Apeejay Stya University celebrates 75th National Law Day 

National Law Day holds significant importance as it serves to commemorate the role of law in society. On the educational front, National Law Day provides an opportunity to educate people how law plays a crucial role in society while promoting a deeper understanding of legal principles, rights, and responsibilities. It encourages civic engagement and legal literacy among citizens. It acts as a reminder of the pivotal role that law plays in safeguarding individual freedom, promoting justice, and maintaining societal order. It encourages a culture of respect for the law, fostering a society where laws are understood, respected, and applied equitably.

Thus, recognising the foundational principles of the rule of law, School of Legal Studies at Apeejay Stya University in Gurgaon recently celebrated the 75^th National Law Day. The National Law Day celebration marked the significant legal milestones, historic judgments, or events that have shaped the legal landscape. It offered a chance to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. Therefore, on this special occasion, the School organised a series of activities across all the schools of the University.  

The day-long event commenced with the welcoming of the respected Chief Guest Shri H.L. Tiku, Sr. Advocate, Supreme Court of India, accompanied by Ms. Yashmeet Kaur, Advocate, Delhi High Court by Prof. Raj S. Dhankar, Vice Chancellor of ASU as along with other Deans of Schools, faculty members as well as students of ASU. The event was further graced by other eminent dignitaries including Mr Thakur Sumit, Advocate, Delhi High Court, Ms. Amrita Sarkar, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India, Mr Ankur Katyal, Advocate, Delhi High Court and Mr Anuj Kumar Tiwari, Senior Manager, Legal, SBI Cards. 

Post the welcome, all the dignitaries planted a sapling at the ASU Campus as a step to contribute in the growth and development of the environment and encouraged all the faculties and students to take proactive steps to live a balanced life with nature. Chief Guest Shri H. L. Tiku, Sr. Advocate, Supreme Court of India, then hoisted the tricolour Indian national flag at the campus which was followed by singing of the national anthem.

Subsequently, addressing the gathering as well as congratulating the ASU team for celebrating the 75^th Constitution Day, Dr Neha Berlia, Co-promoter, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Pro-chancellor, Apeejay Stya University,  expressed, “I am very happy to have this opportunity and extend my heartiest congratulation to the dean, faculty coordinator and students for organising and celebrating this very important 75th National Law Day. We are fortunate to have with us Shri H.L Tiku. and I welcome all the distinguished guests and legal luminaries as we hope to achieve the purpose of this event. National Law Day, Constitution Day or ‘Samvidhan Divas’ is observed on 26 November to celebrate the adoption of the Constitution of India.  The day aims to mark the significance of constitutional values among the citizens of India. The citizens should know their rights and be able to exercise them effectively.”

Further, Shri Tiku delivered the keynote address on the theme: ‘Importance and significance of Constitution of India and Fundamental Rights of the Citizens’. In his address, he highlighted that the Constitution of India is the only supreme legal document which guarantees all the Fundamental Rights from Article 14 to Article 31 and in case of violation of fundamental rights, citizens can directly approach the Supreme Court of India under Article 32. He spoke about several landmark judgments delivered by the Supreme Court of India including Kesavananda Bharati V. Union of India (AIR 1951 SC 458) in his lecture.

He concluded his address by sharing a few words of wisdom for budding lawyers. He emphasised, “Remember, if you want to be a practicing lawyer, you must remain honest in life. Don’t run behind money. Always be immaculately dressed; I have followed this for 55 years. Money does not bring you anything. It is only satisfying for people.”

This was followed by an engrossing panel discussion including a power-packed bunch of panelists like Mr Thakur Sumit, Advocate, Delhi High Court, Ms. Amrita Sarkar, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India, Mr Ankur Katyal, Advocate, Delhi High Court and Mr Anuj Kumar Tiwari, Senior Manager, Legal, SBI Cards. Beginning the discussion, Ms Sarkar shed light on how the Constitution of India plays a significant role. The next speaker Mr Katyal explained how according to him a citizen is the most powerful person in India as per the Indian Constitution. Following Mr Katyal, Mr Sumit emphasised that every student must be aware of the basic law to encounter any kind of injustice to oneself or to others. Finally, Mr Tiwari mentioned how the Constitution of India provides protection for citizens.  

Parallelly, the School of Legal Studies also organised other activities including an essay competition and debate competition which saw participation of students from other schools of ASU.  Second-year BBA student Ronak Raina, and first-year BA LLB student Komal Bhardwaj won the essay competition. Ronak Jha, BBA second-year, and Moksh Khatri, BBA second-year, won the debate competition as winner and runners-up respectively.

The event concluded with the prize distribution ceremony. Lastly, Dr. Vimala Veeraraghavan, Dean Academics and Emeritus Professor, Center for Liberal Arts at Apeejay Stya University extended a special vote of thanks to all the dignitaries and the participants.