Attorney General R. Venkataramani Highlights Significance Of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam At ILI Symposium
The Indian Law Institute (ILI), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA), commemorated International Women's Day by organising a National Symposium on “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and its Implementation: 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023.” The symposium brought together members of the Bar, academia, and students to deliberate on the constitutional and transformative significance of women's reservation in legislatures.
Delivering the keynote address, Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani reflected on the foundational ideals of democracy, civilisation, and constitutional governance. Emphasising the evolving nature of reform, he observed that “rhetoric is important because it evokes emotion and propels reflection,” urging participants to examine the broader social and political context within which constitutional changes unfold.
Drawing parallels with the abolition of untouchability, he questioned the persistence of gender divides in contemporary India. He underscored that transformative constitutionalism is not an abstract ideal but a continuous process shaped by legislative will, judicial interpretation, and societal readiness.
Addressing concerns regarding the timeline for operationalising the 106th Constitutional Amendment, he explained that implementation involves layered institutional processes, including delimitation and administrative preparedness. Such procedural requirements, he noted, must be viewed as constitutional necessities rather than legislative reluctance.
Describing the Amendment as a significant democratic milestone, he observed that durable social reform requires both constitutional design and calibrated execution. He also highlighted the importance of political party accountability in advancing meaningful representation.
Earlier, Director, Indian Law Institute, Senior Professor (Dr.) V.K. Ahuja, underscored the constitutional importance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. He stressed the need to focus not only on the enactment of transformative legislation but also on its effective implementation.
Prof. (Dr.) Saleena K. Basheer, Dean, Hamdard Institute of Legal Studies and Research, invoked the dictum “Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devataḥ” to emphasise the moral and civilisational ethos underlying women's political representation. She noted that the nomenclature “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” symbolises empowerment rather than mere reservation, reflecting constitutional intent.
Ms. Ruchi Sharma, Joint General Secretary, CLEA, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the continuing relevance of inclusive representation in contemporary constitutional discourse.
The symposium concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Arya A. Kumar, Associate Professor, ILI.