Legal Minds Unite at Parul University for Samvidhan Pe Charcha 3.0

Eminent Legal Minds Engage in Dynamic Discussions at the Law Fest Samvidhan Pe Charcha 3.0 Hosted by Parul University

Vadodara-based Parul University hosted the third edition of the flagship conclave Samvidhan Pe Charcha 3.0, a four-day legal discourse. The event brought together some of the most prominent voices in India and other parts of the world, discussing the Constitution and its role in creating a just, democratic, and civic life. The conversations included keynote addresses, discussions, and workshops, and resulted in significant engagement between students, faculty, and leading legal minds in India, while also reinforcing Parul University's dedication to civic awareness and legal literacy among the students.

The conclave began with an inspiring keynote by the Hon’ble Justice Indira Banerjee, a Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Former Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. She emphasised the symbiotic relationship between education, infrastructure, and constitutional values. Justice Banerjee encouraged students to see platforms like moot courts as platforms where they can “live the Constitution” before entering practice. She also reflected on her own unique experience in the law, stating that the law as a field was neglected at the time and appreciated how institutions today have made improvements in providing a world-class infrastructure and inclusive environment. Justice Banerjee spoke with vigour about the increasing representation of women in the judiciary, urging aspiring female students to seize leadership opportunities.“I don’t want to count one, two, or three, I want 50%,”she declared, envisioning greater gender parity in Indian courts. Referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision, she explained how social, economic, and political justice are closely linked, and underscored constitutional morality as the foundation of Indian democracy and urged students to focus on the spirit of the Constitution rather than rote learning its provisions, stressing liberty, equality, fraternity, dignity, and unity as its core values.

The second day opened with Loa Zaroour, Attorney at Law Beirut Governorate, Lebanon, who brought an international perspective on constitutionalism. Contrasting the Lebanese and Indian constitutions, she emphasised that while Lebanon’s charter remains brief and shaped by historical mandates, India’s judiciary continues to evolve and expand rights through progressive interpretations.“A constitution must reflect a nation’s soul, its history, culture, and disputes, while ensuring separation of powers and safeguarding fundamental rights,”she said. Addressing contemporary debates on the right to privacy in the digital era, she called the judiciary“the nervous system of society”and urged a balance between state power and individual freedoms. She concluded with a personal reminder that“legal education begins at home, when children are taught their rights and responsibilities.”The day also featured a moving session by Mr. Sunil Kumar Gupta, Advocate and former ASP of Tihar Jail, who recounted his experience from a very humble beginning to becoming an officer highly esteemed within the prison system in India. With over two decades of service, he supervised eight executions and authored books including“Black Warrant”and“Social Rights of Prisoners”. Encouraging students to pursue excellence, he said,“Whatever is in your destiny you will get,

but you must keep your target very high.” “ In any profession, public, private, or government, make your mark with sincerity and hard work,” he added.

The third day of the conclave brought reflections on the dynamic nature of the Indian Constitution and its role in holding the nation together by Justice Abhay S. Oka, Former Judge of the Supreme Court.“When we remember the Constitution, we need to understand that it is not a static document. Its most important function was to bring India together, and it has kept the country intact,”he noted. Justice Oka emphasised the significance of rights varying from rights to life and dignity to rights to legal assistance and justice, while also reminding students that, under Article 51A, their fundamental duty is to uphold the Constitution. He urged the younger generation to remember the sacrifices of India’s legal leaders. On a concluding note, he reminded students:“Every lawyer should keep track of what is happening in the Constitution. My message to all students is to become good citizens and respect the Constitution.”

The grand finale of the Moot Court Competition concluded the fourth and final day of Samvidhan Pe Charcha 3.0 with a panel of esteemed jurists, namely: Hon’ble Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Chairperson of the Law Commission of India; Hon’ble Justice Jyoti Singh, Sitting Judge of Delhi High Court; and Hon’ble Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla, Sitting Judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court, all of whom presided over the final round, and brought an unparalleled level of wisdom and experience to the proceedings. Their presence elevated the prestige of the competition, allowing the young law aspirants an opportunity to not only present their arguments before some of the leading figures in the Indian Judiciary but also develop their practical legal skills. The ceremony rounded out in celebration of constitutional values, the practical aspects of legal education, and justice.

Adding an extra layer to the event, workshops on legal topics and concepts provided students a deeper insight into law, judiciary, and professional development. Ms. Maheravish, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, presented on Professional Ethics and the Constitution and called for students to practice equality, promote the truth and karma in their professional lives. Attorney Loaa Zaroour from the Beirut Governorate, Lebanon, held a workshop titled "Fundamental Rights, Separation of Powers, and Judicial Review". Mr. Anil Tiwari, Partner of Hammurabi & Solomon, moderated a session on Pre-Institution Mediation under Section 12A and Order 7 Rule 11 of the CPC on rejection of plaints. Mr. Vivek Kumar Jha, Partner, Fox Mandal & Ass. LLP ran a workshop that exposed the students to the foundations of mediation, arbitration and private equity law. Adv. Bhumesh Verma, Managing Partner, Corp Comm. Legal concluded the 'workshop series' with workshop on Contract Drafting and Negotiation, and also shared with the participants five drafting tips, errors and lessons including "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet", "No reinventing the wheel" and "At the end of the day, it is all about money". In conclusion, the workshops helped connect constitutional principles with the real-life challenges presented in the legal profession.

Students participated actively in Q&A sessions on amendments, federalism, social justice, digital rights and judicial activism, where the discussion focused on constitutional morality, rule of law, and the changing concept of justice. Samvidhan Pe Charcha 3.0 not only paid tribute to

the Indian constitutional legacy but also linked the worldviews to the local realities and encouraged the students to think critically and develop as responsible lawyers and citizens.