The Centre for Research in Public Law, Policy and Jurisprudence (CRPLPJ), Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai, in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Law and Policy, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, successfully organised a two-day International Conference titled “Constitutionalism to Transformative Constitutionalism: Rethinking the Constitutions Across Time and World” on 18th and 19th April 2026.
The conference commenced with an inaugural session marked by the presence of eminent dignitaries. Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Chaudhary, Hon’ble Registrar of MNLU Mumbai, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the deliberations. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Kokila Konasinghe, Head of the Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, who emphasised comparative perspectives on transformative constitutionalism, particularly in the context of India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of MNLU Mumbai, in his presidential address, provided a comprehensive overview of comparative constitutionalism, highlighting how constitutional frameworks across jurisdictions continue to evolve in response to changing socio-political realities.
The inaugural session was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Augustine George Masih, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as the Guest of Honour. His Lordship underscored constitutionalism as a vital check on arbitrary power and stressed the importance of fundamental duties alongside rights.
The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pankaj Mithal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, delivered an insightful address drawing parallels between the ancient concept of Dharma and the modern Constitution, observing that the Constitution serves as a contemporary embodiment of principles that uphold duty, rule of law, and the protection of people.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Pratapsinh Salunke, Officer on Special Duty to the Vice-Chancellor and Associate Dean (Academics), MNLU Mumbai. The conference was convened by Dr. Sampada Kangane, Director of the Centre for Research in Public Law, Policy and Jurisprudence (CRPLPJ), and Dr. Sayalee Surjuse, Assistant Professor at MNLU Mumbai and member of the Centre. The conference had Live Law as its official media partner.
The conference witnessed an overwhelming response, receiving a total of 228 abstracts. Out of these, approximately 172 presenters, including around 40 professionals, participated in the conference. Conducted in a hybrid mode, the event ensured wide accessibility and engagement, with participants joining both in-person and virtually from across the globe.
Participants represented a diverse range of prestigious institutions from India and abroad, including various National Law Universities, O.P. Jindal Global University (Jindal Global Law School), Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, the Indian Law Institute (New Delhi), South Asian University (New Delhi), Government Law College (Ernakulam), Assam University (Silchar), V.M. Salgaocar College of Law (Goa), and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak, among others. This institutional diversity contributed to a rich exchange of ideas and comparative perspectives.
The technical sessions were evaluated by distinguished experts and professionals from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, ensuring a high standard of academic discourse. The presentations covered a wide range of themes, including comparative constitutionalism, judicial review, environmental constitutionalism, and the role of courts in fostering transformative change.
The second day of the conference featured parallel technical sessions, where participants engaged in in-depth discussions and critical analysis of contemporary constitutional issues. These sessions provided a vibrant platform for emerging scholars and practitioners to present their research and receive valuable feedback from experts and peers.
The conference concluded with a valedictory session on 19 April 2026, marking the successful culmination of two days of rigorous academic engagement.
