Manipal Law School Hosts Third International Annual Conference on Construction Law
Manipal Law School, Bengaluru, hosted the Third International Annual Conference on Construction Law, Constructing Legal Foundations 2026, on 6 June 2026. The conference brought together members of the judiciary, leading construction law practitioners, arbitrators, engineers, infrastructure professionals, academicians, and over 100 student delegates for a comprehensive examination of the evolving legal and commercial challenges confronting India’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
The event served as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on dispute prevention, construction contracting, arbitration, and infrastructure project delivery, reflecting the growing significance of effective legal frameworks in supporting India’s development agenda.
Distinguished Dignitaries Grace the Inaugural Session
The conference was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad, Judge, High Court of Karnataka, who attended as the Chief Guest. Prof. Ratan K. Singh, Senior Advocate, International Arbitrator, and International Member, Keating Chambers, London, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The inaugural session was also attended by Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P, Additional Registrar and Director Administration, MAHE Bengaluru, as Chief Patron; Dr. Sarasu Esther Thomas, Director, Manipal Law School, as Patron; and Prof. R. Venkataraghavan, Professor of Practice, Manipal Law School, who served as the Convenor of the conference.
Deliberations on Reforming Construction Contracting and Dispute Resolution
The conference programme featured Oxford-style debates, expert-led panel discussions, and a Senior Experts’ Reform Forum that examined practical reforms aimed at improving contract administration, dispute avoidance mechanisms, arbitration processes, and infrastructure project execution.
Participants engaged in discussions on emerging trends in construction law, challenges in project delivery, and the need for institutional and policy reforms to reduce disputes and enhance efficiency in the infrastructure sector. The deliberations highlighted the importance of proactive contract management and effective dispute resolution mechanisms in ensuring the timely and successful completion of construction projects.
Industry, Judiciary, and Academia in Conversation
A notable feature of the conference was the diversity of its participants, which included judges, senior advocates, arbitrators, engineers, industry leaders, academicians, and students from institutions across the country. The event fostered meaningful engagement between stakeholders who play a critical role in shaping India’s construction law ecosystem.
The discussions underscored the value of sustained collaboration between the legal profession, technical experts, policymakers, and educational institutions in addressing the complex challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure development.
Pre-Conference Networking and Professional Engagement
On 5 June 2026, delegates, speakers, industry leaders, and organisers gathered for a pre-conference networking dinner designed to facilitate professional interaction and knowledge exchange. Through informal discussions, interactive activities, and collaborative engagement, participants were provided an opportunity to build connections and exchange ideas ahead of the formal conference proceedings.
Advancing the Future of Construction Law in India
The conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the need for continued dialogue between the judiciary, industry, and academia to develop practical solutions to the challenges facing the construction sector. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, Constructing Legal Foundations 2026 contributed meaningfully to ongoing conversations on legal reform, dispute resolution, and the future of infrastructure project delivery in India.
