National Seminar on ‘Kesavananda Bharati Judgement’ at Vidya Vikas Legal Institute

Mysore/Mysuru: The Karnataka Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reforms (KILPAR), Bengaluru, convened a day-long National Seminar on ‘Significance, Content and Impact of Kesavananda Bharati Judgement upon the Constitutional Jurisprudence: A Golden Jubilee Assessment.’

The event, in collaboration with the Organising Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Kesavananda Bharati Judgement – Edneer Mutt and Vidya Vikas Institute of Legal Studies (VVILS), Mysuru, took place at Lalitha Smaraka Bhavana in the Vidya Vikas Educational Trust (VVET) campus, Mysuru, on Saturday.

In his inaugural address, Justice S.R. Bannurmath, Chairman, Law Commission of Karnataka, Bengaluru, provided comprehensive insights into the Kesavananda Bharati case, delving into its historical significance, impact and consequences. He highlighted that the Kesavananda case holds the record as the lengthiest judgement, spanning 68 days of hearings and also noted it as the case with the highest number of presiding Judges.

Justice Krishna S. Dixit, Judge, High Court of Karnataka, Bengaluru, in his keynote address, emphasised the essence of the democratic system and the role of the polity in the exercise of power. He expounded on quotes from various jurists regarding the essence of democracy, discussed judgements related to the amending powers of Parliament and underscored the Judiciary’s steadfastness in protecting the basic structure of the Constitution.

Drawing comparisons with Constitutions of other nations, he explored the role of the Indian Judiciary during the Emergency period, highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding the intent of Constitution makers.

Sri Sachidananda Swamiji of Edneer Mutt, Kasaragod, Kerala (Successor of Kesavananda Bharati), in his address, underscored the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Kesavananda Bharati Judgement as a means to raise awareness about the protection of culture, tradition and the Constitution.

V. Kaveesh Gowda, Secretary, VVET and M. Narayana Bhat, President of Golden Jubilee Committee, also addressed the gathering. K. Dwaraknath Babu, Director, KILPAR, Bengaluru, presided over the event. Dr. Revaiah Odeyar, Research Head, KILPAR, Bengaluru, proposed a vote of thanks.

Vasu, Chairman, VVET, Mysuru, Mysuru, Prof. (Dr.) P. Ishwara Bhat, former Vice-Chancellor, KSLU and Legal Education Advisor, VVILS, Dr. M.N. Sanjith, Principal (in-Charge), VVILS, Mysuru, and other distinguished dignitaries were present on  the occasion.