RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LAW, PUNJAB
CENTRE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND GOVERNANCE (CCLG)
ABOUT THE CENTRE
CCLG is an interdisciplinary centre, established with a vision to contribute to the study, research and understanding of constitutional law and governance. Pursuant to the objects of the university contained in S. 4 of The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab Act, 2006, the university has a commitment ‘to disseminate legal knowledge and legal processes and their role in national development by organising lectures, seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences’. The Centre facilitates the students to participate in these events and engages them in free and meaningful debates in the field of constitutional law and governance.
Keeping in mind the need for new perspectives, the Centre adopts contemporary, critical and comparative methods in the study, research and understanding of constitutional law and governance. The Centre intends to publish a journal and a newsletter on constitutional issues as well as undertake independent non-partisan research to draft working documents for policymakers on governance and public policy issues. The aim of the Centre is to emerge as an influential think tank for national and international issues in the field of constitutional law and governance and promote constitutional values.
Faculty Coordinators:
Professor (Dr.) Kamaljit Kaur and
Mr. Siddhartha Fuller
|
NAME |
YEAR OF STUDY |
POSITION |
|
Mr. Aditya Dwivedi |
Senior Research Fellow |
Research Coordinator |
|
Divisha Gora |
V |
Convenor |
|
Rishab Goyal |
IV |
Deputy Convenor |
|
Nishita Mishra |
LLM |
Executive Member |
|
Aditi Mittal |
IV |
Senior Member |
|
Kshitij Pratap Singh |
IV |
Senior Member |
|
Payal Singh |
IV |
Senior Member |
|
Kammuansang Valte |
IV |
Senior Member |
|
Sarthak Sahoo |
IV |
Senior Member |
|
Deepak Jain |
III |
Senior Member |
|
Haripriya Manjunath |
III |
Senior Member |
|
Ishita Bharadwaj |
III |
Senior Member |
|
Maitrai Dubey |
III |
Senior Member |
|
Pranjali Gaur |
III |
Senior Member |
|
Aastha Kashyap |
II |
Associate Member |
|
Adamya Rawat |
II |
Associate Member |
|
Akshat Joshi |
II |
Associate Member |
|
Md Rayyan Malik |
II |
Associate Member |
|
Rachit Mathur |
II |
Associate Member |
|
Sanya Shrivastav |
II |
Associate Member |
|
Arman Sharma |
I |
Member |
|
Bhavya |
I |
Member |
|
Dadipiya Shukla |
I |
Member |
|
Divyanshu Sanskrit |
I |
Member |
|
Diya Sarah |
I |
Member |
|
Gyan Nitya |
I |
Member |
|
Henrika Chaudhary |
I |
Member |
|
Hiteshi Singla |
I |
Member |
|
Kanya kumari Mishra |
I |
Member |
|
Khushank Kaushik |
I |
Member |
|
Mansihka |
I |
Member |
|
Ragini Singh |
I |
Member |
|
Sarthak Tandon |
I |
Member |
|
Vrinda |
I |
Member |
|
Vaidik Bishnoi |
I |
Member |
|
Yeshita Sahai |
I |
Member |
LIST OF EVENTS
Session 2025–2026
1. International Conference on “Seventy-Five Years of the Constitution of India: A Comparison with Major Constitutions of the World”
Date: 30th–31st August 2025
Description: A two-day international conference conducted in hybrid mode, bringing together judges, scholars, and academicians from India and abroad. The sessions examined comparative constitutional developments, federalism, constitutional amendments, citizenship, social justice, asymmetric federalism, environmental justice, and judicial appointments. The combination of offline presentations at RGNUL and virtual international participation enriched comparative dialogue.
