Confronting Modern Challenges in Constitutional Governance: NLU Prayagraj Seminar

On May 10, 2025, Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, convened a national seminar titled “Constitutional Governance: Contemporary Challenges,” bringing together preeminent scholars to examine the pressures on India’s constitutional democracy. The discussions highlighted critical issues such as institutional corruption, accountability deficits, disputed judicial appointment processes, and the philosophical foundations of power and freedom.

Opening Reflections on Institutional Integrity

In her opening address, Vice-Chancellor Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon thanked the speakers and attendees, underlining how corruption within governmental bodies weakens public confidence and the Rule of Law. She warned that power struggles between branches of government threaten the balance envisioned by the Constitution, potentially undermining its core principles.

Historical and Philosophical Perspectives

Delivering the keynote, Chief Guest Prof. V. C. Vivekanandan (Vice-Chancellor, HNLU Raipur) traced the evolution of the separation of powers from Montesquieu through Gramsci and Nishihara, even drawing on the Bhagavad Gita to illustrate the necessity of checks and balances. He described the Constitution as a unifying “religion” for India’s diverse populace and cautioned that contemporary politics risk eroding this sacred balance.

Judicial Appointments under Scrutiny

Joining virtually, Prof. Devinder Singh of Panjab University critiqued the existing collegium system and called for renewed debate over the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). He argued that transparency and accountability are essential, invoking the doctrine of basic structure to remind the audience that no institutional framework is beyond reassessment in the service of upholding constitutional integrity.

Four Dimensions of Constitutional Governance

Prof. Uday Shankar of RGSIPL, IIT Kharagpur, outlined four areas of concern: the vulnerability of fundamental rights without robust remediation mechanisms; market distortions fueled by corrupt practices; the underdeveloped concept of horizontal federalism; and gradual erosion of judicial probity. He emphasized that addressing corruption requires both legal reform and socio-economic strategies, urging more accountable governance structures.

Interactive Discourse on Technology, Codification, and Rights

During the Q&A, students explored how technology can broaden access to justice, the merits of codifying tort law, and the shifting landscape of rights in a digital age. Prof. Shankar advised caution in integrating technology into courts, advocating for innovations like e-filing and open court portals without sacrificing human judgment. Prof. Singh celebrated codification for legal clarity, particularly in torts, while Prof. Vivekanandan reminded participants that technology should serve, not supplant, constitutional values.

Concluding the seminar, Prof. Tandon observed that such rigorous exchanges not only inform students of urgent constitutional debates but also cultivate the critical awareness vital for responsible legal practice and active citizenship.