Whalesbook
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur recently organized a significant conference focused on improving justice delivery mechanisms and institutional capacity within Chhattisgarh. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address critical aspects of the criminal justice system.
Conference Objectives and Collaboration
The conference, held on December 8, 2025, was a joint effort by HNLU's Centre for Criminal Law and Jurisprudence and Centre for Law and Human Rights. They partnered with the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and India Justice Report (IJR) to provide a comprehensive platform for dialogue. The primary theme revolved around enhancing the effectiveness of Police, Judiciary, Prisons, and Legal Aid services in the state.
Key Insights and Reports
The conference featured the presentation of crucial findings from CSJ and IJR reports. Nupur, Managing Trustee of CSJ, shared insights from the CSJ Report, highlighting systemic challenges, especially those affecting women and vulnerable groups. Valay Singh, Lead of India Justice Report (IJR), provided an overview of the 4th Edition of the India Justice Report, offering a comparative analysis of justice delivery capacity across states.
Expert Perspectives and Discussions
Over 55 participants engaged in deliberations. HNLU Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) VC Vivekanandan emphasized the role of law universities in driving legal reforms and capacity building. He pointed out the disparity between constitutional ideals and current institutional preparedness, stressing the need for enhanced training, legal aid, and clinical education. Advocates Divya Jaiswal, Gayatri, and Shobharam Gilhare shared firsthand experiences from grassroots legal aid initiatives.
Panel Discussions
Three distinct panel discussions delved deeper into specific areas:
- Judiciary and Legal Aid: Moderated by Prof Vishnu Konoorayar, this panel discussed strengthening judicial capacity and legal aid services. Speakers like Parth Tiwari, Deputy Secretary of CG State Legal Services Authority, highlighted the role of legal aid clinics and para-legal volunteers, particularly in remote areas. Nupur advocated for region-specific schemes and dedicated legal aid lawyers.
- Policing for People: Under Dr Archana Gharote's moderation, discussions focused on policing reforms. Dr Vipul Mudgal presented the Status of Policing in India Report 2025, raising concerns about custodial torture and the need for capacity building under new criminal laws. Dr Deepak Kumar Srivastava detailed HNLU's training initiatives for police on the new legal framework.
- Prisons: The panel on prisons, moderated by Abhinav Shukla, explored practical challenges and reforms in prison administration. Sunil Gupta, author of 'Black Warrant,' shared insights, while Sarab Lamba of IJR presented data on prison capacity and inmate mental health. Dr Upneet Lalli stressed the importance of gender-sensitive policies and reviewing legal aid within prisons.
Outcome and Future Focus
The conference concluded with a consolidated report of the proceedings presented by Dr Kaumudhi Challa, Head of the Centre for Criminal Law and Jurisprudence. The event underscored the need for collaborative learning and pragmatic solutions to strengthen access to justice in Chhattisgarh.
Impact
- This conference aims to foster improvements in the justice delivery system within Chhattisgarh by identifying challenges and proposing solutions related to police, judiciary, prisons, and legal aid.
- It may lead to policy recommendations and increased awareness among stakeholders, potentially enhancing access to justice for citizens, especially vulnerable groups, in the region.
- Direct impact on the Indian stock market is negligible.
Impact Rating: 2/10
Difficult Terms Explained
- Jurisprudence: The theory and philosophy of law.
- Institutional Capacity: The ability of an organization or institution to effectively perform its functions and achieve its goals.
- Stakeholders: Individuals, groups, or organizations that have an interest or concern in a particular project or institution.
- Legal Aid: Free or low-cost legal assistance provided to individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
- Grassroots: The basic level of activity or organization, often involving ordinary people or local communities.
- Marginalised Communities: Groups of people who are excluded from mainstream society due to factors like poverty, caste, gender, or ethnicity.
- Clinical Education: Hands-on legal training for law students, often involving real client cases under supervision.
- Pro Bono: Work undertaken voluntarily and without payment, especially by lawyers.
- Custodial Torture: Torture inflicted on a person while in police or judicial custody.
- Gender-Sensitive Policy Frameworks: Policies designed to recognize and address the different needs, experiences, and impacts on men and women.