Dhirubhai Ambani University (DAU) School of Law has issued a robust public statement to counter what it describes as false and defamatory claims circulated by the Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP) and Dr. Manuj Bhardwaj. The university maintains that its response is a necessary measure to protect the interests of its students, faculty, and the broader public reputation of the institution. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the law school and its former employee.
A primary focus of the university’s defense is the legitimacy and structure of its LL.M. programme. DAU School of Law asserts that the course is a traditional, on-campus, contact-based programme that strictly adheres to Bar Council norms. To support this, the institution provided a breakdown of class delivery: 85 percent were held on campus, while the remaining 15 percent were moved online only due to specific circumstances such as international faculty travel, health issues, or travel constraints related to the Middle East war crisis.
The university further emphasized the residential nature of the programme as evidence of its on-campus commitment. According to the statement, a majority of the female students reside directly on campus, with others living in the immediate vicinity. This residential participation in Gandhinagar, coupled with the programme's approval by the Board of Studies and Academic Council, is presented as proof of a rigorous academic environment.
Addressing the exit of Dr. Manuj Bhardwaj, the school clarified that he was an Assistant Professor on probation at the time of his departure. The university revealed that internal reviews and inquiries had been initiated regarding his workplace conduct and performance. Specifically, the statement mentions allegations of toxicity and a misogynistic attitude toward female colleagues, as well as general concerns regarding accountability.
According to the university's records, Dr. Bhardwaj resigned with immediate effect on 2 April 2026. DAU School of Law contends that because he was integrally involved in the design and approval of the LL.M. programmes, his current claims of non-compliance are inconsistent with his prior professional participation. The institution suggests these allegations are motivated by personal vengeance rather than a genuine interest in academic standards.
The school also directed criticism toward INALP for failing to engage in fact-checking or dialogue before issuing its own public statements. By bypassing these standard professional communications, the university argues that INALP has caused undue harm to the reputation of its leadership and the wider academic community. Consequently, the university has reserved the right to pursue both civil and criminal legal action.
In its concluding remarks, DAU School of Law reaffirmed its commitment to institutional accountability and the welfare of its staff and students. The institution expressed a willingness to continue addressing the matter through official channels rather than public disputes. This stance underscores the university's intent to resolve the conflict while maintaining its established academic protocols.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on the documentation submitted to the Bar Council of India. The university's detailed defense of its 28-credit postgraduate programme serves as a formal rebuttal to the narrative presented by INALP. The legal and academic communities now await further clarification as both sides prepare for potential legal remedies.
PDF Public Statement: https://sl1nk.com/qz03msp