Amid Parliament’s Debate on Constitution, NewsX and Legally Speaking Organize Third Law & Constitutional Dialogue

New Delhi, December 14, 2024 – Legally Speaking, India’s leading televised legal platform, hosted the Third Law & Constitution Dialogue 2024 today, December 13, 2024, in celebration of 75 years of the Indian Constitution. This significant event brought together a diverse group of legal experts, lawmakers, jurists, and thought leaders for insightful discussions on key legal and constitutional matters.

The event was inaugurated by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law and Justice, who emphasized the enduring importance of the Indian Constitution. He also addressed the concept of “One Nation, One Election,” a topic that has sparked broad national conversations in recent years. Meghwal highlighted the significance of Constitution Day, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy and celebrate the Constitution’s vital role in shaping India’s democracy.

In his keynote address, Chief Guest Justice Surya Kant, Hon’ble Judge of the Supreme Court of India, discussed the 2018 Amendment to the Specific Relief Act, 1963. Justice Kant explored its legal and economic implications, underscoring its contribution to strengthening India’s global economic standing.

Key Panels and Discussions

Veteran lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal participated in a productive discussion with Editor-in-Chief Rishabh Gulati, where he advocated for the global protection of minorities and emphasized the importance of promoting human rights across borders.

A session on the Places of Worship Act, 1991, featured experts like Justice Iqbal Ansari (Former Chief Justice, Patna HC) and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (Former Union Minister). The panel engaged in a thoughtful debate, considering the Act’s alignment with India’s secular principles and its impact on historical justice.

The event also addressed significant socio-political issues, including the potential implications of delimitation on parliamentary representation. Panelists such as Kalanidhi Veeraswamy (DMK), Sasmit Patra (BJD), and P.P. Chaudhary (Senior Advocate) provided valuable insights into how such changes could affect India’s political landscape.

Karti Chidambaram (MP) explored the importance of increasing Parliament’s representation to better reflect the nation’s diverse social and economic realities, stressing the need for pragmatic reforms for effective governance.

A discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill brought together influential voices like Swati Maliwal, Iqra Hassan, Jebi Mathers, and Shubhrasthra. The panel addressed the challenges in implementing the Bill and discussed its potential to transform Indian politics and increase women’s representation.

The issue of cybercrime and its growing impact was discussed by experts like Dr. Muktesh Chander (Former DGP, Goa) and Pawan Duggal (Cyber Law Expert), who explored the balance between ensuring cybersecurity and safeguarding constitutional freedoms.

Further discussions included reflections on the resilience of the Indian Constitution by Dr. Abhishek Singhvi, insights into sports governance by Justice Mukul Mudgal (Former Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court), and an exploration of the evolution of Indian criminal law by Senior Advocate Vivek Tankha and Former ASG Aman Lekhi.

A panel on the challenges AI poses to governance and politics included expert perspectives from Subimal Bhattacharjee (Cyber Technology Expert), Meghna Bal (Esya Centre), K.J. Alphons (Former Union Minister), and Kartikeya Sharma (MP), examining the evolving role of technology in shaping governance.

Throughout the day, 22 sessions were held, each addressing vital legal and constitutional issues. The discussions ranged from judicial reforms to India’s evolving justice system, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue in shaping the country’s legal and democratic processes.

About Legally Speaking

Legally Speaking, India’s premier televised platform dedicated to the legal community, is hosted by iTV Network on NewsX. With an audience of 300 million monthly viewers, it remains a key platform for promoting legal literacy and fostering meaningful conversations on constitutional and legal matters. The platform continues to shape public opinion and engage viewers in important legal discussions across the nation.