programme run by ICSI. He is having an experience of more than five years in the area of commercial law, Labour law and other civil side in the High Court of Delhi and Supreme Court. He has a teaching experience of one year as a teaching assignment in his master’s program. He has attended and presented papers in various National Seminars, Symposium and workshops.

Vanshika Tainwala is serving as a Faculty Associate in the Department of Legal Studies. Her academic journey reflects a consistent dedication to excellence, beginning with her BBA LL.B. (Hons.) from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), where she graduated in corporate law in 2022. This foundation in corporate law laid the groundwork for her advanced legal education. She further honed her expertise by pursuing an LL.M. in Corporate Law from the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi in 2024. Her exceptional performance during this program earned her the distinction of being the corporate law batch topper. Her specialization in Corporate Law has equipped her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of corporate legal frameworks, making her an invaluable asset in both academic and professional realms. In addition to her academic accomplishments, Ms.Vanshika has amassed significant practical experience through internships at prestigious law firms and organizations, including Legasis Pvt. Ltd., Shardul Amarchand & Mangaldas, and DSK Legal. Her scholarly contributions are noteworthy, with research papers published on topics such as the “Regime of Code on Wages, 2020,” “Cyber Crime,” and “Secularism: Concept and Practice in India.” She has also presented her research on “Child Sexual Abuse” at Chanakya National Law University, Patna. She has also been recognized as the 2nd Runner-up in the TILA International Moot Court Competition, 2019, and has participated in various client counselling and mediation competitions. With a strong academic background, diverse professional experience, and a commitment to continuous learning, she is dedicated to contributing to the academic community and shaping the future of legal education at Jharkhand Rai University.

Aditi Apoorva is a Faculty Associate in the Department of Legal Studies. She is a distinguished legal professional with expertise in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, and Personal Laws. She holds an LL.M. in Constitutional and Administrative Law from the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, and a B.A.LL.B. from Bharati Vidyapeeth New Law College, Pune. Her academic foundation is complemented by extensive practical experience in diverse areas of law. Her professional journey includes internship under Ajit Kumar, former Advocate General of Jharkhand, where she gained valuable insights into constitutional and criminal law. She also worked with RTI activist Aruna Roy at PUCL, Jaipur contributing to human rights and social justice initiatives. Additionally, her work includes research on critical topics such as data privacy and data breach. She has also earned certifications in Contract Law (HarvardX) and Intellectual Property (WIPO). As an inspiring mentor, she encourages her students to approach law with analytical rigor and ethical reasoning, fostering both academic excellence and professional growth.

Ankita Toppo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Legal Studies at Jharkhand Rai University, with a specialization in Corporate Law. She is UGC NET qualified. She holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate Law, from National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi. She has completed her B.A. LLB (Hons.) from National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), achieving notable academic excellence. With a strong academic background and hands-on experience in legal practice, Ankita has interned with esteemed institutions such as the Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi District Court, Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (Jhalsa), and the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), gaining expertise in civil, family, and human rights law. Her research interests focus on corporate governance, contract law, and environmental protection, and she has published articles on topics including indemnity contracts and environmental protection. Ankita is actively engaged in academic activities, having participated in moot court competitions, as well as organizing guest lectures on important legal topics. Outside the classroom, she has demonstrated leadership through extracurricular involvement and continues to contribute to the legal field through both teaching and research. She is committed to shaping the next generation of legal professionals through her teaching and research.

Sristi Roy is associated with Jharkhand Rai University as a Faculty Associate in the Department of Legal Studies. She has earned her Master’s in Laws from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University,Ranchi.The topic of her Master’s dissertation was “The Need to Protect the Identity of Accused in Cases of Sexual Offences”and BALLB from Savitribai Phule University,Pune,where she was a distinction holder. She has also participated in different moot court competitions at the national level. She has been a member of the Creative Cell during her college day’s and has also conducted and participated in legal aid camps.she also embarked on her legal profession by practicing in District & High Court. With her diverse educational background and practical insights,Sristi Roy brings knowledge and practical implementation of laws to her role as a Faculty Associate at the Department of Legal Studies, at Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi.

Ms. Jaya Vats is a Faculty Associate in the Faculty of Law at Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi with a strong blend of Academic Excellence, teaching experience, and practical legal exposure. She holds a degree of BBA LL.B. (Hons.) in Business Law and an LL.M. in Constitutional Law from ICFAI University, Dehradun.

She has one year of teaching experience at RKDF University, Ranchi, where she taught undergraduate law students and focused on building conceptual clarity, legal reasoning, and practical understanding of law through case analysis and discussion-based learning.

Her academic interests are reflected in her research work on contemporary and socially relevant issues, including Law, Religion and Society and the Revision of Marital Age in India. These research areas demonstrate her engagement with constitutional values, social justice, and legal reforms. Ms. Jaya also has practical experience as a practicing Advocate before the Dehradun District Court and the Uttarakhand High Court at Nainital with her strong academic background and practical experience, Ms. Jaya Vats brings an application-oriented approach to legal education, effectively bridging theoretical knowledge with professional practice.

Priyanshu Kumar Tripathy is a Faculty Associate in the Faculty of Law at Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi. He is pursuing his Ph.D. from Usha Martin University, Ranchi. Mr. Tripathy earned his LL.M from National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi and integrated B.A.LL.B. from Central University of South Bihar, Gaya Jee. In LL.M, He has submitted his dissertation work on the topic- “Rights of Children of Incarcerated Parents- A Critical Study Based in Ranchi District of Jharkhand.” In the year 2023, he has qualified for Gandhi Fellowship. Along with it, he has done Advance Diploma in Computer Application course from ICMT. He did few certificate courses namely Abhivyakti- A Creative Writing Workshop, Heritage Club, CUSB, 2020, Certificate Course on Contract Drafting and Negotiation, Cosmo Juris & Statesman Law, 2023, Certificate Course on Artificial Intelligence and Laws, CSCL & CAGE, NUSRL, 2025 and Certificate Course on Sports Law & Gaming Regulation in India, Kant Legal Educational Foundation.

He is one of the founding members of Tripathy Legal Advisors. He has written a book named J for Jurisprudence (A poetic version of Schools of Jurisprudence). Along with it, he has written three novels- The Internship Diary, Dhai Peher Ishq and Junior. Moreover, he has 26 publications among which 03 research publications are in Scopus Indexed and 02 in UGC Care Journals. His area of specialisation is Criminal Law. He is interested in Criminal Law, Jurisprudence, Family Law, IPR and Child Rights.