2. Law Practicum on the Law of Writs
Date: 1st November 2025
Description: A practicum lecture by Advocate Vivek Salathia (Punjab & Haryana High Court), focusing on Articles 12, 13, and 32 of the Constitution. The session elaborated upon writ remedies including Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Quo Warranto, Prohibition, and Certiorari, and explained distinctions between Articles 32 and 226. Through real-world illustrations, the lecture explored procedural nuances, jurisdictional principles, and the practical functioning of writ jurisprudence.
3. Two-Day Sexual Harassment Awareness and Sensitisation Programme
Dates: 17th–18th November 2025
Description: Organised by the Internal Committee (IC) in collaboration with CCLG. The programme featured sensitisation sessions conducted by Prof. (Dr.) Vageshwari Deswal. Day 1 was held for students, and Day 2 for teaching and non-teaching staff. The sessions emphasised awareness, institutional responsibility, and strengthening mechanisms that uphold dignity and safety on campus.
4. CCLG Quiz “The Writ of Wit” — Being Organised
Date: 24th November 2025
Description: The quiz is being organised in collaboration with Think India called “The Writ of Wit”. It covers themes such as federalism, the basic structure doctrine, natural justice, living constitutionalism, and the evolution of the Indian Constitution. Featuring five interactive rounds, the competition aims to encourage constitutional curiosity among BA LLB students of RGNUL.
Session 2024–2025
- One-Day International Conference on the Working of the Constitution: 1950–2025
Date: 26th November 2024
Description: Organised to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Constitution of India. The Conference examined the nature, developments, and ideals of the Constitution while addressing contemporary constitutional debates. Over 120 research papers were presented in hybrid mode (online and offline).
- Wisdom Waves: Insight into the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019
Date: 21st April 2024
Description: A public dialogue series providing an in-depth analysis of the CAA, exploring its historical background, legislative intent, and constitutional implications.
- Thinker’s Adda Discussion on Reservation in 2024 – The New Way Ahead in Affirmative Action
Date: 13th November 2024
Description: Discussion focusing on the State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh judgment and the evolving contours of affirmative action policies.
Session 2023–2024
- Debate Competition on “The Limits of Liberty: Rights and Duties in the Indian Constitution”
Date: 25th November 2023
Collaboration: Ministry of Law and Justice and Indian Law Institute
Description: A national-level debate competition commemorating Constitution Day, focusing on the balance between fundamental rights and duties in a constitutional democracy.
- Lecture Series on Constitutionalism and Judicial Review
Date: 3rd November 2023
Description: Included the lecture by Prof. (Dr.) Nishtha Jaswal, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh National Law University, highlighting the evolution and importance of judicial review in the Indian constitutional framework.
Session 2022–2023
- Awareness Programme on NRI Marriages – Do’s and Don’ts: A Way Forward
Date: 9th October 2022
Collaboration: National Commission for Women and Panjab University, Chandigarh
Description: A collaborative awareness initiative addressing the legal, social, and human rights dimensions of NRI marriages.
- Public Lecture on Envisioning Constitutional Framework in Metaverse
Date: 19th November 2022
Description: A forward-looking lecture exploring constitutional law’s applicability to the emerging digital metaverse ecosystem.
- Quiz and Debate Competitions – Constitution Day Week
Dates: 14th–15th November 2022
Theme: The Collegium System and the Spirit of the Constitution
Description: A two-day inter-university event celebrating Constitution Day through academic and competitive engagement.
Session 2021–2022
- Three-Day Faculty Development Workshop on Research Skills, Pedagogy and Citation
Date: 2022
Collaboration: Centre for Advanced Studies in Legal Writing (CASLW) and IQAC, RGNUL
Description: A comprehensive workshop designed to enhance research and teaching methodologies among faculty and researchers.
- Discussion on the Geopolitics of the Ukraine Conflict
Date: 26th February 2022
Description: Analytical session examining the constitutional, international law, and geopolitical ramifications of the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
- Implications of the Fall of the National Government of Afghanistan
Date: 6th September 2021
Description: Lecture analysing the constitutional collapse and international repercussions following the fall of the Afghan government.
