The event was a call to commemorate the landmark verdict of Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala & Anr., AIR 1973 SC 1461 which since the delivery of the judgement hits the 51st year of the birth of Basic Structure Doctrine. It was held on 24th April at the Faculty of Law, SRM University Sonepat and aimed at delving into the insights about the meaning, nature, applicability and the constitutional aspects of the Basic Structure Doctrine.

EVENT INAUGURATION

The event was inaugurated by prestigious presence of Prof. (Dr). Vijay Kumar Singh (Dean, Faculty of Law, SRM University Sonepat), Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Kulshrestha (HOD, Faculty of Law, SRM University, Sonepat), Dr. Yatin Kathuria and Prof. Raka Medhavi as the panel of judges, faculty members and the students. The participants through an engaging debate reflected the varied aspects of the Basic Structure Doctrine.

VALUABLE INSIGHTS FROM THE DEBATERS

With an attempt to embark on a journey into the Basic Structure Doctrine, the Affirmative side of the debate was touched upon by a team comprising of four -: Avni, Yashika, Bhanu and Arpit while the Opposing side was touched by a team of three -: Lakshay, Yuvika and Amar who are also students at Faculty of Law, SRM.

The discourse begins with a lucid exposition of the Basic Structure Doctrine as a compilation of certain essential features of the Constitution of India, the tone of the event was set by into a timeline of events which marked the birth of the Basic Structure Doctrine alongwith the applicability and significance of the doctrine in the maintaining balance of powers.

Further the programme was garnered with a bit of criticism at the doctrine in lieu of the remark of our Hon’ble Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar as “that courts cannot dilute parliamentary sovereignty”. Not only this the doctrine was also challenged on the being disruptive to separation of power, vague and illusive as well as the aspects and scope of amendments either done or proposed in the Constitution with respect to the Basic Structure and Doctrine.

In addition to the points referred by the debaters, a valuable dash of knowledge was also provided by the judges. It afforded the audience an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Basic Structure Doctrine while revisiting and refining their grasp of constitutional principles.

ACTIVE AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION

The success of the event was marked by enthusiastic participation of the audience.

Their active engagement was characterized by keen listening and thought-provoking questions that contributed invaluably to the vitality of the event.

The keen interest of the audience in understanding the complexities of the Basic Structure Doctrine was evident throughout the event. They revealed a genuine curiosity to unravel the nature, applicability and significance of Basic Structure Doctrine, that showcased their commitment in inculcating understanding of the topic and reaping benefits from the event held.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh (Dean, Faculty of Law SRM University, Sonepat), Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Kulshrestha (HOD, Faculty of Law, SRM University, Sonepat), Dr. Rajeev Ranjan ( Faculty Convenor , Centre of Constitutional Law and Public Policy) , Mr. Mohammad Saleem (Faculty Convenor, Centre of Constitutional Law and Public Policy), Dr. Rahul Chauhan (Faculty Convener , Centre of Constitutional Law and Public Policy), Dr. Yatin Kathuria and Prof. Raka Medhavi ( Panel of Judges), faculty members for their invaluable contribution in the organisation and management of the event.

PROSPECTS FOR ONGOING ENGAGEMENT

Further, it is crucial to look forward into the multiple facets of the Basic Structure Doctrine as it has been developed since its inception in 1973 considering its varied aspects in respect of the Constitution thus upholding the spirit of the Constitution.