Introduction
The 4th Justice HR Khanna Memorial National Symposium, held virtually, is a significant event organized by the Confederation of Alumni for National Law Universities Foundation (CAN Foundation) in collaboration with NALSAR, Hyderabad, and DNLU, Jabalpur. This symposium honors the legacy of Justice HR Khanna, a former Supreme Court judge known for his landmark judgments and steadfast commitment to upholding the Constitution.
Opening Remarks
The symposium commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao, Vice Chancellor of NALSAR, Hyderabad, and Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor of DNLU, Jabalpur. These opening remarks set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of Justice Khanna's contributions to Indian jurisprudence and the need for continued discourse on constitutional values.
First Session: Contours of the Basic Structure of Our Constitution
Chief Guest Address
Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, served as the Chief Guest for the first session. He provided an in-depth analysis of the basic structure doctrine, which is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the Indian Constitution. Justice Kumar highlighted key judgments that have shaped this doctrine and discussed its relevance in contemporary times.
Special Guest Address
Justice Sunita Agarwal, Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat, was the Special Guest for this session. She shared her insights on the evolving nature of constitutional interpretation and the judiciary's role in protecting fundamental rights. Justice Agarwal underscored the balance between judicial activism and restraint.
Senior Advocate’s Perspective
Senior Advocate Chander Uday Singh added a practitioner's perspective to the discussion. He delved into landmark cases that have reinforced the basic structure doctrine, discussing the implications of these rulings on legislative and executive actions. Singh emphasized the need for vigilance in preserving constitutional supremacy.
Second Session: Perspectives of Legal Dimensions of Climate Change in the 21st Century
Presiding Guest Address
Justice KV Viswanathan, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, presided over the second session. He addressed the legal challenges posed by climate change, focusing on the necessity for robust environmental laws and policies. Justice Viswanathan highlighted international treaties and agreements, stressing India's role in global climate governance.
Senior Counsel’s Insights
Senior Counsel Madhavi Divan provided a comprehensive overview of legal frameworks addressing climate change. She discussed the interplay between environmental protection and economic development, advocating for sustainable practices that align with constitutional mandates. Divan's insights shed light on the need for legal innovation in tackling environmental issues.
Senior Counsel’s Contribution
Senior Counsel V Giri concluded the session with an analysis of judicial pronouncements on environmental matters. He emphasized the judiciary's proactive role in enforcing environmental laws and the significance of public interest litigation in environmental jurisprudence. Giri called for enhanced judicial training on environmental issues to ensure informed decision-making.
Reflections on Justice HR Khanna’s Legacy
Throughout the symposium, speakers reflected on Justice HR Khanna’s enduring legacy. His dissenting opinion in the ADM Jabalpur case, which upheld personal liberties during the Emergency, was frequently cited as a testament to his unwavering commitment to constitutional values. Justice Khanna’s principles continue to inspire legal professionals and underscore the importance of judicial independence.
Conclusion
The 4th Justice HR Khanna Memorial National Symposium successfully fostered a rich dialogue on critical constitutional and environmental issues. By bringing together eminent jurists and legal practitioners, the symposium honored Justice Khanna’s legacy and reinforced the need for continued vigilance in protecting constitutional values and addressing emerging legal challenges.
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