UILS NEWSLETTER

University Institute of Legal Studies

Panjab University, Chandigarh
March-April, 2024

Editor Sub-Editor
Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi Dr. Sital Sharma
Director, UILS, PU Student Editor
Ms. Suyma
JUSTICE IN ACTION: NATIONAL LAW FEST, ARGUENDO 2024, CULMINATES IN SUCCESS
(14th-16th March, 2024)

In a reverberating celebration of legal acumen and advocacy, the University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University,
Chandigarh, hosted the 7th National Law Fest Arguendo, with success. The annual fest, a keystone event in the legal academic
calendar of UILS, culminated in a grand valedictory ceremony with the worthy presence of Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Judge,
Supreme Court of India; Hon'ble Mr. Justice A.G. Masih, Judge, Supreme Court of India; and Hon'ble Mr. Justice G.S. Sandhawalia,
Acting Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court along with the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Prof. Renu Vig. The
event brought together a myriad of students, legal practitioners, and scholars from various law institutes to engage in spirited
competitions and showcased a diverse range of activities designed to hone the legal acumen and intellectual prowess of the participants.
Esteemed professionals from the legal fraternity graced the fest, offering their insights, sharing experiences, and guiding the next
generation of legal minds through masterclasses and interactive sessions.
Highlights of the fest included the fiercely contested Shri G.K. Chatrath Memorial National Moot Court Competition, 2024, the final
rounds of which were judged by Hon'ble Justice Deepak Sibal, Hon'ble Justice Harpreet Singh Brar; and Mr. Gurminder Singh,
Advocate General, Punjab. Department of Laws, Panjab University bagged the best team prize.
The 4th Justice A.S. Anand National Mediation and Negotiation Competition, another crowd-puller, provided a platform for budding
legal negotiators to showcase their skills in resolving disputes amicably. Final Rounds of the competition were judged by Hon’ble
Justice Anupinder Grewal, Judge Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mr. Atul Lakhanpal, Sr. Advocate, and Mr. Akshay Bhan, Sr.
Advocate. The Best Negotiating Team trophy was bagged by the students of Army Institute of Law, Mohali and the best Mediator
trophy was scored by NLU, Jodhpur. The winning teams were awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 1.5 lakhs.
Embracing the thrill of knowledge, another highlight of the fest was the highly anticipated National Quiz Competition, ‘Civil Savvy 1.0’,
drawing inspiration from the thematic backdrop of civil services and UPSC. The competition served as a melting pot for some of the
brightest minds across the country to converge and showcase their expertise. The final round of the event was judged by Ms. Urvashi
Gulati, Former Chief Secretary of Haryana and Mr. Shivdular S. Dhillon, IAS (Retd.). The first position was bagged by the team of
Ashanpreet Kaur and Sukhmani Kaur, from MCM DAV College, Chandigarh, as team of Suraj Sharma and Rohit Sinha from
Vardhaman Mahavir Open University, Kota, Rajasthan and the team of Anushka Rana and Pushpam from Army Institute of Law,
Mohali, clinched the second and third positions, respectively.
Beyond competitions, the Law Fest served as a fertile ground for networking and camaraderie among students and professionals from
various legal backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. The exchange of ideas and experiences enriched all
attendees, contributing to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of law and justice. The event was successfully conducted
under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS; Anu Chatrath, Sr. Advocate; and Munisha Gandhi, Sr. Advocate along
with the faculty coordinators, Prof. Pushpinder Kaur, Prof. Jai Mala, Prof. Sabina; Prof. Virender Negi, Dr. Sulbha, and student
coordinators, Ratik Chatrath Kapur (President, MCS), Yuvraj Dhananjaya (Convenor ADR-CCL Board), and Gurpreet Rana
(President SFQ) along with a team of Anupam Kakkar, and Agastya Shukla, Garv Sood, Krittika Walia, Kanika Singh, Muskaan
Verma, Eshita Pillania.
The successful organization of the National Law Fest has once again underscored the department’s commitment to excellence in legal
education and its role in nurturing future leaders of the legal profession. As the curtains fall on this year's fest, UILS look forward
with anticipation to the next, confident in the lasting impact this event has had on all participants.

