The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law officially dropped the name Rajiv Gandhi off its title list and now it is referred to as National Law University, Punjab. The decision to make this change was formal and was done by the competent authorities under the appropriate state law governing the university. It is among the leading National Law Universities in India which is based in Patiala.
The renaming is a major administrative breakthrough to the university, as it was formerly named after the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Background of the University
The institution was founded through the Punjab State Legislature Act. It started operating with the aim of encouraging the study and research of law in the state. It has provided undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses in law over the years and is a constituent part of the National Law University in India.
The school became known in the academic life, moot court competitions, legal research and education in professional conduct. The degrees and programmes that it offers remain valid even after it changed its name.
Legal Process of Renaming
Only by an amendment of the law by which a statutory university was constituted or by a formal notification made under that law may the name of the statutory university be changed. Here, renaming was done in accordance with the legal process established in the statute governing it.
These changes usually have to be approved by the state government and can be done by amendment of legislation or by notification in the state gazette. The new name is considered legally effective, as far as all administrative and academic purposes are concerned, once notified.
Impact on Academic and Administrative Matters
The rebranding does not have any impact on the recognition, accreditation, and the academic programmes of the university. Students, who were enrolled before the change of its name, do not stop their studies. Degrees earned prior to the change will be renamed and old degrees will still be recognized by law.
The new name will be reflected in all the official communication, records and documents. The university will still remain in the system of the National Law University in India.
Concept of Institutional Renaming
The public rebranding of institutions is a legal administrative measure. Governments can make decisions to alter the names of different places because of different reasons like policy decisions or change of legislation. These changes have to be in accordance with statutory procedures that will guarantee continuity of rights and obligations.
In the case of National Law University, Punjab, renaming is not a change in title but only a change in the name and does not affect the legal status, structure or functions of the institution.
