May 10, 2025 | Prayagraj — Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU), Prayagraj, hosted a National Seminar on “Constitutional Governance: Contemporary Challenges” on May 10, 2025. The seminar witnessed critical engagement from distinguished academicians who addressed pressing issues confronting India’s constitutional framework, including judicial corruption, accountability deficits, the collegium system, and the delicate balance of power between institutions.
Delivering the Introductory Remarks, Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of NLU Prayagraj, emphasized the urgent need to address institutional corruption which, she noted, significantly erodes public trust and undermines the Rule of Law. She underlined the risks posed by the persistent tussle for supremacy among the three branches of government, which may disrupt the foundational checks and balances of constitutionalism. Prof. Tandon also praised the success of Operation Sindoor, framing it as a commendable example of India’s commitment to constitutional values, particularly in safeguarding national security and citizen welfare.
The Chief Guest, Prof. V. C. Vivekanandan, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of HNLU Raipur, elevated the discussion by tracing the evolution of the doctrine of separation of powers through the lens of thinkers like Montesquieu, Antonio Gramsci, Hiroshi Nishihara, and the Bhagavad Gita. He highlighted the Constitution as India’s shared “religion” and warned against the dilution of Montesquieu’s principle that “power must check power” in today’s political environment. His integration of mythology and constitutional theory left a deep impression on attendees.
Joining virtually, Prof. Devinder Singh from Panjab University presented a compelling critique of the collegium system and urged a constitutional re-examination of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). His argument focused not on idealism but on the pragmatic constitutional need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the basic structure doctrine.
Prof. Uday Shankar of RGSIPL, IIT Kharagpur, outlined four major concerns within the constitutional governance framework: weakened enforcement of fundamental rights, market distortion through corruption, the overlooked aspect of horizontal federalism, and the slow erosion of judicial integrity. His multidimensional approach pushed the audience to rethink democratic accountability in both legal and socio-economic terms.
An interactive session followed, where students enthusiastically posed questions on the intersection of technology and justice, the codification of areas like tort law, and the transformation of legal remedies in a digitized era.
Prof. Uday Shankar advocated a cautious yet progressive adoption of judicial technologies, emphasizing balance over blind automation.
Prof. Devinder Singh reiterated the need for codification in tort law to ensure legal predictability and consistency.
Prof. Vivekanandan urged students to treat technology as a means of reinforcing constitutional values, not replacing them.
Closing the session, Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon remarked,
“Such intellectually rigorous seminars not only expose our students to the pressing constitutional debates of our times, but also nurture in them a critical consciousness that is essential for the making of responsible, ethical legal professionals and engaged citizens.”
The seminar marked yet another milestone in RPNLU Prayagraj’s academic journey, reinforcing its role as a hub for critical legal discourse and its commitment to preparing students to address real-world constitutional challenges with depth and integrity.
