International Panel Discussion titled Living Constitutions: Adapting to and Transforming Society in a Dynamic World

FROM 15 Aug 2024 TO 15 Aug 2024

Venue : Online MS Teams @ 6:00 PM

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of India, 15th August 2024, an International Panel Discussion titled "Living Constitutions: Adapting to and Transforming Society in a Dynamic World" was jointly organized by Manipal University Jaipur and CHRIST University Lavasa, Pune. The event, held online from 6 PM to 7:30 PM (IST), brought together distinguished professors and legal experts from across the globe to engage in a profound dialogue on the evolution of constitutional frameworks in response to contemporary societal challenges.

The discussion was inaugurated with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Bharti Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Law. Prof. Bharti Kumar highlighted the significance of the topic, particularly in the context of ongoing global transformations. She emphasized that constitutions, as living documents, must continuously evolve to reflect the changing values, norms, and needs of society.

Following the welcome address, Dr. Sonu Agarwal, Head of the Department of Law, provided the opening remarks. Dr. Agarwal underscored the importance of constitutional adaptability in addressing emerging challenges such as digital transformation, environmental issues, and human rights. She expressed her gratitude to the esteemed panelists for their participation and contributions.

The panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Akshaya Kishor, Assistant Professor, featured the following distinguished speakers:

Prof. Edna Raquel Hogemann (Brazil): Prof. Hogemann provided a comparative analysis of constitutional developments in Brazil and other Latin American countries. She focused on the incorporation of environmental rights into constitutional frameworks and the legal mechanisms employed to enforce these rights. Her presentation emphasized the need for constitutions to address ecological challenges to ensure sustainable development.

Prof. Oswaldo Pereira de Lima Junior (Brazil): Prof. Pereira de Lima Junior discussed the evolution of constitutional law in the context of global governance. He examined the role of supranational institutions in shaping national constitutions and the implications for sovereignty and democratic governance. His insights highlighted the delicate balance between global cooperation and national autonomy.

Mr. Sankalp Tyagi (India): Mr. Tyagi explored the digital transformation of society and its impact on constitutional law. He addressed the challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly in the areas of data privacy and cybersecurity. Mr. Tyagi argued for the need to update constitutional protections to safeguard individual rights in the digital age.

Prof. Giuseppe Di Genio (Italy): Prof. Di Genio offered a European perspective on constitutional changes, focusing on the integration of human rights into national constitutions. He analyzed recent constitutional amendments in European countries aimed at enhancing protections for vulnerable groups, including women and minorities. His presentation underscored the importance of constitutional guarantees for social justice and equality.