Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurated Bennett University’s international conference titled “Beyond Gender: Navigating the Intersectionality of Justice,” focusing on inclusive governance, legal evolution, and intersectional issues like gender, caste, and disability in justice.
Bennett University, in collaboration with the University of Reading and the University of Birmingham (UK), hosted an International Conference on ‘Beyond Gender: Navigating the Intersectionality of Justice’ on May 1, 2025.
The Centre for Family Law Studies and Research (CFLS) at the School of Law organized the event, which brought together legal experts, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and civil society representatives to explore the complexities of justice through an intersectional lens.
The conference’s inauguration featured Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, as the Chief Guest.
He discussed the evolution of Indian law, contrasting 19th-century legal doctrines based on “Danda” (punishment) with the modern emphasis on “Nyāya” (justice) reflected in the newly renamed legal codes: Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
He argued that intersectionality is inherent in Indian philosophy, illustrating this with the story of Maina Bai from Rajasthan, advocating for a broader understanding of identity that transcends gender.
He illustrated this through a rendition of the bhajan “Prabhu ji mere avgun chit na dharo” a call for compassion and understanding for those who are often rendered invisible due to disabilities or other marginalization.
The Minister also acknowledged Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to inclusive labor rights, such as reduced working hours and maternity leave, particularly relevant on International Labour Day.
Other notable attendees at the inaugural session included Dr. Seema Kaul Singh (Director, ICPS), Professor Paul McConnell (University of Birmingham), Dr. Rajiv Mani (Secretary, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice), and Dr. Ankur Barua (Director (HR), Oil India Ltd.).
The one-day conference included eight parallel sessions presenting research papers on topics ranging from gender justice and family law to constitutional morality, inclusive governance, and rights-based advocacy. Participants represented diverse fields, including law, political science, sociology, and development studies.
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The conference aimed to move beyond traditional gender discussions by incorporating considerations of caste, religion, disability, socio-economic status, bodily autonomy, and sexual orientation, recognizing how these factors intersect to shape individual experiences within legal and social frameworks.
The valedictory ceremony, held virtually, featured Justice Hima Kohli (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India) as the Chief Guest and Dr. Archana Majumdar (Member of the National Commission of Women) as the Guest of Honour.
The conference represented a significant step toward reimagining justice through an intersectional perspective grounded in inclusivity, empathy, and constitutional principles.