Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University Launches Year-Long Commemorative Series on 50 Years of Justice H.R. Khanna’s Landmark Dissent.

DBRANLU Sonipat Launches National Series Honouring Justice H.R. Khanna’s Historic Constitutional Dissent

Sonipat, April 28, 2026:Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, announces a prestigious year-long National Commemorative Series titled “50 Years of the Constitutional Dissent: Revisiting Justice H.R. Khanna’s Legacy”. This initiative marks the 50th anniversary of Justice H.R. Khanna’s landmark dissent in ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976), a defining moment during India’s Emergency that upheld the inherent right to life and liberty under the rule of law.

As Justice Khanna profoundly stated: “A dissent in a court of last resort… is an appeal to the brooding spirit of the law, to the intelligence of a future day.” The history of constitutional democracies is often shaped not only by majoritarian decisions but also by the courage of dissenting voices. The dissenting opinion, which was delivered at a time when the nation was under the shadow of the Emergency, and civil liberties stood severely curtailed. Justice Khanna’s dissenting opinion is not merely a legal opinion, but it is a testament to constitutional courage. At a time when institutions faltered, he upheld the enduring principle that no authority is above the law. In his concluding remarks, he stressed the need for judicial integrity and independence. Even today, the courage of Justice Khanna is hailed by academicians and judges, who sacrificed the office of Hon’ble Chief Justice of India to uphold the values of the rule of law. The series will foster interdisciplinary dialogue on constitutionalism, civil liberties, judicial independence, and contemporary challenges like digital surveillance and emergency powers.

Key Highlights:

· Objectives: Commemorate the dissent’s legacy, examine its jurisprudence, promote scholarly engagement, and foster collaborations with different universities during the year-long series.

· Themes: Right to dissent, Emergency powers, preventive detention, privacy vs. surveillance, and more.

· Activities: Keynote addresses by Hon’ble Judges, national conferences, panel discussions, lectures, workshops, paper presentations, essay competitions, and a valedictory event with edited volume launches.

The series will unite judges, academics, practitioners, and students nationwide, reinforcing constitutional resilience in today’s dynamic landscape.

Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the DBRANLU, stated that, “This year-long series of programs organised across the country is a befitting discussion and tribute to the Justice H.R. Khanna’s enduring legacy. It reminds us that judicial courage safeguards democracy. This series will ignite vital conversations on liberty and foundational principles of the rule of law.”

Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Mishra, Registrar of DBRANLU, shall be the Organising Secretary for a series of events at the University in collaboration with other institutions.