Session 2020–2021
- 1st CCLG Contemporary Constitutionalism Paper Presentation Competition
Date: 30th April 2021
Description: Academic paper presentation competition fostering research and discourse on contemporary constitutional issues.
Participation: Over 170 registrations and 45 research presentations conducted virtually.
- Webinar Series on Emerging Constitutional Questions
Dates: January–May 2021
Description: Series of online seminars addressing developments in data protection, contempt of court, Article 370, and writ jurisprudence during the pandemic period.
Session 2019–2020
- Online Course on ‘American Founding and Constitution’
Dates: 24th April 2020 – 3rd May 2020
Resource Person: Prof. Robert E. Shapiro, United States
Description: A comprehensive online course exploring the philosophical and structural underpinnings of the American Constitution, drawing comparative insights with India.
Session 2018–2019
- CCLG Roundtable Discussion on India–China Rapprochement after the Doklam Standoff
Dates: 22nd–23rd February 2019
Resource Person: Dr. Xie Chao, Assistant Research Fellow, Institute for International and Area Studies, Tsinghua University, Beijing
Description: Included two guest lectures on “Chinese Political System: Ancient Chinese Thought and Modern Rising Strategy” and “Chinese Foreign Policy: China’s Rise Dilemma and Strategic Choice.”
- Annual Debate on the Aadhaar Judgment and Constitutional Privacy
Date: 17th October 2018
Description: The inaugural debate organised by CCLG on the constitutional validity of Aadhaar and its implications for the right to privacy, held post the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict.
PAST ACTIVITIES
The Centre for Constitutional Law and Governance (CCLG) has, since its inception, continually sought to promote constitutional literacy, critical legal discourse, and interdisciplinary dialogue on issues of governance and justice. Through an array of conferences, seminars, workshops, and discussions, the Centre has nurtured a vibrant intellectual community committed to the study and dissemination of constitutional values. The following section presents a consolidated overview of the Centre’s major activities and academic initiatives, arranged chronologically in reverse order.
Session 2025–2026
The academic year 2025–26 began with the International Conference on “Seventy-Five Years of the Constitution of India: A Comparison with Major Constitutions of the World,” held on 30th–31st August 2025. Conducted in hybrid mode, the conference brought together eminent judges, scholars, and international delegates to deliberate on diverse themes including federalism, the Preamble, citizenship, constitutional amendments, asymmetric federalism, environmental justice, and judicial appointments. The blend of offline presentations and virtual participation facilitated comparative dialogue across jurisdictions.
In continuation of its commitment to creating a safe and sensitive campus environment, the Centre collaborated with the Internal Committee (IC) to conduct a Two-Day Sexual Harassment Awareness and Sensitisation Programme on 17th–18th November 2025. Led by Prof. (Dr.) Vageshwari Deswal, the sessions focused on awareness-building, understanding institutional mechanisms, and reinforcing the University’s responsibility towards maintaining a respectful academic environment. The first day was conducted for students, while the second engaged teaching and non-teaching staff.
The Centre also initiated preparations for the CCLG Quiz on “The Constitution of India,” which is being organised for 24th November 2025. In collaboration with Think India and The Writ of Wit, the quiz includes five competitive rounds and covers themes such as federalism, basic structure, natural justice, and the Constitution as a living document. The event aims to strengthen constitutional literacy through an engaging and intellectually stimulating format.
On 1st November 2025, the Centre organised a Law Practicum on the Law of Writs, delivered by Advocate Vivek Salathia of the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The session explored Articles 12, 13, and 32 of the Constitution, clarified the functioning of writ remedies, and distinguished between the jurisdictions under Articles 32 and 226. Through practical illustrations, the lecture addressed issues such as misuse of writs, continuous mandamus, jurisdictional error, and procedural aspects relating to detention and locus standi. The session saw participation from 150 students.