EXPLORING LEGAL FRONTIERS: A STUDY VISIT TO INDIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LEGAL

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (IIULER), GOA
(7th-12th March, 2024)
In a week-long academic voyage, eight students from the University
Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University,Chandigarh embarked
on a study visit to India International University of Legal Education and
Research (IIULER), Goa, a venture that proved to be both informative and
augmenting. The visit was meticulously planned by Prof. Shruti Bedi, Director,
UILS and Prof. Venkata Rao, Vice Chancellor, IIULER, Goa.
Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Ranga accompanied the students for the study tour.
Throughout the week, students were immersed in a series of interactive
lectures and workshops, led by some of the leading luminaries in the legal field
These sessions not only deepened their understanding of complex legal concepts but also honed their analytical and critical thinking
skills and abridged the theoretical knowledge with practical insights into the evolving realms of law of arbitration and intersection of
legal principles and technological advancements, addressing emerging issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and cyber offenses
civil and criminal. The visit facilitated a cultural exchange and networking opportunities with peers and professionals, enriching the
students' academic journey and broadening their perspectives on global legal practices.
LECTURE AND INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH PROF. (DR.) DILIP UIKEY
(5th March, 2024)
In a splendid display of academic prowess and scholarly discourse, the Centre for
Constitution and Public Policy at the University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab
University, Chandigarh, proudly hosted (5th March, 2024) a distinguished lecture on the
dynamic theme of Amendability of the Indian Constitution. Gracing the podium with
his erudition and expertise, esteemed Prof. Dr. Dilip Uikey, Vice Chancellor, MNLU
Mumbai, captivated the audience with his insightful elucidation on the intricacies
surrounding the amendability of the Fundamental law of the land. Prof. Uikey's profound
discourse delved deep into the prospective overruling and comparative constitutional law,
offering a panoramic view of the subject matter. The session, presided over by Prof. (Dr.)
Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS, and Prof. (Dr.) Rattan Singh, Professor of Law, UILS,
radiated an aura of scholarly excellence. Adding a touch of finesse to the proceedings, Ms.
Tania Singh, Assistant Professor, UILS, assumed the role of a poised moderator, ensuring the seamless flow of ideas and fostering an
environment conducive to intellectual exchange. Accompanying her in this endeavour was the diligent student coordinator, Mr.
Agastya Shukla, whose unwavering work contributed to the success of the event.
VERSE UNVEILED: UILS STUDENT’S POETRY COLLECTION PUBLISHED BY CHANDIGARH SAHITYA
AKADEMI

The Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi has published a book of poetry titled "The Death of the Black Iris", authored
by Jigyasa Kharbanda, a student of B.Com. L.L.B., tenth semester. It is a collection of poems on various themes
like social issues, human experiences, and resilience. Jigyasa has been an active member of the literary sphere of
the tricity for more than the past 10 years and is also a recipient of the ‘Freedom Fighters Association Young
Writer Award 2014'.
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON CONSTITUTIONALISM
AND RULE OF LAW
(29th-30th March, 2024)
The University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University,
in collaboration with Mississippi College School of Law, USA,
hosted a two-day International Seminar on the theme
‘Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Constitutionalism and Rule of Law’
on March 29th and 30th 2024. As the principal guest, the distinguished
assembly was honoured with the presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anoop
Chitkara, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court. Being a prominent
figure in the judicial domain and a beacon of legal sagacity, he imbued
the event with an ethereal quality that motivated attendees with his
priceless perspectives. Dr. Gautam Bhatia, a distinguished scholar and
advocate at the Supreme Court of India, engrossed the attendees with
his scholarly Keynote Address speaking on the profound ramifications
of AI based on the foundation of constitutional principles and the rule
of law. Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS and the convener
of the seminar welcomed the guests with a comprehensive analysis
of the complex relationship between technological advancements and legal paradigms while the closing address was delivered by the
coordinator of the seminar, Prof. (Dr.) Rattan Singh. The seminar received extensive participation with more than 200 paper
presentations, including two special online technical sessions hosted for delegates from foreign universities on March 30, 2024. The
Online Special Technical Session I was chaired by Prof. Shruti Bedi and the panellists were Prof. Alina Boyte; Prof. Hillary Escajeda;
Prof. Jonathan Will; and Dr. Supreet Gill. The Online Special Technical Session II was chaired by Major Navdeep Singh and the
panellists were Prof. Frank Rosenblatt; Mr. Ira Rushing; Prof. Mark Modak; and Dr. Sital Sharma. Instrumental to the success of the
seminar were tireless efforts of the organizing team with Prof. (Dr.) Jai Mala spearheaded the team as the coordinator and assisted by
the faculty comprising Dr. Supreet Gill, Dr. Nidhi Sharma, Ms. Pallavi Bhardwaj, Ms. Tania Singh and student coordinators Yajur
Mago, Rajat Verma, Samiksha Singh, Prerna Panwar, Swastik Singh, Awal Joson, Simranpreet Kaur and Arjun Sagar.

