MNLU Mumbai Hosts International Conference On Transformative Constitutionalism

The inaugural session was attended by several distinguished dignitaries. Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Chaudhary, Registrar of MNLU Mumbai, delivered the welcome address. Prof. (Dr.) Kokila Konasinghe, Head of the Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, delivered the keynote address, focusing on comparative perspectives on transformative constitutionalism in India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey, Vice-Chancellor of MNLU Mumbai, in his presidential address, spoke on the evolution of constitutional frameworks across jurisdictions in response to changing socio-political realities.

Justice Augustine George Masih, Judge, Supreme Court of India, attended the inaugural session as Guest of Honour and highlighted constitutionalism as a safeguard against arbitrary power, while also emphasising the importance of fundamental duties. The Chief Guest, Justice Pankaj Mithal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, drew parallels between the concept of Dharma and the Constitution, noting that the latter embodies principles of duty, rule of law, and protection of people.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Pratapsinh Salunke, Officer on Special Duty to the Vice-Chancellor and Associate Dean (Academics), MNLU Mumbai. The conference was convened by Dr. Sampada Kangane, Director of CRPLPJ, and Dr. Sayalee Surjuse, Assistant Professor at MNLU Mumbai. Live Law was the official media partner.

The conference received 228 abstracts, with around 172 presenters, including approximately 40 professionals, participating. Conducted in a hybrid mode, the event saw participation from institutions across India and abroad, including National Law Universities, O.P. Jindal Global University, Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Indian Law Institute (New Delhi), South Asian University (New Delhi), Government Law College (Ernakulam), Assam University (Silchar), V.M. Salgaocar College of Law (Goa), and IIM Rohtak, among others.

The technical sessions were evaluated by experts from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, covering themes such as comparative constitutionalism, judicial review, environmental constitutionalism, and the role of courts in transformative change.

The second day featured parallel technical sessions with detailed academic discussions and presentations. The conference concluded with a valedictory session on April 19, 2026, marking the end of two days of academic deliberations.