Session 2024–2025
The academic year 2024–25 marked a landmark phase for the Centre, symbolising both continuity and commemoration.
To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Constitution of India, the Centre organised a One-Day International Conference on “The Working of the Constitution: 1950–2025” on 26th November 2024. The conference witnessed extensive participation, with over 120 research papers presented in both online and offline modes. Scholars, academicians, and students reflected upon the historical evolution, contemporary challenges, and enduring ideals of India’s constitutional framework.
Earlier in the year, on 21st April 2024, the Centre hosted “Wisdom Waves: Insight into the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019,” a forum designed to analyse the historical, social, and constitutional dimensions of the CAA through informed and balanced discourse.
Further, the Thinker’s Adda Discussion on Reservation in 2024 – The New Way Ahead in Affirmative Action, held on 13th November 2024, provided a critical examination of the State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh judgment, with faculty experts engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue on sub-classification within reserved categories.
Among its academic lectures, “The 47th: Trump in America” (7th November 2024) offered a comparative global perspective on constitutional governance, while “Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and His Contribution to Nation Building” (21st November 2024) celebrated India’s tribal heritage and the constitutional vision of equality and justice.
Through these diverse initiatives, the Centre reinforced its position as a space for constitutional reflection, dialogue, and interdisciplinary engagement.
Session 2023–2024
The year 2023–24 reflected the Centre’s commitment to sustained constitutional discourse and research dissemination.
A special lecture on “Judicial Review” by Prof. (Dr.) Nishtha Jaswal, Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU, on 3rd November 2023, offered an insightful overview of the evolution of judicial review as the cornerstone of constitutional democracy.
To commemorate Constitution Day, the Centre organised a Debate Competition titled “The Limits of Liberty: Rights and Duties in the Indian Constitution” on 25th November 2023, in collaboration with the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Indian Law Institute. The event witnessed spirited deliberations on the delicate equilibrium between rights and duties in India’s constitutional framework.
Additionally, the lecture on “Constitutional Obligations of a Welfare State” (26th November 2023) by Dr. Uday Shankar and Dr. Anubhav Kumar reinforced the constitutional philosophy of social justice and equitable governance.
The year also saw the publication of a Research Report on the Impact Assessment of National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, reflecting the Centre’s enduring engagement with socio-legal issues and access to justice.
Session 2022–2023
The session 2022–23 was marked by outreach, awareness, and forward-looking engagement with contemporary legal challenges.
A key highlight was the Awareness Programme on “NRI Marriages – Do’s and Don’ts: A Way Forward” held on 9th October 2022, organised in collaboration with the National Commission for Women and Panjab University, Chandigarh. The programme explored the legal intricacies and social challenges of cross-border matrimonial disputes. The Centre also hosted a Lecture on the Dynamics of the National Food Security Act, 2013 on 26th August 2022, led by Dr. Ashwini Kumar Gaur, which discussed the legal and administrative dimensions of food justice.
Further, the Quiz and Debate Competitions held during Constitution Day Week (14th–15th November 2022) invited enthusiastic participation from students on the motion “The Collegium System and the Spirit of the Constitution.”
The year concluded with the Public Lecture on “Envisioning Constitutional Framework in Metaverse” on 19th November 2022, which innovatively connected constitutional philosophy with emergent digital realities, reaffirming CCLG’s adaptability to the evolving constitutional landscape.
Session 2021–2022
The year 2021–22 was notable for the Centre’s expansion into geopolitical and comparative constitutional discourse.
A Three-Day Faculty Development Workshop on “Research Skills, Pedagogy and Citation”, conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Studies in Legal Writing (CASLW) and IQAC, RGNUL, brought together leading resource persons including Prof. Steve Ngo, Dr. Garima Tiwari, Dr. Rangin P. Tripathy, and Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, who guided participants through advanced legal writing and research methodologies.