LEGAL AID CAMPAIGN

(11th March, 2024)
In a proactive move towards promoting awareness about schemes
for women and children, and addressing various legal concerns,
the Legal Aid Society of University Institute of Legal Studies,
Panjab University conducted a visit to the Anganwadi in the
Khuda Lohra village on 11th March, 2024. The initiative was
conducted under the able guidance of Patron-in-Chief
Prof. (Dr.) Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, and
Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS and received strong
support from the teacher coordinators Prof. (Dr.) Amita Verma,
Dr. Karan Jawanda, Dr. Gurjinder and Dr. Jatinder Mann.
During the visit, a significant number of villagers engaged with the
Legal Aid Society team, reflecting a growing interest in accessing
legal assistance and understanding available government schemes.
According to the report provided by the Legal Aid Society, a total of 45 individuals from Khuda Lohra village sought
guidance and assistance regarding legal matters and government schemes aimed at the welfare of women and children
especially matters concerning access to pension for widow and documentation needed to avail benefits for children whose
families are below the poverty line as provided by the Central Government. People also raised concerns before the Legal
Volunteers that they did not have proper documentation required for availing of benefits, thus Legal Aid Society, UILS,
have initiated the process of organizing a camp where the required documents can be timely made so that they are able to
avail the benefits. All the 42 Legal Volunteers of the Legal Aid Society actively participated in the Awareness Campaign,
guided by President of Legal Aid Society Hiten Chugh, Convenor Jaskaran Singh and Student Coordinators Vineet,
Divyanshi and Tanishq. As the society remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the principles of justice and equality, the
visit to Khuda Lohra village stands as a testament to the transformative potential of legal aid in enhancing the lives of
individuals and communities alike.
ONLINE INTERACTIVE SESSION
(12th March, 2024)
As a corollary to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Panjab University, Chandigarh and Nottingham Trent
University (NTU), U.K. wherein the students of UILS will be offered a scholarship of £3000 for the LL.M. program at the
Nottingham Law School, Nottingham University, U.K., UILS organised a special Online Interactive Session by Prof. Martin
Szarkiszjan who appraised the students about the details about LL.M. at NTU. Also, in attendance were Prof. Vidhi Sahae, Senior
Global Partnerships Manager and Prof. Chris Crabot, Associate Director, NTU Global. Prof. Shruti Bedi applauded the
scholarship offered by NTU and expressed hope that the students of UILS would greatly benefit from the same. The session, which
was coordinated by Dr. Supreet Gill and Ms. Bhavya Garg, lasted over an hour with several students getting their queries addressed
by the esteemed panelists.
INTERACTIVE SESSION ON LEGAL PROFESSION IN CANADA
(8th April, 2024)
The Career Development Cell at UILS on April 8th, 2024 organized a special
interactive session featuring distinguished speakers, Mr. Ravi Pal Bains, Partner,
McMillan LLP, Canada and Ms. Manbani, Barrister and Solicitor, Ontario &
Alberta, Canada, who shared valuable insights into various career prospects
within the Canadian legal field. Their comprehensive discussion highlighted the
diverse opportunities available, including cross-border legal practice between
Canada and the USA. The interactive session allowed students to engage directly
with the speakers, enhancing the learning experience and fostering connections;
attendees gained practical advice on pursuing international legal careers, making the event a resounding success. This initiative
exemplifies the Cell's dedication to providing students with invaluable opportunities for career exploration and professional
development. The session was successfully conducted under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS, faculty
coordinator; Dr. Jai Mala, Mr. Rushil and Dr. Amita Arora with the assistance of student coordinator; Nandni and Pawni Gera.

INTERACTIVE ONLINE SESSION WITH ASHPICA AHUJA, FOUNDER OF ED CONSULT

(7th April, 2024)
The Career Development Cell, UILS organized a special interactive online session with Ashpica Ahuja, Founder of Ed Consult, on
‘Navigating Legal Specializations: Exploring Career Pathways’. The session highlighted diverse career options available to law
students beyond the traditional path of legal practice. The session provided an insight on how a skill and knowledge gained through
a law degree can be applied in various industries and professions, providing students with a broader perspective on their career
opportunities. Furthermore, the session reflected upon the benefits of pursuing a master’s degree in law, such as deepening expertise
in a specific area of law, gaining specialized skills and knowledge, and enhancing career prospects in both legal and non-legal fields.
The session was successfully conducted under the guidance of faculty coordinator; Dr. Jai Mala, Mr. Rushil and Dr. Amita Arora
with the assistance of student coordinator; Nandni and Pawni Gera.
INTERACTIVE SESSION ON HOW TO GET A-WAY WITH PLEADINGS
(4th April, 2024)
The Career Development Cell, UILS, recently organized an extremely interesting and vibrant live interactive
session on April 4th 2024 titled How to get A-way With Pleadings, delivered by Advocate Sachit Khurana.
The interactive session provided students with practical insights into drafting pleadings, offering a
valuable addition to the curriculum. Advocate Khurana emphasized key points and illustrated
them through practical examples enriching participants' understanding of effective pleading formation.
The session was successfully conducted under the guidance of faculty coordinator;
Dr. Jai Mala, Mr. Rushil and Dr. Amita Arora with the assistance of student coordinator; Nandni and
Pawni Gera.

