The School of Law at MIT World Peace University marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Centre for Cybersecurity, Forensics and Criminal Law (CCFCL) on 31 October 2025. The launch represents a major step toward strengthening interdisciplinary education and advancing academic engagement in the rapidly evolving fields of cyber law, digital forensics, and criminal justice.

A Vision for Interdisciplinary Legal Education

The ceremony began with the World Peace Prayer, reflecting the university’s commitment to holistic education rooted in ethics, peace, and global responsibility.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr. Santosh Aghav, Professor and Dean, School of Law, shared the vision behind establishing the Centre. He emphasized the growing need for legal education to evolve alongside technological advancements and highlighted how issues such as cybercrime, digital privacy, and data protection require specialized knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Aghav noted that the Centre will function as a hub for research, academic engagement, and industry collaboration, bridging the gap between law, technology, and enforcement agencies. He also underscored the importance of equipping future legal professionals with practical knowledge and ethical awareness to navigate the complexities of the digital age.

Objectives of the Centre

The academic significance of the Centre was further elaborated by Prof. Smriti Tanvani, Faculty Convenor of CCFCL. She outlined the key objectives of the Centre, which include :

• Promoting research in cyber law, digital forensics, and criminal justice
• Encouraging policy discussions and awareness initiatives in emerging digital legal issues
• Providing experiential learning opportunities through workshops, competitions, and collaborations
• Preparing students to become responsible digital citizens and technologically aware legal professionals

Through these initiatives, the Centre aims to foster meaningful dialogue between the legal, technological, and law enforcement communities.

Launch of the Centre’s Official Brochure

A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the official brochure of the Centre for Cybersecurity, Forensics and Criminal Law. The brochure outlines the Centre’s vision, mission, objectives, and focus areas while presenting its commitment to research-driven learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. It also introduces the Centre’s core team and highlights its student-led and faculty-mentored structure, reinforcing the institution’s approach to experiential learning and academic leadership.

Distinguished Guest Addresses

The event featured insightful sessions by prominent experts from the fields of law enforcement and forensic science.

Mr. Ishaan Joshi, Forensic and Criminal Intelligence Expert and alumnus of the School of Law, delivered the keynote address, sharing valuable insights into the practical applications of forensic intelligence and the integration of technology in criminal investigations.

Dr. Kakasaheb Dole, Superintendent of Police at the Centre for Police Research, delivered an engaging session titled “Electronic Evidence in Indian Law: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Justice.” He highlighted the critical importance of proper collection, preservation, and presentation of electronic evidence to ensure fairness and accuracy in judicial proceedings.

The event’s Chief Guest, Dr. Sanjay Shinde, Former Special Inspector General of Police (IPS), addressed the gathering on emerging cybercrime trends and investigative challenges. He emphasized the growing complexity of digital offences, and the essential role legal professionals play in strengthening national and cyber security.

Key Highlights of the Ceremony

One of the defining moments of the event was the unveiling of the official logo of the Centre for Cybersecurity, Forensics and Criminal Law, symbolizing its formal launch and commitment to academic advancement in this domain.

The Centre also announced Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 under the theme “Stay Safe Online, Cyber Jaagrit Bharat.” As part of the initiative, student-led competitions such as a Digital Poster Making Contest and a Documentary (Short Film/Reel) Competition were introduced to promote awareness about online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting of the Centre’s office on the second floor, followed by the screening of a specially produced Cybersecurity Awareness film highlighting essential digital safety practices.

A Step Forward for Legal Education

The inauguration of the Centre for Cybersecurity, Forensics and Criminal Law marks an important step in integrating technology, justice, and interdisciplinary learning within the academic ecosystem of the School of Law at MIT World Peace University.

The Centre is expected to provide students, researchers, and professionals with a dynamic platform for scholarly exploration, policy discussions, and skill development in the fields of cyber law, forensic science, and criminal justice.

Through this initiative, the School of Law reaffirms its commitment to nurturing technologically aware, socially responsible, and ethically grounded legal professionals prepared to address the challenges of the digital era.