Dr G.K. Goswami has been honoured with the Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala. The degree was formally awarded by Justice Surya Kant, Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, in August, in the distinguished presence of several eminent jurists, academicians and dignitaries.

The LLD was granted for Dr Goswami’s advanced post-doctoral research titled “Global Response to Wrongful Convictions and Innocence Claims”. This extensive scholarly work emerged from the prestigious Flex Award under the Fulbright–Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship and reflects years of rigorous empirical research in the field of criminal justice reform.

Dr Goswami conducted a significant part of this research as a Fulbright Fellow at Cornell University, Ithaca, USA, under the guidance of Prof. Jens David Ohlin, Dean of Cornell Law School. The study benefitted from global academic exposure and practical insights into wrongful convictions and innocence jurisprudence.

The research was academically mentored by Prof. (Dr) G.S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor of National Law University Delhi, and Prof. C. Rajkumar, Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, whose guidance played a crucial role in shaping the work.

Dr Goswami also acknowledged the mentorship and inspiration of Barry Scheck, co-founder of the Innocence Project, New York, along with support from renowned experts including Brandon Garrett, Marissa Boyers Bluestine, Prof. Justin Brooks, the California Innocence Project in San Diego, and several other scholars and practitioners who contributed to this global study.

The work draws upon insights from hundreds of victims of wrongful convictions and experts across jurisdictions, highlighting systemic challenges and pathways for justice reform.

Expressing gratitude, Dr Goswami credited his parents, family members, friends and well-wishers for their unwavering support throughout the academic journey. He also made special mention of Upendra Giri and Pawan Sharma for their consistent encouragement.

The conferment of the LLD degree by Justice Surya Kant stands as a significant recognition of Dr G.K. Goswami’s contribution to legal scholarship, comparative criminal justice, and the global discourse on wrongful convictions.