Why are you interested in pursuing the selected programme?

(Master of Laws in Access to

Justice).

As a first-generation graduate from a backward caste, I have faced several barriers in and before
attaining a law degree. Growing up in a rural area, I witnessed first-hand the injustices faced by
marginalized communities, including limited access to justice and legal representation. I have seen
that current justice delivery system have failed in so many aspects. However, despite these
challenges, I persevered and completed my legal education with a strong desire to use my skills and
knowledge to promote social justice and improve access to justice for all.

I am highly interested in pursuing the TISS Access to Justice Program because of its strong focus on
public interest litigation and social justice, which aligns with my own personal and professional goals.
The program offers a unique opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and skills in this area,
allowing me to make a meaningful impact in society.

Furthermore, I have researched the available data on the Access to Justice Program of TISS, and I am
highly impressed by the program's outcomes. The program has a strong track record of producing
successful graduates who have gone on to make a significant impact in the field of law and social
justice. This is particularly important to me as someone from a marginalized community, as I believe
that it is crucial to have more lawyers from diverse backgrounds who are committed to promoting
social justice and equality.

I also interested to join TISS because I have seen that lawyer do not have field work experiences and
they just argue the cases on behalf of legal knowledge but I want to gain practical knowledge and
understanding and worked for the issues of marginalised and disadvantaged people. I think this
programme will develop my horizon and understanding of the law and Access to Justice.

I am also drawn to the program's unique learning experience, which includes a strong emphasis on
experiential learning and fieldwork. As someone who has faced several barriers in attaining a law
degree, I believe that this approach will provide me with valuable practical experience and equip me
with the skills needed to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

In conclusion, I am highly interested in pursuing the TISS Access to Justice Program because of its
strong focus on social justice, its reputation for excellence, its unique learning experience, and its
impressive outcomes. As someone from a marginalized community, I am deeply committed to using
my legal education to make a positive impact in society, and I believe that this program will provide
me with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to achieve this goal.

4. Write your biographical Sketch

My name is Ashutosh Kumar Patel, and I come from a small village in the Sheikhpura district of
Bihar. I am a first-generation graduate, and I belong to a backward caste. My father is a farmer, and
he has a locomotive disability. Growing up in a rural area, I faced several challenges, including
limited access to quality education.
However, my parents always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and never give up on my
aspirations.

After completing my schooling, I decided to pursue a career in law, with the goal of becoming a
lawyer and helping marginalized communities. I enrolled in the Jamia Millia Islamia to study law
because I did not had money to pay the hefty fees of CNLU Patna, where I developed a keen interest
in public interest litigation and human rights law. I actively participated in various legal aid clinics and
advocacy programs, which allowed me to gain practical experience in the field.

Despite facing several financial and social obstacles, I persevered and completed my legal education
with flying colours. I then decided to appear for the TISS Access to Justice Entrance examination and
cleared it successfully. This has opened up new opportunities for me to work towards promoting
social justice and ensuring access to justice for all.

In the future, I aspire to practice law in the Patna High Court, where I can use my skills and
knowledge to help the underprivileged and marginalized communities. I believe that the legal
profession has immense power to bring about positive change in society, and I am committed to
using my education and expertise to make a difference.

In conclusion, my personal and professional journey has been marked by resilience, determination,
and a strong desire to serve the community. I hope to continue working towards my goals and
making a positive impact in society.

5. Mention any work done by you relevant to the field of study selected by
you. (Master of Laws in Access to Justice)
Mention any work done by you relevant to the field of study selected by you. (Master of Laws in
Access to Justice)

I have had the privilege of gaining valuable practical experience in the field of law through various
internships and work experiences. Among my most significant experiences was my work with the
Bihar State Legal Service Authority, where I had the opportunity to visit Baur Central Jail, Patna and
Shelter Homes for girls, Juvenile Jail. This experience allowed me to interact with inmates and learn
about their experiences with the justice system, highlighting the need for access to justice for all,
especially for marginalized communities. I have heard their problems which they face during that
period. The conditions of shelter homes was very deteriorating.

I have also had the opportunity to intern with civil and criminal lawyers in both my district and in
Delhi. Through these internships, I gained exposure to the practical aspects of legal practice and the
challenges faced by lawyers in representing their clients. Many accused belongs to marginalised
section of society don’t find good advocates to represent their cases. These experiences have given
me a deeper understanding of the legal system and the importance of effective legal representation.
Furthermore, I had the privilege of assisting a senior of mine in a field work during my third year of
college. The project aimed to ascertain the status of the Public Distribution Service in the Jhuggi
Jhopadi Colonies of Jamia Nagar, Delhi. Through this work, I realized several glaring truths about the
failure of governance of the state scheme. The experience reinforced my belief in the importance of
promoting social justice and ensuring access to justice for all.

These diverse work experiences have provided me with valuable practical experience in the field of
law and social justice. I believe that this experience has prepared me well for the TISS Access to
Justice Program. The program's focus on interdisciplinary learning and practical experience aligns
well with my personal and career goals. I am eager to learn from the program's renowned faculty
and engage with my peers to effect positive change in society.

I am quite positive that my work experience during college have provided me with a solid foundation
for the TISS Access to Justice Program. I am excited to further develop my knowledge and skills in
this area and make a meaningful contribution to the promotion of access to justice for all.