Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana organised National Law Conference 2023 on the theme, ‘Constitutional vision for Prabuddha Bharat’ in celebration of 100 years of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s legal practice (1923-2023)
The Voice of Chandigarh :
Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana organised National Law Conference 2023 on the theme, ‘Constitutional vision for Prabuddha Bharat’ in celebration of 100 years of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s legal practice (1923-2023). The main event preceded two working sessions on myriad topics covering constitutional law. The conference main event was graced by Arjun Ram Meghwal Union Minister for Law & Justice GOI as the chief guest, was presided over by Hon’ble Mr Justice Ravi Shanker Jha Chief Justice of High Court of Punjab and Haryana, and in the august presence of Manan Kumar Mishra Chairman Bar Council of India. Many Hon’ble judges of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana graced the academic working sessions and main event. The Advocate Generals for both states of Punjab & Haryana, along with the Additional Solicitor General of India also graced. President and office-bearers of all Bar Associations (sub divisional, district and High Court) from all over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh remained present. The national conference also witnessed the presence of lawyers, scholars and law students from different parts of the country.
Arjun Ram Meghwal gave the keynote address on the theme, while sharing his experiences, he spoke extensively on India’s growth story and how we learn from the legal journey of Babasaheb. He shared as to how significant it is for one to balance the right approach to ignite an awakened mind, body and soul which signifies Prabuddhta. While acknowledging the immense contribution of Babasaheb, he praised the State Bar Council and its continued initiatives. He shared how valuable is Guru in one’s life while sharing the real reason why the Papua New Guinea premier touched PM Modi’s feet. The Minister assured all concerns of the legal fraternity as expressed by Ashok Singla Chairman shall be his priority.
Hon’ble Mr Justice Ravi Shanker Jha spoke at length with references form Mahabharata and Vedas sharing how and why Prabhuddhta has been an ancient wisdom passed on since decades. Justice Jha touched upon his life journey to relate to how he sees the new India in this Amrit Kaal and what lies ahead in India’s beautiful growth story. Justice Jha spoke in shuddh Hindi, stressing that the intrinsic values of truth and holistic thought will make one a Prabuddha human and in turn make Prabuddh Bharat. Justice Jha appreciated the State Bar Council and Chairman Ashok Singla for celebrating Babasaheb’s centenary of legal practice in this manner.
Manan Kumar Mishra Chairman Bar Council of India spoke at length about issues concerning the Indian legal fraternity and sought the active support of PM Modi and the Union Law Minister for some urging issues. He expressed his concerns on the quality of legal education and mushrooming of law colleges, while seeking support from the government to put things to the right perspective. Mr Mishra shared with all lawyers his vision of a future Indian lawyer who is credible, trustworthy, advanced, awakened and tech savvy and assured all possible support from the Bar Council of India to the legal fraternity. He praised the Law Minister for his simple living and high thinking.
On behalf of the Bar Council, Ashok Singla Chairman gave the welcome address while addressing the gathering on some pressing issues concerning the legal fraternity of this region. He first requested the Bar leaders to understand the importance of access to justice and urged all to completely to away with strikes, while thinking about the common man and the solemn role of the justice delivery system. The Chairman sought active support from the Law Minister while raising demand of enactment of Advocates Protection Act, insurance scheme for lawyers and their families, budget allocation from state and central funds to Bar bodies, toll exemption of lawyers etc. He apprised all about the overwhelming support the conference and the working sessions received from different stakeholders, and how this is a befitting tribute to Babasaheb’s inspiring legacy.
Partap Singh Member Bar Council of India also seconded the urging demands raised by the Chairman while praising the visionary leadership of Manan Kumar Mishra. He expressed complete faith in the leadership of Hon’ble the Chief Justice and thanked him for all his support. He expressed gratitude to the Law Minister for gracing the occasion and standing for the cause of legal fraternity.
On this occasion, the State Bar Council also felicitated Hon’ble Union Law Minister, on his recent appointment. Bar leaders from around 160 Bar Associations in three states representing 1.5 lakh lawyers presented tokens of gratitude to the Union Minister.
Ranvir Singh Dhaka while giving the vote of thanks thanked the Union Law Minister for showing such dynamism by sparing time and concurring with the demands raised by the Chairman. Raj Kumar Chauhaan Hony’ Secretary who conducted the stage reminded all about the great vision of PM Modi under whose able guidance the government was willing to put in all possible efforts to serve all members of the legal fraternity. Chauhaan concluded by denoting how Babasaheb’s celebration of 100 years of his legal practice has been continuing since long with daily training classes for young lawyers from the past two months, with many more such events to follow for the entire year.
Notably, Bar Council of India’s Member Amit Vaid, other Members of the State Bar Council were also present.
The academic sessions earlier in the day, main session and the Bar leaders conclave was attended by thousands of lawyers, legal scholars, penultimate year law students, and legal delegates from all over the country.
The entire event was conducted at Law Bhawan, Sector 37-A Chandigarh.
