The Centre for Criminal Law and Jurisprudence and Centre for Law and Human Rights, Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur (HNLU) have organised a one-day conference on 'Justice Delivery Mechanisms and Institutional Capacity' in collaboration with Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and India Justice Report (IJR) on December 8, 2025.
The conference provided a platform for dialogue among stakeholders across Chhattisgarh with theme centred on Police, Judiciary, Prisons, and Legal Aid.
More than 55 participants from various institutions contributed to the deliberations.
The inaugural Session began with presenting the key insights of the CSJ Report by Managing Trustee, CSJ, Nupur who discussed systemic challenges, particularly those impacting women and vulnerable groups. Lead, India Justice Report (IJR), Valay Singh provided an overview of the 4th Edition of the India Justice Report, analysing state-wise justice delivery capacity through comparative indicators.
In his presidential remarks, Vice-Chancellor, HNLU, Prof (Dr) VC Vivekanandan emphasised that law universities serve as catalysts for legal reform and capacity building. He noted the gap between constitutional expectations and institutional readiness and stressed the need to reinforce justice delivery mechanisms through training, legal aid, and robust clinical education.
In the segment 'Voices from the Field', advocates Divya Jaiswal, Gayatri, and Shobharam Gilhare shared their experiences on grassroots legal aid, highlighting the lived realities of marginalised communities.
The event also witnessed Prof (Dr) VC Vivekanandan release the CSJ report titled 'Assessing the Effectiveness of Justice Delivery Mechanisms in Ensuring Access to Justice – CSJ'.
Registrar, HNLU, Dr Deepak Kumar Srivastava underscored the relevance of the theme. Head, Centre for Criminal Law and Jurisprudence, Dr Kaumudhi Challa outlined the objectives of the conference, highlighting the need for collaborative learning and pragmatic solutions to strengthen access to justice in Chhattisgarh.
Head, Centre for Law and Human Rights, Dr Kiran Kori, proposed the vote of thanks.
Three panel discussions were held at the conference.
Panel 1 themed on 'Building Justice Capacity in Chhattisgarh: Dialogue on Judiciary and Legal Aid' was moderated by Dean (Research), HNLU, Prof Vishnu Konoorayar. v
Deputy Secretary, CG State Legal Services Authority, Parth Tiwari, highlighted the role of legal aid clinics and para-legal volunteers, especially in remote regions with low legal awareness. CSJ, Nupur, spoke about the need for area-specific schemes and full-time dedicated legal aid lawyers. IJR, Valay Singh, presented comparative findings on the capacities of judiciary, police, prisons, and legal aid systems. Director, Fair Trial Programme, Medha Deo highlighted the role of legal aid, social support structures, and law schools in criminal justice. Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, Shruti Naik, discussed the importance of adequate human resources for a well-functioning justice system.
Panel 2 was themed 'Policing for People' was moderated by Assistant Professor, HNLU, Dr Archana Gharote.
Director, Common Cause, Dr Vipul Mudgal presented the Status of Policing in India Report 2025. He raised concerns relating to custodial torture and the urgent need for capacity building under the new criminal laws. Dr Deepak Kumar Srivastava highlighted HNLU initiatives in training police officials on the new legal framework. Assistant Professor, HNLU, Dr Parvesh Kumar Rajput shared contributions from HNLU Pro Bono Club and suggested measures to improve policing systems and the implementation of new criminal laws.
Panel 3 themed 'Justice Capacity in Chhattisgarh: Prisons' was moderated by Assistant Professor, HNLU Abhinav Shukla.
Author Black Warrant and former Legal Advisor,Tihar prisons, Sunil Gupta, provided insights into practical challenges and reforms in prison administration. Research Associate, IJR, Sarab Lamba, presented findings on prison capacity, overcrowding, and mental health concerns of inmates. Deputy Director, Institute of Correctional Administration, Chandigarh, Dr Upneet Lalli emphasised reviewing legal aid delivery inside prisons and the importance of gender-sensitive policy frameworks.
Faculty members Jeevan Sagar, Dr Eritriya Roy, Apurva Sharma, and Pintu Majhi anchored several sessions.
A consolidated report of the day’s proceedings was presented by Dr Kaumudhi Challa.
The conference concluded with closing remarks and a formal vote of thanks by Dr Kiran Kori.
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