The Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, successfully organised the Justice V.K. Dixit Memorial National Conference & Paper Presentation, 2026 on the theme “Reimagining Access to Justice: Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms & Pro Bono Legal Services”. The conference witnessed participation from members of the judiciary, senior advocates, academicians, legal practitioners, researchers, and law students from across the country.
About the Conference
On 02nd May, 2026, the Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, organised the Justice V.K. Dixit Memorial National Conference & Paper Presentation at the Vishwakarma Hall, University of Lucknow, Second Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The Conference brought together members of the judiciary, senior advocates, academicians, legal practitioners, researchers, and law students from across the country for deliberations on contemporary issues concerning access to justice, institutional legal aid mechanisms, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and the evolving culture of pro bono legal services.
The Conference was organised in memory of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Virendra Kumar Dixit, former Judge of the Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench, whose contributions to the legal system continue to remain a source of inspiration within the legal fraternity and his legacy reflected a broader commitment towards promoting justice-oriented legal discourse and encouraging socially responsive legal education.
The event witnessed active participation from students, research scholars, academicians, and legal professionals representing various institutions across India. Through keynote deliberations, distinguished addresses, and technical paper presentation sessions, the Conference aimed to contribute towards a deeper understanding of the role of ADR mechanisms and pro bono legal services in strengthening access to justice in contemporary society.
Inaugural Ceremony
The Conference commenced with the inaugural ceremony conducted in the presence of distinguished members of the judiciary, academia, and the legal profession, with the proceedings being moderated by Ms. Komal Singh and Ms. Priyanshi Yadav. The proceedings began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, floral tribute to Maa Saraswati, floral homage to Hon’ble Mr. Justice V.K. Dixit, and was followed by the rendition of the University of Lucknow’s Kulgeet.
The formal welcome address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) R.K. Verma, Head and Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, who welcomed the dignitaries, participants, academicians, researchers, and legal professionals assembled for the Conference. He emphasised the continuing importance of academic dialogue and institutional engagement in strengthening justice delivery systems and legal awareness within society.
The Conference theme was formally presented by Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar Yadav, Faculty In-charge, Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow. In his address, he highlighted the growing significance of accessible and community-oriented legal systems, the expanding role of ADR mechanisms in reducing procedural barriers, and the importance of institutionalising pro bono legal culture within the legal profession and ADR. He further reflected upon the responsibility of legal institutions and young legal professionals in advancing equitable access to justice.
The inaugural ceremony was further graced by the presence and address of Prof. (Dr.) Amar Pal Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow, who attended the Conference as the Guest of Honour. In his address, he spoke on the evolving dimensions of legal education, the transformative potential of ADR frameworks, and the importance of socially responsive legal institutions in contemporary India.
The Chief Guest for the inaugural session, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subhash Vidyarthi, Judge, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench, delivered the ceremonial address wherein His Lordship reflected upon the constitutional importance of access to justice and the growing need for effective dispute resolution systems capable of addressing the practical realities faced by litigants. His Lordship also underscored the significance of legal aid, ethical legal practice, and institutional responsibility in ensuring that justice remains accessible, efficient, and meaningful for all sections of society.
The inaugural session also witnessed the official release of the Conference Souvenir by the dignitaries on the dais. The publication compiled selected academic abstracts and reflected the diverse scholarly engagement undertaken by participants. The session concluded with the presentation of mementos and green tokens of appreciation to the dignitaries as a mark of gratitude and respect.
Keynote & Distinguished Addresses
The session was moderated by Mr. Saurabh Singh, Advocate, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench, who thoughtfully connected the Conference theme with the historical evolution of justice systems and dispute resolution traditions in India while introducing the keynote and distinguished speakers.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr. Anoop Trivedi, Senior Advocate, Additional Advocate General, State of Uttar Pradesh. In his address, he reflected upon the practical realities of justice delivery and the increasing necessity of strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms as effective instruments for reducing procedural delays and improving accessibility within the legal system. He emphasised that access to justice must extend beyond formal courtroom adjudication and should encompass efficient, affordable, and citizen-centric dispute resolution frameworks. His address further highlighted the role of legal professionals in advancing ethical advocacy, institutional accountability, and socially responsive legal practice.
The Conference was also scheduled to feature a Distinguished Address by Mr. Pritish Kumar, Senior Advocate, Additional Advocate General, State of Uttar Pradesh. However, owing to unavoidable professional exigencies requiring his urgent departure, the address was represented on his behalf by Mr. Desh Deepak Singh, Advocate, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench. In his remarks, he deliberated upon the evolving role of ADR mechanisms within the justice system and discussed the growing importance of mediation, arbitration, and conciliatory practices in addressing the burden upon conventional courts. He further emphasised the need for greater institutional support towards pro bono legal engagement and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between legal institutions, practitioners, and young members of the legal fraternity in strengthening access to justice.
