National Conference | Commemorative Series | 50 Years of Constitutional Dissent: Revisiting Justice H.R. Khanna’s Legacy | DBRANLU Sonepat

National Conference | Commemorative Series | 50 Years of Constitutional Dissent: Revisiting Justice H.R. Khanna’s Legacy | DBRANLU Sonepat

Commemorative Series on 50 Years of the Constitutional Dissent: Revisiting Justice H.R. Khanna’s Legacy:

Organised by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat (DBRANLU)

Introduction:

Justice H.R. Khanna’s historic dissent in ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976) remains one of the most defining moments in Indian constitutional history. Delivered during the Emergency, his opinion asserted that the right to life and liberty is inherent in the rule of law and cannot be extinguished even when constitutional remedies are suspended.

This principled dissent reaffirmed the values of limited government, judicial independence, and constitutional morality, offering a timeless reminder of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democracy. The commemorative series marks 50 years of this dissent, reflecting on its enduring relevance in contemporary debates on liberty, state power, and constitutional resilience.

About the Academic Series:

The National Commemorative Series is a year‑long academic initiative by DBRANLU, Sonepat. It seeks to advance constitutional scholarship and foster interdisciplinary dialogue on liberty, rule of law, and judicial independence.

Activities will include:

• Keynote addresses by distinguished judges and scholars
• Panel discussions with leading academics and practitioners
• Paper presentations and technical sessions
• Workshops to build student research capacity
• Essay writing competitions
• A Valedictory Conference presenting key findings and launching edited volumes of selected peer‑reviewed papers

About DBRANLU, Sonepat:

Established in 2012 under the Haryana Act No. 15 of 2012, DBRANLU was renamed in 2014 to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The University is committed to imparting advanced legal education, honing practical skills, and fostering interdisciplinary understanding.

Leadership:

• Visitor: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India
• Chancellor: Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Hon’ble Governor of Haryana
• Vice Chancellor: Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh
• Registrar: Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Mishra

Objectives of the Series:

• Commemorate 50 years of Justice Khanna’s dissent
• Critically examine the jurisprudence of dissent in constitutional adjudication
• Facilitate scholarly engagement on constitutionalism and civil liberties
• Promote institutional collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue

Themes:

Main Theme: 50 Years of the Constitutional Dissent: Revisiting Justice H.R. Khanna’s Legacy

Broad Themes:

1. Right to Dissent: Justice Khanna’s Legacy
2. From Authoritarianism to Constitutionalism: Revisiting the 42nd & 44th Amendments
3. Emergency Powers and Constitutional Accountability
4. Samvidhan Divas and the Emergency: Reaffirming Constitutional Values
5. Preventive Detention in India: Law and Practice
6. Right to Privacy vis‑à‑vis Surveillance Laws in the Digital Age

Sub‑Themes:

• Jurisprudence of dissent in constitutional courts
• Contemporary relevance of ADM Jabalpur
• Judicial independence and constitutional morality
• Rule of law during emergencies
• Preventive detention and civil liberties
• State surveillance, privacy, and digital constitutionalism
• Media, AI, and the future of liberty

Advisory Board & Coordinators:

The series is guided by eminent jurists and academics including:

• Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India)
• Hon’ble Mr. Justice M.M. Kumar (Former Chief Justice, J&K High Court)
• Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ravi Shankar Jha (Former Chief Justice, Punjab & Haryana High Court)
• Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh (Vice Chancellor, DBRANLU)
• Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Mishra (Registrar, DBRANLU)

Coordinators include distinguished professors from NLU Tripura, University of Lucknow, University of Delhi, NLU Assam, HNLU Raipur, GNLU, and RGNUL Punjab, among others.

Contact Details:

Email: dbranlu@dbranlu.ac.in

Contact: +91 7905634045

Address: Plot No. 5, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Rai – 131021, Haryana

For More Information:

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