Jabalpur, March 9, 2025 – Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, marked a significant milestone by successfully organizing the 1st SLJ Justice S.L. Kochar Symposium 2025 on March 8–9, 2025. The event was held in collaboration with Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India (“Luthra”) and focused on the theme of “Dispute Resolution”.
The symposium, held under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha (Vice Chancellor) and Dr. Praveen Tripathi (Registrar), aimed to foster meaningful dialogue on the evolving landscape of arbitration, mediation, and conciliation. The event brought together distinguished legal professionals, academicians, and students for in-depth discussions and scholarly engagement on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
Inaugural Ceremony and Distinguished Guests
The symposium commenced on March 8, 2025, with an impressive lineup of speakers and legal experts, including:
- Shri Sankalp Kochar, Advocate, High Court of M.P.
- Shri Rajeev Rambhatla, Partner, Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India
- Dr. Ashit Srivastava, Assistant Professor, DNLU
- Dr. Praveen Tripathi, Registrar, DNLU
The event was also graced by the team from Luthra and Luthra Law Offices (Hyderabad), including:
- Ms. Pooja Sirnapelly, Managing Associate
- Ms. Aditi Karra, Associate
- Mr. Jayaram Garapati, Associate
The speakers emphasized the growing significance of ADR in resolving legal disputes effectively, particularly in the context of increasing commercial conflicts at the national and international levels. They highlighted the importance of equipping young legal professionals with expertise in arbitration and mediation to enhance the efficiency of the legal system.
Paper Presentation Sessions: Showcasing Research Excellence
A key highlight of the symposium was the paper presentation sessions where students and young scholars presented well-researched manuscripts on various dimensions of dispute resolution. The sessions covered a diverse range of pertinent sub-themes, including:
- Arbitration in Cross-Border Business Disputes
- Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)
- Evolution of Mediation in Employment Disputes
- Intellectual Property Disputes in the Digital Age
Winners of the Paper Presentation Sessions
The winners of the paper presentation competition were:
- First Prize: Mr. Vasujit Dubey and Ms. Poorva Sharma (DNLU)
- Second Prize: Ms. Anenya, Ms. Sejal Sahu, and Mr. Yash Sharan (Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur)
- Third Prize: Mr. Anshumaan Rakshit (DNLU)
The quality of the research and the depth of analysis demonstrated by the participants were widely appreciated by the panel of experts and attendees.
Valedictory Ceremony and Closing Remarks
The valedictory ceremony, held on March 9, 2025, was graced by:
- Shri Justice S.L. Kochar, Judge (Retd.), Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Hon’ble Shri Justice Vivek Agarwal, Judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Prof. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor, DNLU
- Dr. Praveen Tripathi, Registrar, DNLU
- Mr. Sankalp Kochar, Advocate, High Court of M.P.
- Mr. Siddhant Kochar, Advocate, High Court of M.P.
The dignitaries commended the initiative and praised DNLU’s commitment to legal research and discourse. They encouraged students to actively engage in research and training programs related to dispute resolution to gain a practical understanding of ADR mechanisms.
Mentorship and Organizing Team
The symposium was successfully executed under the guidance of Dr. Ashit K. Srivastava, Director of Student Law Journal, DNLU. Significant contributions were made by:
- Shri Utkarsh K. Mishra, Assistant Professor of Law
- Shri Sheel Bhadra Yadav, Assistant Librarian
A New Benchmark for Legal Scholarship
With its intellectually stimulating discussions, thought-provoking research presentations, and expert insights, the 1st SLJ Justice S.L. Kochar Symposium 2025 has set a new benchmark for academic events at DNLU. It reaffirmed the university’s dedication to advancing legal scholarship and fostering dialogue on contemporary legal challenges.
This symposium marks the beginning of a long-standing tradition of excellence in legal research and engagement at DNLU.