Varsity organises conference to mark 75 years of Supreme Court

A two-day national conference on the theme “Seventy-Five Years of the Supreme Court of India” commenced today at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala.

The event saw participation from Judges of the Supreme Court (SC) and Punjab and Haryana High Court, along with distinguished advocates and academicians from across the country.

Justice Pankaj Mithal, Judge of the SC , stressed the importance of environmental jurisprudence and streamlining judicial procedures to improve public access. He emphasised that the judiciary must adapt to ensure arbitration and dispute resolution remain efficient, equitable and responsive to modern challenges.

Justice Augustine George Masih, Judge of the SC, highlighted that in an era of rapid change, Indianisation of legal principles is essential. He asserted that arbitration, the evolving nuances of law, and contextual interpretation must align with India’s unique needs, while the Constitution remains the bulwark from which the executive, judiciary and legislature derive their sanctity.

Justice Deepak Sibal, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, traced the SC’s evolution through landmark judgments, notably citing the Keshavananda Bharati verdict.

Justice Lisa Gill, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, underscored the court’s role as a beacon of hope, referencing transformative judgments like the Vishakha guidelines, which laid the groundwork for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). Special emphasis was laid on the SC’s role in safeguarding the rights of women, children, LGBTQIA individuals, workers and marginalised communities.