Further, the Discussion on the Geopolitics of the Ukraine Conflict on 26th February 2022, and the lecture “Implications of the Fall of the National Government of Afghanistan” on 6th September 2021, examined the intersection of international crises and constitutional governance, drawing parallels between global upheavals and constitutional resilience.
These sessions reflected the Centre’s growing engagement with constitutionalism beyond borders, situating India’s constitutional experience within the broader global narrative.
Session 2020–2021
The academic year 2020–21 coincided with the height of the global pandemic, yet the Centre remained intellectually vibrant through a series of high-impact online events.
The 1st CCLG Contemporary Constitutionalism Paper Presentation Competition, held on 30th April 2021, marked a significant milestone in student-led constitutional research. With over 170 registrations and 45 research presentations, the event fostered rich debate on emergent constitutional issues.
A series of Webinars on Emerging Constitutional Questions were organised between January and May 2021, addressing diverse themes such as Personal Data Protection, Contempt of Court in India, Dissenting Opinions in the Supreme Court, Article 370, and Writ Jurisprudence.
Despite the challenges of the online medium, the Centre successfully maintained a continuum of academic engagement, reaffirming its resilience and commitment to constitutional scholarship during unprecedented times.
Session 2019–2020
The academic year 2019–20 was marked by the Centre’s pioneering initiative in offering an Online Course on “American Founding and Constitution”, conducted by Prof. Robert E. Shapiro, from 24th April to 3rd May 2020. This course offered participants a comparative exploration of constitutional evolution in the United States and its jurisprudential intersections with Indian constitutionalism.
Additionally, the Centre organised lectures on “Granting of Permanent Commission for Women in the Indian Army” and “Fundamental Duties and the Indian Constitution” on 3rd March 2020, fostering gender and civic consciousness in constitutional law.
The Centre’s student members also brought laurels to RGNUL when Mr. Prateek Naval Virk and Mr. Abhishek Kansal, mentored by Mr. Siddhartha Fuller, won the Second Prize at the Nani Palkhiwala Birth Centenary Celebrations Quiz, held at the Taj Vivanta, New Delhi.
Session 2018–2019
The formative year 2018–19 established the Centre’s tradition of rigorous debate and international engagement.
A Roundtable Discussion on “India–China Rapprochement after the Doklam Standoff” was held on 22nd–23rd February 2019, featuring Dr. Xie Chao, Assistant Research Fellow, Institute for International and Area Studies, Tsinghua University, Beijing. The event also included two distinguished guest lectures—“Chinese Political System: Ancient Chinese Thought and Modern Rising Strategy” and “Chinese Foreign Policy: China’s Rise Dilemma and Strategic Choice.”
The Inaugural Debate on the Aadhaar Judgment and Constitutional Privacy, held on 17th October 2018, marked the Centre’s first major academic event. It invited students from across all years to deliberate on the constitutional validity of Aadhaar and its implications for the right to privacy.
Through these early initiatives, the Centre laid the intellectual foundation for what has now evolved into a vibrant institutional forum for constitutional thought and governance research.
Across the years, the Centre for Constitutional Law and Governance (CCLG) has emerged as a dynamic platform fostering the study of constitutional theory, institutional accountability, and democratic ethics. Through its sustained academic initiatives, the Centre has nurtured critical scholarship, interdisciplinary dialogue, and a deepened understanding of India’s constitutional journey from text to practice. Moving forward, CCLG continues to remain committed to advancing the spirit of constitutionalism through research, education, and civic engagement.
Quick Links
https://www.rgnul.ac.in/photo-gallery/3302/75-years-of-constitution-of-india-international-conference-30-31,-august-2025
https://www.rgnul.ac.in/photo-gallery/2279/national-conference-on-75-years-of-constitution-of-india,-19-20,-april-2025
https://www.rgnul.ac.in/photo-gallery/2255/international-conference-on-%22working-of-the-constitution-of-india%22,-26-11-24