The Institute of Law, Nirma University hosted a Distinguished Lecture on Constitutional Law on 22nd October, 2024. Prof. (Dr.) Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice-Chancellor of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore graced the session as eminent speaker. Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy shared that the Constitution of India was a result of a long historical process, shaped by various actors, including the British government, Indian leaders, and princely states. The drafting process began in 1946 and concluded in 1950, although its roots trace back over a century. The archives of the constitutional debates form a crucial part of understanding the Constitution beyond legal textbooks, highlighting the importance of analysing the intent behind the provisions and their ongoing impact. He focused on the basic research of constitutional law from the sources such as ConstitutionofIndia.net and the Supreme Court observer. These are the two main works of him and the whole law fraternity relies upon these when it comes to the constitutional law updates.
He highlighted that a critical aspect of studying the Constitution is understanding the role of the judiciary, especially in shaping constitutional doctrines. Courts have not only interpreted but also significantly altered constitutional meaning over time, making case law a crucial element in the development of Indian constitutional jurisprudence. Doctrinal readings alone are insufficient to grasp the full scope of constitutional law, as court decisions provide insight into the practical impact of these doctrines and how they shape governance.
Prof. (Dr.) Madhuri Parikh, Dean and Director (I/c), shared that the lecture was part of Institute’s continued commitment to providing students with opportunities to learn from leading legal minds and fostering a deeper understanding of constitutional jurisprudence.