ANNUAL PRIZE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY

(12th April, 2024)

The University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, successfully hosted its Annual Prize Distribution
Ceremony on 12th April, 2024, at the Moot Court Hall. The event was a vibrant celebration of academic excellence and
extracurricular achievements, highlighting the dedication and success of our students throughout the year. Awards were bestowed
upon deserving students in categories ranging from academic prowess to leadership and community service. The ceremony not only
honored their achievements but also set a motivational benchmark for the coming year. The event was organised under the guidance
of Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS, and Dr. Sabina Salim and executed by student coordinators Simran Paul, Aditya Diwan,
Khushi Rana and Deepanshi Kalra.
 DIVA DYNAMICS: CELEBRATING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
(26th February-6th March, 2024)

The Centre for Women Development (CWD) at the University Institute of Legal
Studies (UILS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, proudly organized Diva
Dynamics: The Women’s Week, on International Women’s Day. It included a
slew of events like Self Defence Workshop, Treasure Hunt, Open Mic
Competition and Special Lecture by Dr. Jyoti Yadav, IPS, Superintendent of
Police, SAS Nagar on ‘Women’s Rights: Inspiring Inclusion’. The CWD, in
collaboration with NSS, Panjab University and the Women and Child Support
Unit of Chandigarh Police, organized a Self Defence Workshop "SWAYAM".
Held from 26th February to 1st March, 2024, at the UILS Lawn, the workshop
saw enthusiastic participation under the guidance of expert instructors. Yet
another event organized was the Treasure Hunt, on 5th March, 2024. Throughout
the event, participants exhibited remarkable enthusiasm. All winners were
awarded medals and certificates. The first position was secured by a team
comprising Gurkanwal, Nandini, Khushi, Arpita. Followed by team of Harsh
Dhaka, Ganga Ram, Aryan Bajaj, Parakram Dhaka, Yudhishthir Goyat. The
second position was secured by a team comprising Krishi Mittal, Gurjot Kaur,
Harshwardhan and Ashish secured the third position. This event was followed by
the Open Mic Competition with the theme “Voice of Women”. The event
showcased a spectrum of talent, passion, and empowerment. After a riveting
display of creativity and conviction, the esteemed panel of judges declared Rupesh
as the winner, with Awaljot as the first runner up, and Samridhi as the second
runner up. The highlight was the Special and Interactive Lecture on the theme
“Women’s Rights: Inspiring Inclusion”, delivered by Dr. Jyoti
Yadav, IPS, Superintendent of Police, SAS Nagar, on March 6th, 2024. To
commemorate the International Women's Day celebrations, Dr. Yadav engaged
with the students on various aspects of the theme and motivated the girls to stand
for their rights. Dr. Yadav and Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS, PU also
released the 1st edition of the UILS Newsletter during the event. The event
successfully culminated under the esteemed guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi,
Director, UILS, PU, Dr. Parveen Goyal, NSS Coordinator, PU, Chandigarh, and
the dedicated coordination of faculty Coordinators of CWD, Dr. Anupam Bahri,
Dr. Sulbha Setia, Ms.Nehmat, Ms. Tania and Ms. Manisha . Judges for open mic
were Dr. Gurpreet Kaur and Ms. Avneet Minhas. Student coordinators, Kashish
Garg (President), Garima Kamboj (Convenor), Parth Prashar (Co-Convenor) and
Event coordinators Dev, Ruhani, Dibanshu, Sania Garg, Amanpreet Kaur,
Harleen Chaudhary and Anjali Navraj, played pivotal roles in managing the
event.
LECTURE AND INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH MR. PREETINDER SINGH AHLUWALIA, ADVOCATE,
PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT
(21st March, 2024)
UILS, Panjab University, orchestrated a revitalising special lecture and interactive session with the renowned advocate
and criminal law expert, Adv. Preetinder Singh Ahluwalia on March 21, 2024, who enlightened the students with his
learnedness on the profound theme, Challenges in Criminal Litigation and the Changing Contours of Criminal Law. The
event commenced with a thoughtful opening address by Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi Director, UILS, setting the stage for a
discourse that promised to delve into the depths of criminal law and divergent aspects of the criminal legal system. Mr.
Ahluwalia enlightened the students on the history of criminal law and how litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High
