Faculty List

Prof. (Dr.) Kiran Gardner stands as a leading authority in both legal and educational domains, distinguished by her dual Doctorates in Law and Education. With a career spanning nearly four decades. she has made significant contributions to legal academia and educational reform, establishing herself as a guiding force in these fields.

Dr. Gardner’s academic journey is marked by an impressive array of qualifications, including Ph.D. degrees in Law and Education, as well as advanced degrees in Criminal Law and Comparative Education. Her scholarly work has not only enriched legal education but also shaped the development of numerous legal institutes. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Gardner has held prestigious positions such as Dean at various esteemed universities, guided Ph.D. scholars in diverse areas of law, and published extensively in academic journals and edited volumes. Her initiatives have included establishing research centers, organizing conferences, and actively engaging in socio-legal research.

Prof. (Dr.) Heena Ghanshyam Patoli is an experienced academician cum researcher with more than 22 years of work exposure in Educational Institution, Legal field & Legal Research and Auditor.

Dr. Heena has contributed significantly to legal education, specializing in Criminal Law and Labour Laws and other branches of Law and social sciences. Her expertise spans in various disciplines, having taught PHD Candidates, LLM and LLB Students, MBA and other UG and PG courses of Law and management. Dr. Heena specializes in Designing Online Courses/ Developing Course outlines, Creating / developing Centers / Legal aid Clinics/ Legal studies/ working on Applied Research projects, Guided Ph D students. Published various research papers on legal topics and framework, authored and Co-authored books on Legal subjects.

Dr. Heena has worked in Chandigarh Law College, Mohali as Professor of Law, worked in Mody University, Lakshmangarh , Rajasthan, as Dean and Professor, School of Law, worked in Chandigarh University, Professor, Faculty of Law and was working in Alliance University, Bangalore, as Associate Professor, Maharishi University, Noida, Amity University, Mumbai as Assistant Professor in Law and also Coordinator of the Department of Law.

Dr. Heena hold a PHD in Law from Pacific University, Udaipur, on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and its impact on Human Rights, ( major in Criminology ) Masters in Law, Amity University ( specialised in Human Rights) and Masters in Business Management, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU ) ( specialised in Human Resource Management ).

Prof. (Dr.) Gurudev Sahil is a seasoned legal academician and practitioner with over a decade of combined experience in legal education and professional practice. He is currently serving as Associate Professor at Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, where he actively engages in academic development, curriculum innovation, and student mentoring.

Dr. Sahil’s academic journey began with a BA LL.B. from Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune (2012), followed by an LL.M. in Criminal and Corporate Law from the Indian Law Institute, New Delhi (2015). He qualified the UGC-NET in Law (2015) and completed his Ph.D. in Constitutional Law (2020). He has done diploma courses in Cyber Law and ADR.

He has previously held teaching positions at Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad, ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune, and GLA University, Mathura, where he taught diverse courses such as Space Law, Maritime Law, Drafting & Pleading, Corporate Governance, and Comparative Public Law. Dr. Sahil has published over 10 research articles in SCOPUS and Web of Science indexed journals, and authored and edited several books with leading academic publishers, including Taylor and Francis. He has also guided a doctoral scholar to successful Ph.D. completion, reflecting his deep commitment to research and mentorship in the legal discipline.

Dr. Gajendra N is an Associate Professor of Economics at the School of Law, Dayananda Sagar University. With a strong academic and research background, he specializes in areas that bridge the disciplines of law, economics, and public policy, bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to legal education. He has two decades of teaching and research experience working in premier educational institutions. He has an impressive portfolio of published books, edited book chapters and research papers in leading national and international journals. His significant contributions in research areas such as Economic Analysis of Solid Waste Management have been acknowledged by Public Authorities like BBMP. Dr. Gajendra was awarded his Ph.D. in Economics from Tumkur University and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Economics from Bharthidasan University. He completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Christ University and Master of Arts (M.A) in Economics from Bangalore University. He has also qualified National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET) from University Grants Commission. He is a member for Board of Studies (BOS) and Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) at Dayananda Sagar University. At School of Law, DSU he heads the Mentorship Program and Sports Committee. He is also the Co-convenor for the Centre of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, Cultural Committee and the Co-ordinator for BBA.LLB Programme.

Dr. Hamza Khan is a distinguished legal academic and researcher with specialised expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation and Intellectual Property Law. He holds a Ph.D. in Law and is deeply committed to advancing legal scholarship at the intersection of law, technology, and policy. Dr. Khan teaches courses in AI & Law and Intellectual Property Law, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate the legal and ethical complexities of emerging technologies. His research interests centre around AI governance, liability frameworks for autonomous systems, and the regulation of AI-driven legal services. Through his academic work, Dr. Khan contributes to both scholarly literature and policy discourse, addressing critical challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Khan served as the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) Coordinator at Presidency University, where he led institutional efforts to meet accreditation standards and promote continuous quality improvement. He has also been an active member of the Board of Studies, playing a key role in the design and revision of legal education curricula that reflect global regulatory trends and innovations. Driven by a passion for integrating law and technology, Dr. Hamza Khan is engaged in policy advisory, curriculum development, and academic forums. His work is dedicated to fostering a legal ecosystem that is responsive, forward-thinking, and inclusive of the dynamic changes brought about by technological advancement.

