After successfully conducting 3 editions of the Justice HR Khanna Memorial National Symposium, the Confederation of Alumni for National Law Universities Foundation (CAN Foundation), is proud to unveil the forthcoming event, the ‘4th Justice HR Khanna Memorial National Symposium’, in collaboration with the NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad and Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur. This symposium stands to commemorate the distinguished figure, Late Justice HR Khanna, a monumental persona in the Indian judiciary. The symposium which will be conducted virtually on 6th July 2024.
ABOUT JUSTICE HR KHANNA
Late Justice HR Khanna was a legal luminary who left an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary. Born on October 28, 1912, in Amritsar, Punjab, he embarked on a remarkable journey that would shape the course of India’s legal landscape.
Justice Khanna’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the Fundamental Rights of citizens remains an inspiration to generations of legal professionals. His illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping constitutional jurisprudence.
Throughout his tenure as a Supreme Court Judge from 1971 to 1977, Justice Khanna delivered a series of landmark judgments that left an indelible imprint on the fabric of Indian democracy. His fearless pursuit of justice and his dedication to preserving the sanctity of the Constitution stand as a testament to his unwavering principles.
Beyond his contributions to the legal field, Justice Khanna embodied integrity, intellectual rigour, and an unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy and human rights. His towering presence and resolute convictions made him a beacon of hope during a time of political turmoil in India. Justice HR Khanna’s remarkable legacy continues to inspire the legal fraternity to strive for justice, fairness, and the protection of fundamental rights. His life and work serve as a constant reminder of the importance of an independent judiciary and the role it plays in upholding the democratic fabric of the nation.
THE SYMPOSIUM
The 4th Justice HR Khanna Memorial National Symposium will be graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Hon’ble Mr. Justice P. V. Sanjay Kumar (Judge, Supreme Court of India), as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.V. Viswanathan (Judge, Supreme Court of India), as the Presiding Guest, and Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Sunita Agarwal (Chief Justice, High Court of Gujarat) as the Special Guest.
The Pre-Lunch Session will be held between 10:30 AM and 1:15 PM and the Post-Lunch Session will be held between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM. The first session, titled “Contours Of The Basic Structure Of Our Constitution”, will explore the intricacies of how the Constitution’s fundamental framework has been discovered and reinvented from time to time through judicial verdicts, reflecting core values and intent, thus maintaining its integrity and purpose over time.
The Second Session, “Perspectives of Legal Dimension of Climate Change in the 21st Century”, which encompasses the legal aspects of climate change, including laws and regulations, international treaties, human rights issues, corporate duties, and environmental justice as a guiding policy for a sustainable and fair world.
Further details about the symposium, which shall be live telecast on YouTube Channel of the Foundation, details can be found on the official website of the CAN Foundation.
BACKGROUND:
The First Justice H.R. Khanna Memorial National Symposium was organised in collaboration with National Law University, Jodhpur & Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar. The Foundation was privileged to have witnessed various legal luminaries at the Symposium, including Hon’ble Mr. Justice U.U. Lalit (Former Chief Justice of India) as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Ramasubramanian (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India) as the Presiding Guest, and Hon’ble Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar (Former Chief Justice, Orissa High Court) as the Guest of Honour.
The Second Justice H.R. Khanna Memorial National Symposium was organised in collaboration with National Law University, Odisha & Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow. The Symposium was graced by eminent dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath (Judge, Supreme Court of India) as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice J.B. Pardiwala (Judge, Supreme Court of India) as the Presiding Guest.
The Third Justice H.R. Khanna Memorial National Symposium was organised in collaboration with Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, and National Law Institute University, Bhopal. The Foundation was privileged to have witnessed various legal luminaries at the Symposium, including Hon’ble Mr. Justice M.M. Sundresh (Judge, Supreme Court of India) as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dipankar Dutta (Judge, Supreme Court of India) as the Presiding Guest and Hon’ble Ms. Justice Gita Mittal (Former Chief Justice, J&K High Court and Judge, Delhi High Court)
Speaking about the 4th edition of the upcoming symposium, Adv. Siddharth R. Gupta, CEO, CAN Foundation, expressed his deepest reverence for Late Justice H.R. Khanna and the significance of commemorating his contributions to the field of law. He stated:
“Late Justice H.R. Khanna, epitomised the fight against injustice during the National Emergency, safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the Indian people. His courageous dissent in the ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla case underscored his unwavering commitment to constitutional principles. Known for his simplicity and warmth, he inspired generations with his judicial philosophy and advocacy for positive change. Justice Khanna preserved and enriched the Constitution, embodying the aspirations of the founding fathers and ensuring it remains a living document. This symposium honors his monumental contributions and steadfast dedication to justice.”
The 4th Justice HR Khanna Memorial National Symposium promises to be a platform for legal professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts to engage in insightful discussions, exchange ideas, and commemorate the indelible mark left by Justice HR Khanna on the Indian judiciary.
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