National Conference on 50 Years of the Constitutional Dissent: Revisiting Justice H.R. Khanna's Legacy

The National Conference on "50 Years of the Constitutional Dissent: Revisiting Justice H.R. Khanna's Legacy" is a collaborative academic initiative jointly organised by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat; National Law University, Delhi; Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj; Central University of Haryana; Law Centre-II, University of Delhi; and the Department of Laws, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

It commemorates the 50th anniversary of Justice H.R. Khanna's dissent in ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla, delivered during the Emergency (1975-77), as a defining moment of constitutional conscience. The conference aims to advance constitutional scholarship and foster interdisciplinary dialogue on questions of liberty, rule of law, and judicial independence through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and paper presentations.

• To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Justice Khanna's dissent and its enduring constitutional significance.
• To critically examine the jurisprudence and role of dissent in constitutional adjudication.
• To facilitate scholarly engagement on constitutionalism and civil liberties.
• To promote institutional collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue.

• Right to Dissent: 50 Years of Justice H.R. Khanna's Legacy
• From Authoritarianism to Constitutionalism: Revisiting the 42nd and 44th Amendments
• Emergency Powers and the Constitution: Limits and Accountability
• Samvidhan Divas and the Emergency: Reaffirming Constitutional Values
• Preventive Detention in India: Law and Practice
• Right to Privacy vis-a-vis Surveillance Laws: Constitutional Challenges in the Digital Age

Participants may engage with (but are not limited to) the following themes:

• Constitutional Theory and Jurisprudence: Jurisprudence of Dissent in Constitutional Courts; ADM Jabalpur - Contemporary Relevance; Rights Jurisprudence and Expanding Liberties; Judicial Independence and Constitutional Morality.
• State Power, Emergency, and Accountability: Rule of Law during Emergencies; Preventive Detention and Civil Liberties; Emergency Powers and Constitutional Governance; Law, Politics, and the Sociology of Dissent.
• Contemporary and Emerging Challenges: State Surveillance and Privacy; Digital Constitutionalism and Technology; Media, AI, and the Future of Liberty.

Original and unpublished research papers are invited from Academicians, Research Scholars / Students, and Legal Practitioners and Professionals. Interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives are encouraged. A maximum of two authors is allowed per paper, and registration is required separately for every author.

• Abstract: 200-250 words clearly indicating the research problem.
• Full paper word limit: 4000-6000 words (excluding references).
• Citation style: APA 7th Edition.
• Formatting: Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 1.5-line spacing.
• Only shortlisted abstracts will be invited to submit the full paper. Presenters must submit their PowerPoint presentation along with the full paper.
• Selected papers will be considered for publication in an edited volume.

The conference is held in hybrid mode. Registration fee per author: Academicians/Professionals - Rs 1500; Research/PhD Scholars & Students - Rs 1000; DBRANLU Students, Research Scholars & Faculty - Rs 500. Registration fees for offline participants do not include boarding and logistical charges. No refund shall be entertained after payment. Payment is to the account: Registrar, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, A/c 50100156483861, IFSC HDFC0003433.