The session further featured a Distinguished Address by Dr. Taru Saxsena, Senior Partner, Max Law Firm and Managing Director, St. Anjani’s Public School, Lucknow. In her address, she highlighted the importance of legal education in nurturing socially conscious legal professionals and stressed upon the need for greater community engagement, legal awareness initiatives, and youth participation in justice-oriented institutional activities. She also reflected upon the role of academic institutions in cultivating values of service, responsibility, and public-oriented legal engagement among students.
Technical Paper Presentation Sessions
The paper presentation segment was conducted through three parallel technical sessions chaired by distinguished academicians and legal practitioners. Technical Session—I was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Varun Chachar, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, and Mr. Desh Deepak Singh, Advocate, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench. The session primarily focused upon “Pro Bono Engagement within ADR Mechanisms” and featured discussions surrounding mediation, arbitration, conciliatory practices, and the institutionalisation of pro bono participation within dispute resolution systems.
Technical Session—II was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Rajeev Singh Rathi, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, and Mr. Saurabh Singh, Advocate, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench. The session deliberated upon themes including “Impact and Institutional Framework of Pro Bono and Legal Aid” and “Technology, Digital Platforms, and Access to Justice”. The presentations examined evolving challenges within legal aid systems, the role of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), AI-enabled legal assistance mechanisms, and the broader implications of technology within contemporary justice delivery frameworks.
Technical Session—III was chaired by Dr. Shashank Shekhar, Associate Professor, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow, and Ms. Anamya Sharma, Advocate, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench. The session witnessed discussions on “Engagement of Legal Institutions in Advancing Pro Bono Culture”, “Community-Centric and Grassroots Justice Mechanisms”, and “Pro Bono Lawyering and Social Justice”. Participants engaged with issues concerning legal literacy, access to justice for marginalised communities, grassroots mediation systems, and the role of legal institutions in fostering socially responsive legal practice.
Each presentation was followed by interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions, during which participants responded to critical observations concerning the conceptual, practical, and policy dimensions of their research work. The sessions concluded with concluding observations by the respective session chairs.
Valedictory & Award Ceremony
The session commenced with ceremonial opening remarks, followed by reflections on the Conference proceedings presented by Parth Yaduvanshi, Pro Bono Associate.
The formal welcome address during the valedictory session was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar Yadav, Faculty In-charge, Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, who expressed gratitude towards the dignitaries, session chairs, academicians, legal practitioners, participants, and organising members for their contribution towards the successful conduct of the Conference. He further reflected upon the importance of sustaining academic discourse and institutional commitment towards socially responsive legal systems.
The valedictory session was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Alok Mathur, Judge, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench, who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. In His Lordship’s ceremonial address, emphasis was laid upon the constitutional significance of access to justice and the importance of encouraging ethical legal practice, institutional responsibility, and community-oriented legal engagement. His Lordship also appreciated the efforts undertaken by the organisers in creating a meaningful platform for academic deliberation and youth participation on contemporary justice-related issues.
The session also witnessed the presentation of a Conference reflection video highlighting important moments and proceedings from the Conference. Thereafter, the Annual Report of the Pro Bono Club for the Session 2025—2026 prepared by the Saksham Siddharth, Pro Bono Associate, was formally released by the dignitaries on the dais.
Following the formal release of the Annual Report, Mr. Bhavesh Kumar briefly addressed the gathering and highlighted the various activities, initiatives, legal awareness programmes, academic events, and institutional engagements undertaken by the Pro Bono Club throughout the academic session.
The session further witnessed the presentation of a short documentary on “Gig Workers, Workers & Labours Right, Invisible Labours” prepared by the Pro Bono Associates of the Pro Bono Club.
Importantly, the ceremony witnessed the formal declaration of results and conferment of awards upon participants for outstanding research papers and presentations presented during the technical sessions.
The Best Paper Award was conferred upon Ms. Vidhushi Chitravansi and Mr. Ujjawal Singh of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Delhi, while the Runner-Up Paper Award was awarded to Ms. Shriya Ojha of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.
The Best Presentation Award was conferred upon Dr. Anupriya Yadav, Assistant Professor, Amity Law School, Lucknow, while the Runner-Up Presentation Award was awarded to Mr. Saurabh Chandra Singh of the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow.
The Conference also witnessed the conferment of the Best Pro Bono Associate Award upon Mr. Aditya Raj Soni and Mr. Bhavesh Kumar in recognition of their exceptional contribution, commitment, and dedicated efforts towards the activities and initiatives of the Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow.
The valedictory vote of gratitude was delivered by Mr. Aditya Raj Soni, Student Coordinator, Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, who expressed sincere appreciation towards the dignitaries including Mrs. Indu Dixit w/o HMJ V.K. Dixit, faculty members, partners and supporters of the Conference, members of the Bar, participants, organising members, and all individuals whose collective efforts contributed towards the successful conduct of the Conference. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his mother acknowledging the constant encouragement throughout the journey of organising the Conference.
The proceedings formally concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, followed by high tea and informal interaction amongst the dignitaries, participants, and attendees, marking the successful conclusion of the Justice V.K. Dixit Memorial National Conference & Paper Presentation, 2026.