Author – Ritesh Ranjan: SRM School of Law at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, has announced the appointment of Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy as its new Pro Vice-Chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s growth journey. With nearly four decades of experience spanning academia, governance, public administration and human rights, Dr. Murthy’s appointment signals a major boost for the university’s ambitions in legal education and institutional excellence.
Having assumed office on 15 April 2026, Dr. Murthy brings with him a rare blend of academic leadership and public service experience. His arrival is expected to contribute to SRM School of Law’s academic development, strengthen its global outlook and support its long-term vision of becoming a leading center for legal education and interdisciplinary research.
A Strategic Leadership Appointment for SRM School of Law
Leadership plays a defining role in shaping the future of academic institutions, especially in specialized fields such as law. In appointing Dr. Y.S.R. Murthy as Pro Vice-Chancellor, SRMIST has brought in a seasoned education leader with deep expertise in institution building and policy-driven academic development.
As legal education evolves to meet the demands of global practice, technology-driven regulation, constitutional challenges and public policy engagement, universities increasingly need leadership that combines academic depth with practical governance experience. Dr. Murthy fits that profile.
His appointment is particularly significant at a time when SRMIST is expanding its academic and research ecosystem, with growing emphasis on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and international engagement.
A Career Built Across Public Service and Higher Education
Dr. Murthy’s professional journey is distinguished by its diversity and impact.
Before joining SRMIST, he served as Vice Chancellor of Assam Royal Global University from 2024 to 2025. He was also the Founding Vice Chancellor and Founding Dean of RV University, Bengaluru, where he played a crucial role in establishing the institution’s academic framework and guiding its early growth.
Earlier, he spent more than a decade in senior leadership roles at O.P. Jindal Global University, contributing to its rise as one of India’s leading private universities with growing global recognition.
These roles reflect his ability to shape institutions, design academic systems and support sustainable growth in higher education.
From IAS Officer to Academic Leader
One of the most distinctive aspects of Dr. Murthy’s profile is his strong foundation in public administration.
An IAS officer from the 1985 batch, he held several important assignments in the Government of India, including positions in:
- Ministry of Finance
- Prime Minister’s Office
- President Secretariat
- Cabinet Secretariat
This administrative experience gives him a unique perspective on governance, policy and institutional management—qualities that can significantly benefit a modern law school.
His public service background also strengthens the bridge between legal education and real-world governance, which is increasingly important for students pursuing careers in law, civil services, policy and public administration.
Deep Expertise in Human Rights and Legal Scholarship
Dr. Murthy’s contributions extend well beyond administration.
He spent over 12 years at the National Human Rights Commission of India, including serving as Director, Research. This experience established him as a respected voice in human rights discourse and legal scholarship.
For a law school seeking to develop socially relevant and globally informed legal education, this background is particularly valuable.
His expertise in human rights can help strengthen areas such as:
- Constitutional law
- International law
- Human rights studies
- Public policy research
- Clinical legal education
- Social justice scholarship
These areas are becoming increasingly central to modern legal education.
Strong Academic Credentials and Interdisciplinary Vision
Dr. Murthy’s academic journey reflects both intellectual depth and interdisciplinary range.
His qualifications include:
- Degree in Statistics from the University of Madras
- MA in Human Rights from the University of London
- PhD from Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University
In addition, his training in mass communication, film appreciation and television production highlights a broader understanding of media, communication and public engagement.
This interdisciplinary exposure is increasingly valuable in legal education, where emerging fields such as media law, technology law, AI regulation and digital rights require broader perspectives.
National Recognition and Academic Influence
Dr. Murthy has been recognized nationally for his contributions to education and human rights.
Some of his major honors include:
- Justice J.S. Verma National Award for contribution to human rights
- Chanakya National Award 2023 for Excellence in Education
- Bangalore Management Association Education Excellence Award 2023
He has also contributed to several leading institutions, including:
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- University of Delhi
- IGNOU
- Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration
Such recognition reinforces the credibility and influence he brings to SRM School of Law.
What His Appointment Means for Students
For students, leadership appointments are not merely administrative changes—they often shape academic opportunities and institutional culture.
Under Dr. Murthy’s leadership, students may benefit from:
1. Stronger Academic Governance
His experience in institution building could help further strengthen curriculum quality, academic standards and strategic development.
2. Greater Exposure to Public Policy and Human Rights
Students may gain access to deeper engagement in policy research, governance studies and human rights-oriented legal education.
3. Expanded Research Opportunities
His background could support new research collaborations, interdisciplinary centers and scholarly initiatives.
4. Improved Global Outlook
With his experience in nationally and internationally recognized institutions, the law school may strengthen global partnerships and academic exchanges.
5. Career-Relevant Learning
His public service and policy background may help align legal education more closely with real-world professional pathways.
Strengthening SRMIST’s Position in Legal Education
The appointment also reflects SRMIST’s larger ambition to enhance its standing in India’s higher education ecosystem.
Law schools today are judged not just by classroom teaching, but by research output, institutional leadership, interdisciplinary engagement and global partnerships.
By bringing in a leader with expertise across governance, law, human rights and university administration, SRMIST appears to be investing strategically in these areas.
This could further strengthen the institution’s positioning among leading private universities offering legal education in India.
Why This Matters for the Future of Legal Education
India’s legal education landscape is undergoing major transformation. New technologies, evolving regulations, cross-border legal practice and growing public policy complexity are redefining how law is taught and practiced.
In this environment, academic leadership matters more than ever.
Dr. Murthy’s appointment reflects a broader shift toward leadership that combines scholarship, governance and social relevance.
That makes this more than a routine appointment—it represents a strategic move that could influence the future direction of SRM School of Law and its role in shaping next-generation legal professionals.
Conclusion
The appointment of Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy as Pro Vice-Chancellor marks an important moment for SRM School of Law and SRMIST.
With a distinguished career spanning civil service, human rights, legal scholarship and university leadership, he brings both experience and vision to the role.
For SRMIST, this appointment strengthens its academic leadership. For the School of Law, it opens new possibilities in institutional growth and research. And for students, it signals the potential for stronger academic opportunities, wider exposure and future-ready legal education.
As the legal education landscape evolves, leadership of this kind could play a crucial role in defining what comes next.
FAQs
1. Who is Y.S.R. Murthy?
Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy is an academic leader, former IAS officer and human rights expert who has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of SRM School of Law at SRMIST.
2. When did Y.S.R. Murthy join SRMIST?
He joined SRM Institute of Science and Technology on 15 April 2026 and has taken charge as Pro Vice-Chancellor.
3. What positions has Y.S.R. Murthy held previously?
He has served as Vice Chancellor of Assam Royal Global University, Founding Vice Chancellor of RV University and held senior leadership roles at O.P. Jindal Global University.
4. Why is his appointment important for SRM School of Law?
His appointment brings extensive expertise in legal education, governance, human rights and institution building, which can strengthen academic quality and research growth.
5. How may students benefit from his leadership?
Students may benefit through stronger academic governance, expanded research opportunities, global exposure and improved learning linked to law, policy and human rights.