Court has evolved over the years with Corporate Law, Insolvency Law and Intellectual Property Law becoming leading
fields of practice. He highlighted the importance of internships at District Court and its relevance in building a good
foundation and understanding the nuance of the craft. He threw light on how modern technology has revolutionized the
law and has evoked a paradigm shift in law enforcement, wherein he remarked that “smartphones are the most powerful
thing in criminal law and investigation today”. It was a proud moment for UILS to welcome Mr. Ahluwalia’s associate,
Adv. Bhavi Kapoor (UILS 2020 Batch), a remarkable young lawyer and an inspiration to many students in attendance,
who could relate to one of their own. The event was a success under the able guidance of Dr. Supreet Gill, and Ms.
Kritika Sheoran and the relentless efforts of student coordinators Yajur Mago and Ujjawal Aggarwal.
 INTERACTIVE SESSION ON CYBER-CRIME AWARENESS
(3rd April, 2024)
The Criminal Justice Practicum Cell at University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University,
organized an interactive session on Cyber Crime Awareness for students. The keynote speaker,
Mr. Gurcharan Singh Chaddha, a Cyber Faculty at Central Detective Training Institute, Chandigarh,
provided valuable insights into various cyber-crimes, cyber evidence and their interpretation and
emphasized the potential risks people have to face in this technology-driven era. While AI
brings immense possibilities, it also demandsresponsible use to prevent misuse and protect
individuals and society from cybercrimes. This event was organized under the guidance of
Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS and Dr. Sabina Salim (Faculty Coordinator) and
under the guidance of Cell Coordinator Porush Jain, Samiksha and Deepanshi.
The event coordinators, Ishita Mittal, Drishti Dhawan, and Sneha ensured the smooth functioning of the event.
INTERACTIVE SESSION ON ETHICS AND ITS IMPORTANCE
(11th March, 2024)
An interactive session was organized on the theme of ‘Ethics and its Importance’ for the students
of B.A.LL.B.(Hons)-VIII semester on March 11, 2024 at University Institute of Legal Studies.
The session was eloquently conducted by Dr. Arvind Kumar, Chairperson, Hindi Sahitya Bharati,
Chandigarh. During his discourse, Dr. Arvind illuminated the critical role of ethics in personal
development, professional integrity, and societal progress, using a blend of historical anecdotes,
contemporary examples, and insightful analyses. Further, on morality, apart from the Vedas,
in the Vedic period, the context of moral ideals was prominently discussed in the context
of present judicial process through the references to Smritis, Puranas and philosophy texts.
The concept of moral ideals was especially highlighted through quotations from scriptures like
Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, Narada Smriti Sutra, Yajnavalkya Smriti Sutra, Chanakya’s
Arthashastra etc., with the related relevance and reference to the contemporary judicial
pronouncements. The participants were actively engaged with the content, sharing their
perspectives, asking probing questions, and brainstorming solutions to complex ethical
challenges. The session encapsulated the essence of collective wisdom and shared responsibility towards ethical living. The session
was organized under the guidance of Dr. Bharat and executed by student coordinators, Meit Kaushal, Pragya Gaur, Ramanjeet
Kaur and Saloni Chaudhary. Overall, the session was a resounding success, not only in terms of turnout and engagement but also in
its impact on participants’ understanding and appreciation of ethics.
EDUCATIONAL VISIT TO THE INTEGRATED COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE, CHANDIGARH
(20th March, 2024)
In a significant educational initiative, the Criminal Justice Practicum Cell of the University Institute
of Legal Studies, Panjab University, conducted an insightful visit to the state-of-the-art Integrated
Command and Control Centre (ICCC), Sector-17, Chandigarh. Students had the unique
opportunity to observe the real-time operational capabilities of the ICCC, which plays a pivotal role
in urban management and public safety. The students witnessed firsthand how advanced
surveillance, traffic management, and emergency response systems are employed to ensure the safety
and security of the city's residents. The visit was organized under the aegis of Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi,
Director, UILS and Dr. Sabina Salim. The entire visit was overseen by the Core Committee of the
Cell including Porush Jain (President), Samiksha Singh (Convener) and Deepanshi Kalra (Co-
Convener) and the student coordinators Paramjit Singh, Simran Paul and Aditya Diwan.

