Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla organized the 4th HPNLU Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Annual Law Lecture on the theme “The Preamble and the Basic Structure Doctrine: Judicial Interpretation and Constitutional Progression.” The lecture was delivered by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Khanna, former Chief Justice of India and Distinguished Professor, HPNLU, Shimla. The event was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Chief Justice, High Court of Himachal Pradesh, and Chancellor, HPNLU, Shimla, along with Hon’ble Judges of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Justice Sandeep Sharma, Justice Ranjan Sharma, Justice Bipin Chander Negi, Justice Rakesh Kainthla, Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, and Justice Romesh Verma. The event was also attended by distinguished guests including the Registrars of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Secretary (Law) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, Director and Deputy Director of the Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy, Shri Lovneesh Kanwar, Chairman, Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Harminder Singh Chandel, President, HP High Court Bar Association, Prof. Rajinder Verma, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, Prof. Sanjay Sindhu, and Prof. Umesh Kumar, Professors of Law, Himachal Pradesh University, Shri Peeyush Verma, Former President, HP High Court Bar Association, among other eminent dignitaries. The occasion also marked the inauguration of the Digitized Library at HPNLU by Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Khanna. The event was organized under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU, Shimla.
In his address, Justice Sanjeev Khanna reflected on the central importance of the Preamble and the Basic Structure Doctrine in India’s constitutional framework. He emphasized that the Preamble’s opening words “We, the People of India” and stated that it establishes the collective will of the people as the foundation of the Constitution. He proposed that a comprehensive subject on the Basic Structure Doctrine should be introduced in legal education to deepen constitutional understanding. Drawing comparative insights from various jurisdictions, he underlined that the Indian Constitution is inherently socialistic and people-oriented. Justice Khanna also paid homage to Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, whose judicial philosophy and humane approach profoundly shaped India’s constitutional and social landscape.
Delivering the Presidential Address, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia revisited the jurisprudence of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, particularly his progressive interpretations under Article 21 of the Constitution, which expanded the scope of fundamental rights and human dignity. He also highlighted Justice Iyer’s landmark contributions to bail jurisprudence, prison reforms, and the protection of the marginalized and downtrodden sections of society.
Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU, Shimla, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and emphasized the significance of the Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Lecture Series in nurturing constitutional scholarship and judicial dialogue. Dr. Santosh Kumar Sharma, Dean (Academics), HPNLU, proposed the vote of thanks.
Justice Sanjeev Khanna also inaugurated the newly Digitized Library of HPNLU, Shimla, marking a significant step towards modernization and digital transformation of academic resources at the University. The Digitized Library has been equipped with a Hybrid RFID System, designed to streamline and automate library operations, ensuring efficient management of resources and improved access for students and faculty. The system facilitates faster check-in and check-out of books and enhances the overall user experience through automation. In addition, the library now features a Patron Traffic Counter (PTC) System that enables computerized gate entry and exit, thereby optimizing time management for users and staff while ensuring a secure and organized environment.
Justice Sanjeev Khanna, also addressed, in a separate lecture, undergraduate students of HPNLU on “Emerging Significance of ADR with Special Reference to Mediation.” He discussed the growing importance of mediation, the 40-hour mediator training capsules developed by NALSA, and distinctions between institutional and ad hoc arbitration. He observed that mediation will become an increasingly preferred mode of dispute resolution in the future. He is scheduled to deliver another lecture on “Law Relating to Vicarious Liability” on October 28, 2025.
The visit and lectures by Justice Sanjeev Khanna, along with the inauguration of the Digitized Library and the successful conduct of the 4th Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Annual Law Lecture, marks a significant milestone in the academic and institutional journey of HPNLU, Shimla. These events reflect the University’s steadfast commitment to fostering scholarly excellence, advancing legal education, and strengthening engagement between the judiciary and academia.
Description of Photos:
Photo 1 Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Khanna, Former CJI and Distinguished Professor, HPNLU, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Chief Justice, HP High Court, Prof Priti Saxena, VC, HPNLU, at IV J.V.R. Krishna Iyer Lecture at HPNLU
Photo 2 Hon’ble Judges of the H.P. High Court and other dignitaries attending the IV J. V.R. Krishna Iyer Annual Law Lecture organized by HPNLU, Shimla
Photo 3 Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Khanna, Former CJI and Distinguished Professor, HPNLU, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Chief Justice, HP High Court, Prof Priti Saxena, VC, HPNLU, Hon’ble High Judges and Dignitaries
Photo 4 Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Khanna inaugurating the Patron Traffic Counter (PTC) System at Library, HPNLU, Shimla
Photo 5 Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Khanna addressing the Under Graduate Students in a lecture on Emerging Significance of ADR with Special Reference to Mediation
Photo 6 Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Khanna with the Under Graduate Students of HPNLU, Shimla