Justice Sanjeev Khanna stresses Constitutional Ethos and Legal Education Reforms at HPNLU Shimla; Inaugurates Digitized Library

Shimla, Oct 27,

The Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, marked a defining moment in its academic calendar with the 4th Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Annual Law Lecture delivered by Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Khanna, former Chief Justice of India and Distinguished Faculty at HPNLU. The lecture, held on the theme “The Preamble and the Basic Structure Doctrine: Judicial Interpretation and Constitutional Progression,” brought together eminent jurists, academics, and students for an engaging discourse on India’s constitutional evolution and the role of judicial interpretation in preserving democratic ideals.

In his keynote address, Justice Sanjeev Khanna reflected on the enduring importance of the Preamble as the soul of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing that the opening words — “We, the People of India” — enshrine the collective will and sovereignty of the people. He proposed that the Basic Structure Doctrine be taught as a comprehensive subject in legal education to enhance constitutional understanding among law students. Drawing insights from comparative jurisdictions, he noted that India’s Constitution remains inherently socialistic and people-oriented. Paying homage to Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, Justice Khanna described him as a visionary jurist whose humane and reformist approach reshaped Indian jurisprudence.

Delivering the Presidential Address, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and Chancellor of HPNLU, revisited Justice Krishna Iyer’s legacy, particularly his expansive interpretations under Article 21 that extended constitutional protection to human dignity, liberty, and social justice. He commended Justice Iyer’s landmark contributions to bail jurisprudence, prison reforms, and the protection of the marginalized.

Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of HPNLU, welcomed the dignitaries and reiterated that the Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Lecture Series serves as a vital bridge between judicial wisdom and academic inquiry, nurturing constitutional scholarship and debate. The event was attended by several Hon’ble Judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, senior members of the Bar, Registrars, government officials, and academic leaders, reflecting HPNLU’s growing stature as a center of legal excellence.

The occasion also marked the inauguration of the Digitized Library at HPNLU by Justice Khanna. Equipped with a Hybrid RFID System and a Patron Traffic Counter (PTC) System, the facility represents a major leap toward digital transformation and efficient academic resource management. The new system automates book circulation, enables secure digital access, and optimizes time management for both students and faculty.

Later in the day, Justice Khanna, as part of his ongoing engagement with students, delivered a special lecture on “Emerging Significance of ADR with Special Reference to Mediation.” He highlighted the increasing relevance of mediation in modern dispute resolution frameworks and spoke about the structured 40-hour mediator training program initiated by NALSA. He is also scheduled to deliver another lecture on “Law Relating to Vicarious Liability” on October 28.

The series of lectures, combined with the inauguration of the Digitized Library, underscores HPNLU Shimla’s twin commitment to advancing constitutional scholarship and integrating digital innovation in legal education. Justice Khanna’s continued association as a Distinguished Faculty further enriches the University’s academic landscape, strengthening its role as a vibrant platform for dialogue between the judiciary and academia.

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