International seminar concludes
ALIGARH : The Department of Law, Aligarh Muslim University Malappuram Centre, Kerala, in collaboration with the Council on Legal Studies, Centre for Study and Research (CSR), New Delhi, organized an International Seminar on ‘Review and Reform: Exploring the Colonial Legacy within the Indian Legal System’.
In his online inaugural address, the chief guest, Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor, Chanakya Law University, Patna, emphasized that the colonial invasion is a blessing in disguise because the British gave us laws that are superior and better than their own common law and the IPC 1860, CrPC 1973 and the IEA 1872 are masterpiece codes.
He said that several Acts like Widow Remarriage Act, Child Marriage Restraint Act, Female Infanticide Prevention Act were outlined as a boon of colonial legacy. He stressed that the reformation of laws must be consistent with constitutional laws because Criminal Law aims at maximizing good and minimizing miseries.
The keynote speaker, Dr. K.C Sunny emphasized that the contemporary values with technology and development must be taken into account while bringing reforms. Terming the news reforms as “old wine in a new bottle”, he discussed the history of the institution of courts in the British era. He said that reforms must align with constitutional provisions and their touchstone must be human rights.
Mr. Rizwan, Director, Council of Study and Research, presented an introduction to the CSR and underscored the objectives of the organization to make education purposeful, non-reluctant, and value-oriented by increasing per capita knowledge production.
The Director of the Centre, Dr. Faisal KP expressed gratitude towards the participants for their interest in joining the programme.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmed Malik, Conference Secretary and the Course Coordinator, discussed the features of the seminar. Dr. Naseema PK proposed a vote of thanks.
A book, “Search and Seizure of Electronic Devices: A Brief Explainer on Existing Laws and Proposed Changes”, published by CERT was also released on this occasion.
The seminar which ran through four technical sessions, witnessed presentation of papers and discussions on various aspects of the core subject.
The valedictory session was chaired by Dr. Mohd Ashraf, Chairman, Department of Law, AMU, in virtual mode, while Prof Shakeel Ahmed emphasizing the need for a reformative approach over punishment-oriented measures.
Dr. Emmanuel Tweneboah Senzu (Professor of Law and Economics Every Nation College, West Africa) discussed the importance of legal systems in economic policy, particularly India’s trading partnership with Africa and the colonial legacy’s impact.
Earlier, Dr. Aamir Yousuf Waghay delivered the welcome address, and Mr Mohammed Ahzam Khan, Assistant Registrar gave a felicitation speech.
Mr Rizwan, Director, CSR, presented the seminar report while Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmed Mallik extended a vote of thanks.