Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai (MNLU Mumbai) hosted an International Conference on with the theme 'Constitutionalism to Transformative Constitutionalism: Rethinking the Constitutions across Time and World ' from April 18-19, 2026.
The Centre for Research in Public Law, Policy and Jurisprudence (CRPLPJ), MNLU Mumbai, in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Law and Policy, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, successfully organised the 2-day International Conference.
The conference commenced with an inaugural session marked by the presence of eminent dignitaries. Registrar, MNLU Mumbai, Prof (Dr) Prakash Chaudhary delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the deliberations.
The keynote address was delivered by Head of the Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, Prof (Dr) Kokila Konasinghe who emphasised comparative perspectives on transformative constitutionalism, particularly in the context of India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
Vice-Chancellor, MNLU Mumbai, Prof (Dr) Dilip Ukey in his presidential address, provided a comprehensive overview of comparative constitutionalism, highlighting how constitutional frameworks across jurisdictions continue to evolve in response to changing socio-political realities.
The inaugural session was graced by Supreme Court of India, Justice Augustine George Masih as the Guest of Honour. Justice Masih underscored constitutionalism as a vital check on arbitrary power and stressed the importance of fundamental duties alongside rights.
The Chief Guest, Supreme Court of India, Justice Pankaj Mithal, delivered an address drawing parallels between the ancient concept of Dharma and the modern Constitution, observing that the Constitution serves as a contemporary embodiment of principles that uphold duty, rule of law, and the protection of people.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Officer on Special Duty to the Vice-Chancellor and Associate Dean (Academics), MNLU Mumbai Dr Pratapsinh Salunke. The conference was convened by Director of the Centre for Research in Public Law, Policy and Jurisprudence (CRPLPJ), Dr Sampada Kangane, and Assistant Professor, MNLU Mumbai and Member, CRPLPJ, Dr Sayalee Surjuse.
The conference received a total of 228 abstracts.
Out of these, approximately 172 presenters participated in the conference.
The technical sessions were evaluated by experts and professionals from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, ensuring a high standard of academic discourse.
The presentations covered a wide range of themes, including comparative constitutionalism, judicial review, environmental constitutionalism, and the role of courts in fostering transformative change.
The second day of the conference featured parallel technical sessions, where participants engaged in discussions and critical analysis of contemporary constitutional issues.
These sessions provided a platform for emerging scholars and practitioners to present their research and receive feedback from experts and peers.
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