Y20 Session explores contours of Legal Reforms for modern India

Pune, 11 March 2023

What are the legal reforms we need in order to realize our developmental aspirations? This is the core theme explored by panellists at a session at the fourth Y20 Consultation Meeting, held at the Symbiosis International University (SIU) in Pune today, in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The two overall themes of the meeting were Peacebuilding and Reconciliation – Ushering in an era of no war – The philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation and 21st Century Skills.

Albert Lanong, Chief Judicial Magistrate & Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya opined that the inputs and thoughts by the women law-makers have a greater impact in Parliament. Speaking of transitional Justice, he said that earlier people wanted to break out of the past and live a future, but now there’s the rule of law which is expected to bring out the best of justice and equality. He said that often children are not actual perpetrators of crime but that they are coerced by adults. He said that we need to have a timeframe for implementation of a treaty, when we sign it. He stated that it is not enough to make laws, it is also important to maintain balance between the Judiciary and the executive. He called for greater stakeholder consultations in law-making, which should take into account international obligations as well.

Vishwas Mange Patil, Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra elaborated on the various police reforms and upgradation of personnel, training and police infrastructure. He further discussed the importance of psychological care at times of terrorist attacks and highlighted on the role of crisis and media management in times of distress. He gave insights from the 26/11 attack of Mumbai and recalled the transitions and reforms made, awareness drives, strengthening of the maritime police, media management and establishment of Quick Response Teams. Talking about the current situation, he said that the need of the hour is to be a modern people’s police service rather than rulers’ police service.

Pravir Srivastava, Legislative & Policy Advisor to Members of Parliament, said that India is at a position where “We are the rule-makers, not the rule-takers.” He further mentioned that “there’s no consultation without representation.”