LEGAL LUMINARIES: NAVIGATING CONTEMPORARY ISSUES THROUGH THE LENS OF ARTICLE

WRITING COMPETITION
(9th April, 2024)

In a dynamic showcase of intellect and insight, the UILS Law Review Board (USLR) organised an Article Writing Competition,
centred around the pulse of contemporary legal issues. This initiative invited students to delve into the complexities and nuances of
modern legal challenges, ranging from Law and Feminism to Judicial Manifestation of Electoral Bonds. Through this competitive
platform, participants were encouraged to critically analyse, debate, and articulate their perspectives on pressing legal matters,
fostering a vibrant academic exchange. The winners of the competition, for Group A, were Bhawana Singla and Dibanshu Garg
followed by Havish Dhanwantari at second position and Anjali Navraj and Anushka at third position, for Group B Krishi Mittal
stood first, with Naman Kaushal at second position and Sharav Mehra and Rubayat Kaur Gill at third position. The competition
not only highlighted the depth of emerging legal thought among students but also underscored the institution's commitment to
nurturing future legal luminaries capable of navigating the intricate landscape of contemporary law.
A FOND FAREWELL: CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY OF THE BATCH OF 2019-2024
(26th April, 2024)

The University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University,

Chandigarh, recently bid a heartfelt farewell to the graduating class of
2019-2024 with a memorable ceremony held on 26th April, 2024 at Law
Auditorium, Panjab University, Chandigarh. This special event
commenced with a motivational speech by Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi,
Director, UILS, and celebrated the journey and achievements of our
students as they concluded their chapter here and prepared to embark on
new adventures. The ceremony was filled with poignant moments, inspiring
speeches, and warm wishes from faculty and peers alike. It provided an
opportunity for the graduates to reflect on their time spent together and the
friendships and knowledge they've gained. Amidst cohort of remarkable
individuals, Bharat Jangra and Sirjan Bedi clinched the title of Mr. and Ms.
UILS, respectively. The title for Mr. and Ms.Vivacious was bagged by
Samar Kamboj and Khushi Kamboj, respectively and Ratik Chatrath
Kapur and Vanshika were adjudged as Mr. and Ms. Personality,
respectively. For LLM, Gauravveer Sohal clinched the title for Mr. Perfect
and Ms. Perfect was bagged by Muskan. As we said our goodbyes, we also
expressed our hope and confidence in their future successes, knowing that
they are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the world. The event
was successfully conducted under the guidance of Dr. Karan Jawanda, Ms.
Kriti, Dr. Shivani, Ms. Atam, Dr. Gurpreet, Dr. Sulbha, Ms. Manisha by
student coordinators; Aditi Verma, Rashi, Kanika Singh, and Department
Representatives; Simarpreet Singh, Pratham Chahal and Paramjeet Singh.

UILS NEWS
MoU with Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia - UILS, Panjab University has entered into an
MoU with Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia for academic exchange programs for both
faculty and students; for organizing seminars/conference on issues of legal importance; for interactive lectures,
meaningful debates and discussions etc. Prof. Shruti Bedi, Director, UILS and Prof. Iman Prihandono, Dean
Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga will be the points of contact for the implementation of the terms of the MoU.
Heinonline Subscription - In an exciting development for the faculty and students of UILS, the online portal
Heinonline has been made available for the use of advanced research. This will help provide impetus to the academic
research output in the institute.
Study Visit to Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University, UK - A team of 10 students will be visiting the
Nottingham Law School, NTU, UK from 15th to 26th July, 2024 for the Global Summer School. This visit of UILS
students is being hosted by NTU, UK under the MoU between Panjab University and Nottingham Trent University.
Ms. Vidhi Sahae, NTU and Prof. Shruti Bedi, UILS are the coordinators for the visit.
Construction of Outlet for Rain-Water - The water-logging woes faced by the students of UILS anytime it rained has
been finally resolved with the construction of a drainage system for the rain-water.
 ACHIEVEMENTS
STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENTS
UILS exults in the numerous achievements of its students achieving remarkable success across various disciplines. From academic
accolades to extracurricular triumphs, here’s a glance at the same:
Rhythm brought laurels to the institution by trumping 200 participants, with a stunning performance at a Pageant organized as
the tagline "Be You" Miss and Mrs. Contest. The event was organized by Elan fashion and Glitz on 10th March, 2024, at Sector
1, Chandigarh.
In the 2nd National Law Fest, 2024, organized by Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow (5th-7th April, 2024), the team of
Gurkanwal Kaur and Mansi Singla bagged the Runners Up trophy in the Negotiation Competition.
In the 3rd AIU National Moot Court Competition, 2024, organized by DY Patil Deemed to be University (4th-6th April, 2024),
School of Law, Navi Mumbai the team comprising Rahul Marya (Speaker 1), Vaibhav Nagpal (Speaker 2) and Riyansh Gupta
(Researcher) won the trophy for Best Memorial.
In the 5th National Moot Court Competition (NMCC), 2024 organized by the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law
(RGSOIPL) (29th-31st March, 2024), IIT Kharagpur, the Runners Up trophy and the Best Memorial Trophy was clinched by
team of Muskaan Verma (Speaker 1), Rashi (Speaker 2) and Aditya (Researcher).
In the Justice N Santosh Hegde National Moot Court Competition, organized by Alliance University Bangalore (21st-23rd March,
2024), the Best Researcher award was bagged by Raaghav Sapra and Yuvica Gupta.
In the 3rd National Moot Court Competition, 2024, organized by Fairfield School of Law, FIMT (14th-15th March, 2024), the
Best Researcher trophy was won by the team of Aryaman Setia, Mansi and Jaskaran Singh Matharu.
In the 4th J.S. Verma Memorial ADR Counseling Competition, 2024, organized by the Department of Law, Maharaja Agrasen
Institute of Management Studies (21st March, 2024), Manvi Pahwa clinched the title of Best Mediator and the team of
Gurkanwal Kaur and Ganga Ram Mittal was adjudged as Runner Up Mediating Pair.
In the 5th National Law Fest- Sparkle 5.0, organized by KLE Society’s KLE College of Law (16th-17th March, 2024), Navi
Mumbai, a team of Sandali and Maan Kaur won the Runners up trophy in the National Client Counseling Competition.
In the Seth Jagannath Bajaj Memorial RNBGU National Moot Court Competition, organized by RNB Global University (15th-
17th March, 2024), the team of Dheeraj, Prerna and Yuvraj secured first position.
In the 3rd MNLU Nagpur National Technology Law Moot, 2024, organized by Maharashtra National Law University (15th-17th
March, 2024), team of Arjun Sagar, Ayush Sagar emerged as winner and Sharav clinched the title for the Best Researcher.
In the 1st International Moot Court Competition, organized by Acropolis Institute of Law (15th-17th March, 2024), Madhya
Pradesh, the team of Kritika, Sukhmani and Shrishti stood winners.
In the 5th Surana & Surana National Family Law Moot Court Competition, 2024, organized by the Army Institute of Law (15th-
17th March, 2024), Mohali, the team of Saadia, Shrishti and Pravishti emerged as winners.
In the National Mediation Competition, organised by NMIMS Mumbai, the team of Ananya Kalia and Aarushi Aggarwal bagged
the award of runners up mediating pair and Kriti Bhardwaj won the title of Best Mediator.

