Indian Society of Criminology

  The Indian Society of Criminology is a national level professional society that was formally inaugurated on November 18, 1970, by the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Dr. M. Karunanidhi in the historic Senate House of the University of Madras. The society was founded under the aegis of Dr. K. Chockalingam, the then Head of the Department of Criminology, University of Madras, which initially started as a Criminology and Forensic Science Study Circle by the students of the Department of Criminology, University of Madras.  The founding leadership of the society included
Hon’ble Justice Mr. V. R. Krishna Iyer, then Judge, Supreme Court of India, as Honorary President, Professor T. E. Shanmugam, then Professor and Head, Department of Psychology, University of Madras as Chairman, and Mr. N. Pitchandi then Director, Department of Forensic Science, Government of Tamil Nadu as Vice Chairman. Since its inception, the ISC has dedicated itself to advancing the study and application of criminology as a scientific discipline on a broad scale, with the ultimate objective of enhancing societal well-being through crime prevention and control. The ISC boasts a diverse membership of professionals, both from India and abroad, including criminologists, sociologists, psychologists, politicians, advocates, judges, social workers, and academicians. The Society’s mission is furthered through its numerous initiatives, such as organizing annual conferences, symposia, lectures, and training programs. These events not only promote dialogue on contemporary criminological issues but also aim to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, ensuring that policymakers, legislators, and enforcement officials can benefit from the latest developments in the field. 

 The University of Madras, established in 1857, is one of India’s oldest premier universities and a pioneer in higher education and research. The University has made significant contributions to the cause of higher education and research in the country and is one among the first five universities to receive recognition from the University Grants Commission as a ‘University with Potential for Excellence’. The University has forged MoUs with numerous foreign universities and industries and conducts over a hundred sponsored research projects.

An independent Department of Criminology was started by the University of Madras in April 1983 with functions of teaching and research. The Department of Criminology specializes in the field of crimes against women and children, victimology, juvenile justice, correctional administration, crime prevention, cyber forensics and others. The Department presently offers a Master’s in Criminology & Criminal Justice Science, a Diploma in Juvenile Justice & Juvenile Psychology and a Ph.D. programme. The Department has signed MoUs with three international Universities. The Department is actively engaged in research projects funded by organizations such as UNICEF, University Grants Commission, Bureau of Police Research and Development, Indian Council of Social Science Research, National Commission for Women, Government of Tamil Nadu, and others. The Department also provides consultative and training services to the stakeholders of the criminal justice system, such as the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy, the Tamil Nadu Police, the Department of Children Welfare and Special Services, Government of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu Police Academy.