KSHETRA
CONSULTING
Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer Fellowship
About the Fellowship
The soul of a democracy lies in its commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. Few figures in modern Indian history have embodied this ethos more than Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer, a jurist whose progressive decisions transformed the meaning of justice for millions. His legacy—of human rights advocacy, legal reform, and constitutional morality—continues to inspire generations working toward a more equitable society.
The Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer Samvidhan Fellowship is designed for passionate individuals committed to legal reform, constitutional values, and justice for the marginalized. Anchored in the belief that law must serve the people, this fellowship provides a platform for young professionals to work at the intersection of judicial reform, access to justice, legal aid, and rights-based public policy.
Fellows will actively engage with areas such as human rights and civil liberties, public interest litigation, criminal justice reform, and constitutional law. The program encourages research, fieldwork, and advocacy that promote institutional accountability and democratize the law—making it more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable.
At Kshetra, we believe that empowering citizens through legal awareness and systemic reform is fundamental to building a just and resilient nation. Fellows will work with legal think tanks, grassroots organizations, public defenders, and policymakers to drive change—whether by analyzing pending legislations, designing rights-based campaigns, supporting litigation efforts, or working to improve the delivery of legal aid in underserved regions.
This fellowship is ideal for lawyers, policy professionals, researchers, and social justice advocates who are committed to reimagining India’s legal landscape. Inspired by Justice Iyer’s fearless activism, the Samvidhan Fellowship is not just about studying the law, but about using it as a tool for empowerment, reform, and social transformation. If your vision of nation-building includes constitutional fidelity, legal justice, and the upliftment of every voice, the Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer Samvidhan Fellowship is your call to action.
Eligibility Criteria
Selection Process
Step 1
Application
Students submit their project work, relevant past experience, and resume for evaluation. Shortlisted candidates then move on to the next round of assessments based on fit and alignment with our initiatives.
Step 2
Assignment
After the application submission stage, candidates are given an assignment to gauge their real-world experience, a crucial step in our selection process. This allows us to assess their practical skills and suitability for the role.
Step 3
Interview
Finally, candidates move to an online interview as part of our evaluation process at Kshetra. This interview allows us to assess their interpersonal communication skills and assess their fitness in consideration to our organizational values.
Roles And Responsibilities
As part of fellowship, candidates are supposed to perform following tasks:
01.
Conduct legal research on constitutional law, human rights, and criminal justice reform to support evidence-based policy recommendations and advocacy efforts.
03.
Support legal aid camps and grassroots legal awareness initiatives by working with civil society organizations and local legal bodies to empower citizens on their rights.
05.
Analyze existing laws and pending bills for their social impact, especially with regard to vulnerable groups, and suggest necessary amendments or reforms.
07.
Design and execute community engagement modules to document citizen grievances and interface with local legal institutions to improve service delivery.
09.
Monitor and report on judicial trends, landmark rulings, and rights-based litigation to inform public discourse and media awareness.
02.
Assist in the drafting of public interest litigations (PILs) and legal submissions aimed at advancing access to justice for marginalized communities.
04.
Develop briefing notes, opinion pieces, and policy memos on contemporary legal issues such as judicial accountability, civil liberties, and legislative reform.
06.
Collaborate with legal think tanks, public defenders, and advocacy networks to strategize reforms and interventions in areas of criminal justice, legal education, and public interest lawyering.
08.
Propose frameworks and policy interventions to democratize legal processes, enhance access to justice, and foster a culture of inclusive, rights-based governance in alignment with Justice Iyer’s legacy.
10.
Facilitate capacity-building workshops for legal professionals, law students, and activists on topics such as social justice, and legal empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills will
I develop during the fellowship ?
Fellows will gain experience in constitutional law research, legal reform analysis, rights-based advocacy, stakeholder engagement, litigation support, and program implementation focused on access to justice and democratic legal empowerment.
Where will the fellowship be based, and how can I apply ?
Fellows will be placed across legal aid centers, civil society organizations, and policy institutions nationwide. Applications can be submitted via our official website and involve a written submission, interview, and review of legal or rights-based work experience.
Is the fellowship
paid and what is its duration ?
Yes, the Justice V. R. K. Iyer Samvidhan Fellowship is a paid, full-time program. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend to cover basic living and travel expenses during their fieldwork. The standard duration of the fellowship is two to three months, with a possibility of extension based on performance, project requirements, and mutual agreement.