SPORTS ACHIEVEMENT
Intra Football Tournament- Sports Committee, UILS, organised a three days football 6v6 tournament from 19th- 21st February’
2024 at the main Panjab University main ground. There were 10 teams, each team comprising 9 players. The winner of the
tournament was the team of 4th year comprising Param Aujla, Yuvraj Dhananjay, Jaskaran, Mehraab Gill, Kutrattan Nagra,
Balram, Gaumsi Thakur, Vikrant and Amarbir. The tournament reflected a great sense of sportsmanship on the field and was
successfully concluded under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Rajinder Kaur and executed by student coordinators Palak Gosain,
Param Aujla and Mehraab Gill.
UIET V. UILS - The much-awaited event, a sports tournament between UIET v. UILS was held on 4th and 5th April’ 2024. The
students of both the departments showcased their sportsmanship in seven sports events which were Cricket, Tug-o-war,
Basketball Boys, Basketball girls, Badminton (girls singles, girls double, boys singles, boys double and mixed doubles), Volleyball
(boys) and Football (boys). Students of UILS secured the trophy in Basketball (boys), Football (boys) and Tug-o-war, but the
overall trophy was conquered by the students of UIET by 4-3. The event was organised under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.)
Rajinder Kaur (UILS) and Prof. Deepak (UIET) by student coordinators Palak Gosain, Param Aujla and Mehraab (UILS) and
Gaurav Kataria, Harsh Sagwal and Shipra (UIET).
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT
With great pleasure and profound pride, the University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) is thrilled to share the news of Kunwar
Bir Singh (B.A. LL. B Hons.), a student of the 2017-2022 batch being accepted into the prestigious Master in Taxation Law
program at Georgetown University Law Centre, with the honour of receiving the Merit Scholarship. He has also been accepted
into New York University School of Law, The University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, and McGill University –
Faculty of Law. UILS extends warmest wishes to Kunwar as he prepares to delve into this enriching academic experience at
Georgetown University Law Centre. May his journey be filled with continued success, profound learning, and the fulfilment of
his aspirations.
We are delighted to announce that Vanshika Sharma and Prince Arshdeep Singh Wander, alumni of UILS, have successfully
cleared the UPSC examination, securing 223rd and 415th rank, respectively. Their remarkable achievement highlights the
dedication of our students to their professional aspirations.

LEGAL INSIGHTS
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND JUDICIAL REVIEW: THE FUTURE
Author- Satwinder Singh (LLM 1 year)

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science which deals with the automation of intelligent behaviour. Judicial review is the
power of the courts to measure legislative and executive actions against the constitutional framework and render them nugatory if
they contravene the mandate of the constitution. As legal scholars highlight that judicial legislation in the practice of judicial review
is a ubiquitous issue, a solution to recurring issues must be quested with a nuanced approach. Today, AI in general, and machine
learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) in particular, are growing as potent and viable tools because of advancements in science and
technology and the realisation that all disciplines, including constitutional courts cannot be guided with the aid of traditional
methods. While AI in India is still in its inchoate phase of development, these tools have found a lot of inroads in other
jurisdictions, particularly Argentina, Brazil, China, Columbia, the European Union, the UK, and the U.S.A. The basic aim of this
newfangled technology is not to replace human judges, but to solve complex tasks. As a technology, there are certain esoteric aspects
of AI tools that could make them conspicuously useful in constitutional courts, particularly in the process of judicial review. Possible
uses include improving administrative efficiency through ML/DL techniques, helping the courts be nimbler and more agile in their
decision-making process, automating and speeding up judicial tasks, and checking the transgression of its power to keep them within
its sphere. Nevertheless, it is axiomatic that there are many legal and ethical challenges. One such challenge comes in during the
process of model development. For any prospective innovation for the constitutional courts, the datasets are a vital prerequisite. The
questions about the alteration of constitutional courts role under the doctrine of separation of powers, lack of transparency, and
accountability become more prominent. With a well- defined road map, inter-alia, enacting the specific laws to safeguard higher law,
undertaking extensive consultation with key actors, and harnessing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), the government can address
the implications before its deployment within the constitutional courts.

