Two-Day International Conference on Law and Information at TMU
A two-day International Conference on the theme “Building Democracy Through Law and Information” was successfully organised by the Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Law and Legal Studies at TMU in hybrid mode, bringing together academicians, legal experts, and researchers from across India and abroad.
Day 1: Inaugural Session and Key Deliberations
The conference began with an inaugural session where Hon’ble Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya emphasised the importance of the Constitution and the rule of law, stating that no individual is above the law. He highlighted the need for universities to contribute to nation-building and promote compassionate governance.
He further underlined that governance rooted in compassion and public service is essential for reaching the last person in society. Referring to the ideals of Ram Rajya and Mahatma Gandhi, he advocated for policies that improve citizens’ lives and ensure the effective implementation of laws.
Academic Insights and Key Highlights
The keynote speaker, Prof. R.K. Mittal, Vice-Chancellor of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, stated that in a rapidly changing world, law and information play a decisive role in strengthening democracy. TMU’s Dean of Academics, Prof. Manjula Jain, emphasised ethical education, while Vice-Chancellor Prof. V.K. Jain highlighted the challenge of identifying reliable information in the digital age.
During the event, the research journal “Teerthanker Journal of Law and Governance” and the book “The Dowry Paradox: Culture, Society and Law” were released. The Chief Guest also inaugurated a Moot Court, marking a significant step toward practical legal education. The conference received over 300 registrations, with 36 research papers presented in technical sessions.
Day 2: Valedictory Session and Global Insights
The conference concluded with discussions on building a transparent, inclusive, and accountable democracy. Experts highlighted that strong legal systems and reliable information are key pillars of democracy, while also addressing challenges like fake news, data misuse, and privacy concerns.
The valedictory session was presided over by MLC Shri Jaipal Singh Vyas, who emphasised the relevance of the conference theme and described it as vital for democracy. He highlighted the role of media as the fourth pillar and stressed the need for impartial and public-interest-driven journalism.
Distinguished Speakers and Conclusion
The conference featured prominent speakers, including Prof. Rajesh Bastola from Tribhuvan University, Nepal; Prof. Bhawna Mahadeo from the University of Technology, Mauritius; Prof. Subhash Chandra; Prof. Aparna Malhotra; Dr Ajay Kumar Singh; and keynote speaker Richard L. Roe from Georgetown University, USA.
The sessions covered global perspectives on transparency, access to information, legal accountability, and democratic institutions. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the organising team.
A large number of dignitaries, faculty members, and students were present throughout the conference. These included TMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. V.K. Jain, Dean Academics Prof. Manjula Jain, MLC Shri Jaipal Singh Vyas, and Dean of the Law College Prof. Harvansh Dixit, who also addressed the participants. Among others present were Prof. M.P. Singh, Dr R.K. Dwivedi, Dr Jyoti Puri, Dr Navneet Kumar, Dr Vinod Kumar Jain, Dr Amit Kansal, Dr Ravindra Dev, Dr Manu Mishra, and Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh, along with deans, principals, faculty members, and a large number of students from the university.
