Justice Sanjeev Khanna, speaking at HPNLU Shimla, highlighted that the Indian Constitution is inherently socialistic and people-centric, rooted in the collective will of the people and guided by the Preamble and Basic Structure Doctrine.
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SHIMLA: Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Sanjeev Khanna delivered the fourth Justice VR Krishna Iyer Annual Law Lecture at Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, on the theme “The Preamble and the Basic Structure Doctrine.”
The lecture highlighted the constitutional significance of the Preamble and the Basic Structure Doctrine, two foundational pillars of India’s democratic framework. Justice Khanna emphasized that the Preamble’s opening phrase, “We, the People of India,” reflects the collective will and sovereignty of the people, forming the bedrock of the Indian Constitution.
Justice Khanna underscored the need for legal education reform, suggesting that a comprehensive subject on the Basic Structure Doctrine should be introduced in law schools to enhance students’ understanding of constitutional philosophy.
Drawing comparative insights from global constitutions, he noted that the Indian Constitution is inherently socialistic and people-centric, designed to uphold justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
He also paid heartfelt tribute to Justice VR Krishna Iyer, celebrating his humanitarian approach and progressive jurisprudence, which continue to shape India’s legal and social landscape.
Apart from the lecture, Justice Khanna interacted with undergraduate law students, speaking on “Emerging Significance of ADR with Special Reference to Mediation.” He highlighted the rising importance of mediation as a cost-effective, time-efficient, and amicable dispute resolution mechanism.
Justice Khanna explained the distinctions between institutional and ad hoc arbitration, predicting that mediation will soon become the preferred mode of resolving disputes in India.
Delivering the presidential address, Justice Sandhawalia revisited the jurisprudence of Justice VR Krishna Iyer, particularly his path-breaking interpretations of Article 21, which expanded the scope of fundamental rights and human dignity. He praised Justice Iyer’s landmark contributions to bail jurisprudence, prison reforms, and the protection of marginalised communities, reaffirming his enduring influence on Indian legal thought.
The prestigious event was attended by several Judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, including:
- Justice Vivek Singh Thakur
- Justice Ajay Mohan Goel
- Justice Sandeep Sharma
- Justice Ranjan Sharma
- Justice Bipin Chander Negi
- Justice Rakesh Kainthla
- Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj
- Justice Romesh Verma
Their presence added gravitas to the occasion, reflecting the judiciary’s continued commitment to promoting constitutional values and legal education.
Justice Khanna also inaugurated HPNLU’s newly digitised library, marking a significant step toward academic modernisation and digital transformation. The library now features a Hybrid RFID System, designed to automate and streamline library operations, ensuring efficient management of resources and enhanced access for students and faculty.