Prof. Shivani Dutta is the founding faculty of the School of Law, DSU. She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies from the elite National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore. She pursued her BA.LL.B from M. S. Ramaiah College of Law, Bangalore and LL.M (Gold Medal) from National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam (NLUJAA). She has over a decade of academic and research experience. Prior to her joining SOL, DSU, she worked with IFIM School of Law and Christ Academy Institute of Law, Bengaluru. She also worked as a guest faculty, NLUJAA and as a teaching assistant at NLSIU, Bangalore. She has participated in national/international seminars and conferences with multiple publications in the form of articles, book chapters to her name which are indexed in peer-reviewed journals and by Routledge. She is actively involved into the admissions outreach programs beyond regular academics and administration at SOL, DSU. She is currently the member of the Board of Studies, SOL and member of the Ethical Committee, School of Physiotherapy, DSU. She is the Convenor for the Legal Research Innovative Centre and the Co-ordinator for Examination.

Prof. Sanjay Utagi has completed his LL.B and LL.M in Corporate and Commercial Laws from KSLU’s Hubballi. He is enriched with an experiential learning of the procedural laws by working in the District Courts and High Court of Karnataka before stepping into academics. He started his academic career as a Researcher and Teaching Assistant from the elite National Law School of India University, Bangalore. He acquired an administrative opportunity to work as Principal (I/c) of SS Law College (Affiliated to KSLU), before joining School of Law, DSU. Additionaly he held responsibility as editor of International Journal on Consumer Law and Practice (IJCLP) an Scopus Index journal, also has many published articles to his credit. He was invited to deliver special lectures on topics such as Consumer Law, Mediation, Insurance etc. Currently, he teaches Law of Insurance and Drafting, Pleading and Conveyancing at School of Law, DSU. His doctoral studies is focused on Protection of Human Health and Environment from Pesticide Exposure. He is the Convenor for the Legal Aid Clinic and the Innovative Legal Research Centre.

Dr. Shantanu Pachahara is an aspiring scholar of International Arbitration and technology law. He completed his Ph.D. from Gujarat National Law University with a focus on third- party funding in international commercial arbitration, examining practices across the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. Currently an Assistant Professor at Dayananda Sagar University, Dr. Pachahara has contributed to arbitration scholarship through publications in indexed journals on topics including third-party funding regulations, blockchain dispute resolution, and artificial intelligence in arbitration. His research interests center on the evolving landscape of international arbitration, particularly emerging funding mechanisms and technological innovations in dispute resolution. Moreover, with seven years of teaching experience across leading law universities, he continues to contribute to arbitration education and research while exploring contemporary challenges in the field.

Prof. Arifa Sultana Choudhury is a dedicated legal educator currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Law, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru. With a rich blend of academic and practical experience, she holds litigation as well as academic experience. Her areas of academic interest are diverse, including criminal law, law relating to women and children, and customary laws.

Arifa completed her B.A. LL. B (Hons.) from National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, in 2016, where she secured 4th rank overall and was awarded multiple Gold Medals for academic excellence in various law papers. She further pursued her LL.M. with a specialization in Criminal Law at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. During her academic journey, Arifa actively participated in editorial and organizational roles, including serving on the editorial board of the National Law University Assam Law Review (NUALR) and convening the North-East India Rounds of the Surana and Surana National Trial Advocacy Moot Court Competition in 2013 and 2014. Her contributions extend beyond teaching; she has several publications in UGC-recognized national journals and has presented papers at both international and national conferences. She is the Convenor for Centre for Advanced Criminal Law and Environmental Criminology and also a Faculty Co-Ordinator for Moot Court Committee.

Prof. Stency Mariya Mark is an Assistant professor of law and has more than three years of prior experience. Her areas of interest include constitutional law, administrative law, information technology, and jurisprudence. She is currently a Ph.D. scholar at Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) in Nagpur; she holds an LL.M. in Constitutional Law from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala, and graduated from Galgotias University, Greater Noida. She has published a book on “Sexual Minorities through the Lens of Modern Panopticism” and contributed chapters and research papers to various legal publications, including scopus-indexed journals and UGC-CARE listed journals. She is the Convenor for the Centre for Advanced Criminal Law and Environmental Criminology and the Internship and Placement Cell in School of Law, DSU.

Prof. Nithin Rajeev is a passionate and committed legal academic with a specialization in Intellectual Property Law and Trade Law, supported by a strong interdisciplinary background in commerce and law. He holds a B.Com. LL.B. degree from the Kerala Law Academy, Trivandrum, and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Trade Law from the School of Law, Christ University, Bangalore. He has also successfully qualified the UGC-NET in Law, further affirming his academic credentials.

