Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi calls for renewed focus on Private Law at book launch event

Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi emphasised the urgent need for a “course correction” in Indian Courts, highlighting the disproportionate focus on public law over private law, during the launch of the book titled Foundations of Indian Contract Law. .Justice KV Viswanathan and Singhvi were the guests of honour at the book launch event in Delhi, which was organized by Shiv Nadar School of Law (Shiv Nadar University Chennai) and the National University of Singapore.The book published by Oxford University Press was co-edited by Prof. Shiv Swaminathan (Dean, Shiv Nadar School of Law), Prof. Umakanth Varottil (National University of Singapore), Dr. Niranjan Venkatesan KC (Barrister, One Essex Court, London) and Dr. KV Krishnaprasad (Barrister, One Essex Court, London)..Singhvi expressed concern over the neglect of private law, particularly contract law, in Indian courts. “A quick check that I did over the last 4-5 years reveals interesting judgments on contract law, but they go unnoticed,” he said. He stressed that while public law has dominated legal literature and judicial attention, private law deserves equal emphasis..Justice KV Viswanathan praised the book for its critical examination of the tension between upholding agreements and ensuring fairness. He described Foundations of Indian Contract Law as “an intellectual provocation, a challenge to the status quo, and an invitation to reimagine the trajectory of contract law.”.Justice Viswanathan highlighted the challenges faced by Indian courts in balancing certainty and fairness in contractual interpretation. “Indian courts, much like their common-law counterparts, continue to grapple with the challenge of ensuring both certainty and fairness in contractual interpretation,” he said.He also commended the contributors for their efforts in distilling the essence of contract law and presenting it in a comprehensive and accessible manner. “This volume is not merely an academic endeavor. It dares to ask what the law should be,” he addedThe book examines the historical, philosophical, and comparative foundations of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, and its evolution through landmark Supreme Court rulings. It features contributions from academics and practitioners, bridging the gap between theory and practice. It also critically looks at the evolution of contract law and identifies gaps in interpretation..Congratulating V. Niranjan on his designation as King’s Counsel, Justice Viswanathan remarked, “A 2015 call to the bar being given the silk in 2025 is a fantastic achievement, please congratulate him.”.The event featured talks by legal experts and academics on various topics. Nigam Nuggehalli (NLSIU, Bangalore) on Consideration; .Prof. Shiv Swaminathan (Dean, Shiv Nadar School of Law) spoke on coercion, undue influence and unconscionability. .Aman Ahluwalia (Advocate, Delhi High Court) spoke on Illegality.Umakanth Varottil (National University of Singapore) spoke on restraint of trade in India..KV Krishnaprasad (One Essex Court, London) spoke on fraud, misrepresentation, and mistake..Steven Elliot KC (National University of Singapore, One Essex Court, London) spoke on rescission of contracts voidable for lack of free consent. . Nilima Bhadbahde (ILS Law College) spoke on frustration of contracts..Professor Mansi Kumar from Jindal Global Law School spoke about the duty of good faith..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.