Alliance School of Law at Alliance University organised a series of lectures as part of the Constitutional Law Lecture Series titled 75 Years of the Constitution: Reflections from the Bench, Bar, Bureaucracy, and Beyond. The lectures featured distinguished speakers who explored various themes in constitutional governance, judicial authority, and bureaucratic governance. The series aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of constitutional principles and their practical implications in governance and public administration.

Judicial Overreach and Constitutional Balance

Mr Promod Nair, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, examined Judicial Overreach vs. Judicial Restraint: Navigating a Balance in Constitutional Governance. The session focused on the separation of powers, judicial activism, and tools for maintaining constitutional balance. He elaborated on how judicial intervention can sometimes be necessary to uphold constitutional principles, while excessive intervention may lead to conflicts with legislative and executive functions. The discussion provided insights into the role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution while ensuring governance remains within its constitutional framework.

Perspectives from the Bench

Hon'ble Justice Talwant Singh, Former Judge of the High Court of Delhi, delivered a lecture on Perspectives from the Bench: Practices and Principles of Constitutional Courts. The discussion covered the evolving role of constitutional courts in interpreting and safeguarding the Constitution. He provided reflections on his experience as a judge, illustrating the challenges faced in balancing legal principles with contemporary societal needs. The session addressed how constitutional courts contribute to legal precedents and ensure the Constitution's relevance in governance. It also highlighted the importance of judicial discipline, impartiality, and the need for courts to function as protectors of fundamental rights.

Bureaucratic Challenges in Constitutional Governance

Mr Sivasailam N (IAS Retd.), Former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, addressed Navigating Bureaucratic Challenges: Balancing Constitutional Mandates, Federal Dynamics, and Ethical Dilemmas. The session highlighted the role of bureaucracy in constitutional governance, the challenges in implementing constitutional mandates, and the ethical considerations in public administration. He discussed the complexities involved in maintaining a balance between policy-making and constitutional obligations, as well as the interaction between federal structures and bureaucratic decision-making. The lecture provided key insights into ethical decision-making in governance and the need for transparency and accountability in bureaucratic functions.

Organisation and Curatorship

The lecture series was organised under the guidance of Prof Dr V Shyam Kishore, Dean, Alliance School of Law. The sessions were curated by Mr K Kirthan Shenoy and Mr Nikhil Erinjingat, Assistant Professors. The series provided a platform for discussions on constitutional governance, contributing to academic and professional understanding of legal and bureaucratic frameworks. Through these deliberations, students, faculty members, and legal professionals gained valuable perspectives on constitutional law and governance, fostering a deeper engagement with legal and administrative practices.