Alliance School of Law, Alliance University, Bengaluru, hosted the International Conference on Law and Social Transformation (ICLS) 2024. The conference centred on "Harnessing Legal Innovation for Sustainable Futures: Navigating the Path of Social Transformation." It was a platform for discussion on crucial legal issues, including technology and innovation, sustainability and the judiciary, gender justice, human rights, and the legal aspects of pandemics and global emergencies.

Inaugural Session and Key Participants 

The inaugural session featured Prof (Dr) N L Mitra, Professor Emeritus at KIIT School of Law, as the Chief Guest. The session was graced by the presence of Mr. Abhay G. Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor; Dr V Shyam Kishore, Dean of Academic Affairs and Alliance School of Law; Ms Surekha Shetty, Registrar-General; Dr Rashmi K. S., Associate Professor; and Dr Upankar Chutia, Associate Professor.

Dr V Shyam Kishore welcomed the audience and thanked Dr Mitra for influencing his career and his contributions to the Bar Council curriculum. Dr N L Mitra addressed societal challenges, such as gender issues and discrimination, faced by individuals from marginalized communities. Mr Abhay G. Chebbi highlighted the need for transformation in addressing global issues and acknowledged the event's success, drawing from discussions with Dr N L Mitra. Dr Rashmi K S and Dr Upankar Chutia concluded the session by extending their appreciation to the dais, management, organisers, and audience for their participation.

Participation and Research Presentations 

The conference attracted 119 participants and featured 80 research presentations. Representatives from 11 states attended the conference, including 51 participants from Karnataka and 29 from other states. One international participant also joined the event. A total of 27 institutions were represented, reflecting the diversity of the gathering.

During the inaugural session, the book LEX ET MUTATIO: Law and Social Transformation, Volume IV, was launched. This volume includes 46 selected research papers from various institutions across India and beyond.

Parallel Sessions and Chairs 

The research presentations were held through ten parallel sessions, including three online and seven offline sessions. Each session featured 7 to 8 speakers. In-house professors served as co-chairs, while external dignitaries chaired the sessions. The chairs included Prof. Dr Anjina Reddy (R.V. Institute Of Legal Studies), Dr Pyali Chatterjee (ICFAI University), Dr Paramita Choudhury (Woxsen University), Dr Sunitha Abhay Jain and Dr Sonika Bhardwaj (Christ University, Bangalore), Dr Arun S. (The Oxford College of Law, Bangalore), Dr Francis Assisi Almeida (Karnataka Regional Commission for Education), Dr Santosh Prabhu (S.D.M. Law College, Mangalore), Prof Sumanth Kumar, and Prof Vasavi A. (B.M.S. College of Law, Bangalore).

Conclusion 

The International Conference on Law and Social Transformation (ICLS) 2024 provided a platform for exchanging ideas and discussing critical legal issues affecting society. The participation of numerous institutions and scholars highlighted the importance of legal innovation in addressing global challenges. The event was successful, with valuable contributions from participants, organisers, and distinguished guests.