Prof. Rajeev’s academic career spans esteemed institutions, including IFIM School of Law and ISBR Law College, Bangalore, where he held key academic leadership roles—most notably as Faculty Chair of the Centre for Intellectual Property Rights and Co-chair of the Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution. His academic experience is complemented by industry exposure, having served as a Contract Specialist at Futran Tech Solutions, Hyderabad. He has undertaken significant internships with the Office of the Additional Advocate General of Kerala, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, and prominent law firms, which have shaped his practical understanding of constitutional governance, public interest litigation, and legal advocacy.

Prof. Rajeev is actively engaged in legal research, mooting, and academic writing. His core areas of interest include Intellectual Property Law, Constitutional Law, Competition Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Human Rights. At Dayananda Sagar University, he serves as the Convenor of the Centre for Corporate and Commercial Laws and the Moot Court Society, fostering legal scholarship, advocacy skills, and institutional collaborations. His pedagogical approach is rooted in research-led teaching, mentorship, and student-centred engagement, aimed at nurturing the next generation of thoughtful and socially conscious legal professionals.

Dr. Pallavi Sen is an academician with five years of academic experience, with teaching and research expertise in Criminal Law. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Law at the School of Law, Dayanand Sagar University, Bengaluru. She holds a Ph.D in law from National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, where she also served as a JRF and an LL.M. in Criminal Law from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, Punjab.

Dr. Sen has previously served as an Assistant Professor at REVA University, Bengaluru, and Royal Global University, Guwahati, teaching a wide range of courses such as Constitutional Law, Law of Torts, Law of Crimes (IPC & Cr.PC), Penology, Victimology, and White-Collar Crimes, and has supervised postgraduate dissertations. She has also contributed to curriculum design, legal aid initiatives, and NAAC coordination. Dr. Sen has multiple research publications to her name in reputed indexed journals and has also served as Associate Editor for a book. Her research interests lie in exploring intersections of criminal law, constitutional values, and human rights through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.

SOL, DSU is home to esteemed educators like Prof.(Dr.) Prasanata Moharaj, who leads our sociology curriculum. Dr. Moharaj’s teaching integrates his deep expertise in Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, preparing students to tackle urgent global issues with informed perspectives. Beyond his academic contributions, he has authored 12 research papers in renowed journals and serves as the convenor of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability.

Dr. Moharaj also plays a pivotal role in the Debate and Literary Society Committee, fostering a vibrant community of discourse and critical thinking. At DSU, we merge educational excellence with groundbreaking research and dynamic student engagement to forge paths towards meaningful societal impact.

Prof. Bharath K. M., B.A., M.A. (Political Science), KSET, Ph.D. (Pursuing), is serving as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the School of Law, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru. He earned his B.A. degree from St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, and M.A. in Political Science from Bangalore University. He has qualified the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) in Political Science and is presently pursuing his Ph.D. at Bangalore North University.

With over seven years of academic experience, Prof. Bharath has taught at institutions including RV Institute of Legal Studies, Bengaluru, and Sri Maruthi Degree College, Hosakote, before joining DSU in 2024. His areas of academic interest include Public Administration, E-Governance, Indian Constitution, International Politics, and Human Rights. He has presented papers at national and international conferences and published widely in peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, international chapter books.

At the School of Law, DSU, Prof. Bharath serves as Examination Coordinator, NSS Faculty Coordinator, UBA Coordinator, and Co-convener of the Centre for Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability. He is also a member of the Outreach Committee.

Prof.(Dr.) Sanskriti Razdan is a distinguished educator and scholar with over 10 years of teaching experience. She holds a Ph.D. in Historical Studies from G.D. Goenka University, Gurgaon, Haryana, and an M.Ed. from VMLG College, CCS University, Uttar Pradesh. She completed her Post-Graduate degree in Medieval History from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and a Bachelor's degree in History (Hons) from Lady Sriram College for Women, University of Delhi. Dr. Razdan was awarded the prestigious Bhasin Memorial Prize by former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit for academic excellence. Her research focuses on Awadhi and Braj bhasha poetry, examining the lives and works of Tulsidas and Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan, two poet-scholars from the Mughal era. Her studies offer valuable insights into the Mughal world during the 16th and 17th centuries and have been published in respected journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Dr. Razdan has taught at a range of prestigious institutions, including her current role as Visiting Faculty at Kirti P. Mehta School of Law, NMIMS, Bangalore. She has also served as Assistant Professor at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore and taught at schools like G.D. Goenka Public School and DPS International in Ghaziabad.

Prof. Amthul Naseeb holds an MBA and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Management. She teaches core Management subjects to the BBA.LLB program, with academic expertise in Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship Development.

With over a decade of experience across corporate, academia, and training, she has worked with Amazon, served as an Assistant Professor in MBA program at her alma mater, Shridevi Institute of Engineering & Technology, and as a Training Specialist, she has trained numerous students in soft skills and pre-placement readiness. In addition to teaching, she serves as the Faculty Mentor for the Centre for Leadership & Growth at School of Law, fostering student well-being and holistic development, and is the Coordinator for the Cultural Committee, contributing to student engagement and campus vibrancy.

Prof. Ms Rakhi Dixit is a seasoned academician who holds her double masters degree in Business Administration and English Literature. She has 17+ years of diverse experience across industry and academia and is currently pursuing her PhD in HR and Corporate Communication.