Plnf: Policy & Law Network

Policy and Law Network is a collective of young lawyers committed to ensuring social justice through research, education, legal representation, and grassroots leadership development among historically marginalized communities in India. Currently, the organisation is working in Gadchiroli, Chandrapur and Yawatmal Districts of Vidarbha region in Maharashtra.

Despite the constitutional safeguards provided to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized communities, they continue to face systemic oppression and socio-economic marginalization even after 70 years since the enactment of the Constitution of India. The lack of legal literacy and consciousness, along with inadequate access to judicial institutions, exacerbates the challenges they face in challenging violations and enforcing their rights before the courts of law. Additionally, the suppression of the emergence of their original voice and leadership further compounds these obstacles, hindering their ability to address their issues effectively.

OUR APPROACHES TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES

Conducting Research

We firmly believe that research serves as the cornerstone of any endeavour aimed at structural transformation. By conducting research on human rights issues affecting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and other marginalized communities, we aim to shed light on the root causes of their challenges and develop evidence-based solutions.

Providing Legal Representation

Access to justice is fundamental to ensuring the rights of marginalized communities are upheld. To this end, we facilitate access to judicial and quasi-judicial institutions by providing legal representation for marginalized communities. Through our advocacy efforts, we strive to ensure that they can avail themselves of legal remedies and seek redress for grievances.

Enhancing Legal Literacy

Legal literacy is empowering. We are committed to enhancing legal literacy among marginalized communities, equipping them with the knowledge and understanding of their rights and legal processes. By fostering legal literacy, we aim to empower individuals to navigate the legal system with confidence and advocate for their rights effectively.

Promoting Inclusive Education

Education is a powerful tool for social change. We advocate for the creation of an inclusive educational environment, particularly for students from marginalized communities. By providin equal opportunities for higher education and implementing capacity-building programs tailored to enhance their skills and knowledge in the legal field, we strive to level the playing field and bridge existing disparities.

Cultivating Grassroots Leadership

We are dedicated to creating grassroots leadership among vulnerable communities. By nurturing leaders within these communities, we aim to empower them to advocate for their rights, and drive positive change.

Lives Impacted

250k +

Legal Awareness Sessions

100 +

Law Students Trained

50 +

Higher Education Awareness Programs

200 +

Constitutional Morality Workshops

50 +

Let’s Hear What Our Team Says

Adv. Bodhi Ramteke

"The movement for social justice for historically marginalized communities must result in tangible legal gains that directly benefit them. Our effort to ground it in legal and constitutional frameworks while fostering legal consciousness will help reduce their exploitation and enable them to shape their own path to development."

Adv. Deepak Chatap

"To uplift the vulnerable, we must implement reasonable laws, ensure equitable educational opportunities, and adopt sustainable policies, as these are the pillars of a compassionate and progressive society."

Adv. Vaishnav Ingole

"For us, advocacy is not just about handling high-profile cases and securing large settlements. It's fundamentally about understanding people and their problems and providing them with the relief they need as swiftly and affordably as possible."

Testimonials

Interning with Policy and Law Network has been an incredible experience that deepened my understanding of community and human rights. I’m grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me, and especially thankful for the guidance and mentorship provided by the team throughout my time with the organization.
Sandhya Bharti,
Dr. BR Ambedkar University
Interning with Policy and Law Network inspired me to advocate for human rights. I took a woman victim’s case to NHRC successfully and learned about resolving tribal issues in Gadchiroli. I gained clarity on PESA, FRA, and community media, and received valuable insights on foreign education and empowering marginalized voices.
Kapil Fule
Dr. BR Ambedkar College of Law, Nagpur
It was such an amazing opportunity for me to learn and improve my knowledge with Policy and Law Network. All the coordinators were very cooperative. The sessions that were arranged for us provided a legal perspective on social issues. It is a very good platform and opportunity for a Socio-Legal virtual internship.
Shwetal Wahane
Shankarrao Chavan Law College, Pune
The internship program with the Policy and Law Network was different from other virtual internships, as the team familiarized us with contemporary issues related to global rights. They also facilitated enriching interactions with resource persons from top-ranking universities. This internship has been valuable in building my confidence and enhancing my research skills, among other aspects.
Isha Sondule,
Shantaram Potdukhe Law College, Chandrapur
The internship program was well-organized and thoughtfully structured, allowing me to explore different dimensions of the field. The sessions conducted were highly informative and provided a fresh perspective on various issues. Overall, the experience was enriching, insightful and truly wonderful, contributing significantly to both my personal growth and professional development.
Sneha Bhange
Dr. BR Ambedkar Law College, Nagpur
This internship empowered me to realize my potential and commit to social upliftment, particularly for marginalized communities. The sessions provided innovative insights and practical challenges. Policy and Law Network’s focus on SC/ST candidates fostered self-expression and confidence, while collaborative projects strengthened my leadership abilities and sense of accountability.
Siddhanti Nimgade
National Law University, Nagpur

Sandhya Bharti

Dr. BR Ambedkar University

Interning with Policy and Law Network has been an incredible experience that deepened my understanding of community and human rights. I’m grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me, and especially thankful for the guidance and mentorship provided by the team throughout my time with the organization.

Isha Sondule

Shantaram Potdukhe Law College, Chandrapur

The internship with Policy and Law Network stood out from other virtual programs by addressing contemporary global rights issues and offering insightful sessions with experts from top universities. It was a valuable experience that boosted my confidence, sharpened my research skills, and contributed meaningfully to my professional and academic growth.

Kapil Fule

Dr. BR Ambedkar College of Law, Nagpur

Interning with Policy and Law Network inspired me to advocate for human rights. I took a woman victim’s case to NHRC successfully and learned about resolving tribal issues in Gadchiroli. I gained clarity on PESA, FRA, and community media, and received valuable insights on foreign education and empowering marginalized voices.

Sneha Bhange

Dr. BR Ambedkar Law College, Nagpur

The internship program was well-organized and thoughtfully structured, allowing me to explore different dimensions of the field. The sessions conducted were highly informative and provided a fresh perspective on various issues. Overall, the experience was truly wonderful, contributing significantly to both my personal growth and professional development.

Shwetal Wahane

Shankarrao Chavan Law College, Pune

It was such an amazing opportunity for me to learn and improve my knowledge with Policy and Law Network. All the coordinators were very cooperative. The sessions that were arranged for us provided a legal perspective on social issues. It is a very good platform for a Socio-Legal virtual internship.

Siddhanti Nimgade

National Law University, Nagpur

This internship empowered me to realize my potential and commit to social upliftment, particularly for marginalized communities. The sessions provided innovative insights and practical challenges. Policy and Law Network’s focus on SC/ST candidates fostered self-expression and confidence, while collaborative projects strengthened my leadership abilities and sense of accountability.