Devu G. Nair vs. The State of Kerala | SLP(Crl) No. 001891 - / 2023 | 2024 LiveLaw (SC) 249
Author- Ratik Kapur (B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) 10th Semester))

In the following case, the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India & Justices
JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued crucial guidelines for handling habeas corpus petitions and protection petitions involving
LGBTQ+ individuals. The case arose from a petition filed by a woman against a Kerala High Court order directing her alleged
lesbian partner to undergo counseling. The Supreme Court had directed Ms. Saleena V.G. Nair, a former judicial officer from Kerala
to interact with the alleged partner, who expressed her desire to stay with her parents and refusal to marry or live with anyone, and
thereby, the Supreme Court while refusing to pass further directions, issued guidelines emphasizing the need for queer-sensitive
conduct in court proceedings in the petitions involving Habeas Corpus-

Priority in Listing and Hearing the matter: Habeas corpus and protection petitions must be prioritized without unnecessary
adjournments or delays in order to promote adequate delivery of justice. The bench commended the provisions of the Bhartiya
Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita which instilled provisions in this regard.
⁠Locus Standi Evaluation: Courts should not probe deeply into the nature of the relationship between the appellant and the
person, and should take a reasonable approach to evaluate these intricacies.
Free and Uncoerced Dialogue: Courts should create an environment for a free dialogue and interaction to ascertain the wishes of
the detained person in such a manner to adequately acknowledge them.
 In-camera Proceedings: The detained person must be produced before the court, with proceedings conducted in-camera to ensure
privacy and safety.
Avoiding any Undue Influence on the victim produced: Courts must ensure the detained person's wishes are not unduly influenced
by any party.
Comfort and Empathy to be the state of affairs in the proceedings: The court must make efforts to put the detained person at ease,
providing comfort and empathy to the detained person, in order to promote comfortable and unbiased delivery of opinion
without any prejudices.
Eschewing any Bias: Judges must avoid displaying any bias or sympathy towards the natal family and uphold empathy for the
detained person.
Immediate Release of the detained person: If the detained person expresses his/her not to return to the alleged detainer or natal
family, immediate release must follow without any unnecessary delay.
Interim Measures to prevent any legal bias: Courts must grant interim measures, such as police protection, to same-sex individuals,
transgender, inter-faith, or inter-caste couples without waiting for evidence of any grave risk.
Respect for Privacy of the individual: Sexual orientation and gender identity are matters of privacy, and courts must refrain from
passing judgment or making pejorative comments.
The Supreme Court stressed the importance of following these guidelines to protect the dignity and fundamental rights of LGBTQ+
individuals and their partners.

MK Ranjitsinh v Union of India [Writ Petition (Civil) No. 838 of 2019]: Right to be free from adverse effects of climate change
Author: Samridham (B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) 8th Semester))
On 21st March, 2024, the three-judge Bench (CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice J B Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra) of the Supreme
Court passed a landmark judgment recognising that people have a “right to be free from adverse effects of climate change” under Art.
14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
The issue essentially stems from the death of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican due to a collision with overhead
transmission wires installed for solar projects in Gujarat and Rajasthan. In 2019, a petition was filed urging the court to issue
directions to the respondents to frame and implement forthwith an emergency plan for the protection and recovery of GIB species and
to embargo new projects, dismantle power lines and solar panels in the habitat of the GIB.
Resultantly, in 2021 the Apex Court directed that restrictions be imposed on setting up overhead transmission lines in an area of 99,000
sq. KM and power lines to be laid underground to protect the habitats of GIB along with the installation of bird diverters.
Respondents approached the apex court against the directions in November, 2021 citing the impracticality of the order so passed and
contending that alternatives to the current project would lead to violation of various international commitments and agreements to
which India was a signatory. The Union of India also submitted an affidavit listing measures for protection and conservation of the
GIB by setting up in situ conservation breeding facilities at Ramdeora, Jaisalmer.
In the latest development in the case, the Supreme Court issued following guidelines.
An Expert committee to assess the feasibility of undergrounding the power lines after considering factors like terrain, population,
and infrastructure and submit a report of the same through the Union of India, by 31 July 2024.
The court stated that while balancing two equally crucial goals - the conservation of the GIB on one hand, and the conservation of the
environment as a whole on the other hand - it is necessary to adopt a holistic approach which does not sacrifice either of the two
goals at the altar of the other. The delicate balance between the two must not be disturbed. Rather, care must be taken by all
stakeholders including the state and the courts to ensure that both goals are met without compromising on either.
The court stated that India’s effort to combat climate change is manifold as the Parliament has enacted The Wildlife Protection
Act of 1872, The Environmental Protection Act of 1986, the Energy Conservation Act of 2001 etc. but there remains no single
umbrella legislation which deals with adverse effects of climate change, however, this does not mean that people cannot not have
fundamental right against adverse effects of climate change.
The court held that the right to a clean environment and the right against the adverse effects of climate change are two sides of the
same coin since without rights against adverse effects of climate change, a clean and stable environment would not exist, thus,
highlighting the intertwining of both the rights under article 14 and 21 and recognising the “the right to be free from adverse
effects of climate change” as a fundamental right.
With this judgment the Supreme Court has opened the floodgates whereby the court may witness a plethora of petitions seeking
enforcement of the pristine right from those who have suffered due to the caprice of climate change leading to loss of their livelihoods.

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