Enhancement of Maritime Law Education in the Indian Context

Enhancement of Maritime Law Education in the Indian Context

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Volume 3 Issue 4 ()

Trade is the life blood of a nation and shipping is the predominant mode through which international trade is carried out. India, as an emerging economic superpower, enjoys a rich maritime heritage in trade and commerce
and its associated law is firmly rooted in historical antiquity. While modern Indian jurisprudence enjoys a high degree of repute and recognition in common law circles, in the maritime law field, India is yet to secure a position of superiority in the international arena. Even so, the potential for development in this field is immense, and is realizable through sound university education in public and private maritime law followed by professional legal training and practice. Needless to say, public and private sector support and involvement are necessary to achieve the desired aims and objectives. The advancement of maritime affairs, whether in the public or private domain,
depends to a large extent on the availability of maritime law expertise in the country. While technical maritime education and training is world class, and has been so for several decades, placing India as perhaps the most sought after crew supply country in the world, maritime law education is markedly deficient. This paper attempts to explain why maritime law education is necessary in the Indian context and how such education can be enhanced and lifted to its fullest potential within the maritime higher education milieu in India at both undergraduate and post graduate levels.
Cite as: Proshanto K. Mukherjee, Enhancement of Maritime Law Education in the Indian Context, 3 NUJS L. Rev. 383 (2010)