The Indian Law Institute (ILI), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA), marked International Women’s Day by hosting a national symposium on “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and its Implementation: 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023.”
The event brought together members of the Bar, academics, and students. It focused on the constitutional and transformative dimensions of women’s reservation in legislatures.
AG Highlights Constitutional Framework and Reform Process
R. Venkataramani delivered the keynote address. He spoke on the foundational ideals of democracy, civilisation, and constitutional governance.
He observed that reform evolves through multiple stages. Importantly, he stated that rhetoric plays a role in shaping reflection and engagement. He therefore urged participants to examine the broader social and political context in which constitutional changes take effect.
Transformative Constitutionalism and Social Change
During his address, the Attorney General drew an analogy with the constitutional abolition of untouchability. He questioned the persistence of gender divisions in contemporary India.
He emphasised that transformative constitutionalism is not merely theoretical. Instead, it is a continuing process shaped by legislative intent, judicial interpretation, and societal preparedness.
Implementation Requires Institutional Steps
Addressing concerns regarding the timeline for operationalising the 106th Constitutional Amendment, he clarified that implementation involves multiple institutional processes.
These include delimitation exercises and administrative readiness. Therefore, he noted that such procedural stages should be viewed as constitutional requirements rather than delays in intent.
For a detailed legislative analysis of the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, readers may refer to PRS Legislative Research
Amendment as a Democratic Milestone
Describing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a key democratic milestone, he stated that meaningful reform depends on both constitutional design and effective execution.
He also highlighted the importance of political party accountability in ensuring genuine representation of women.
Speakers Emphasise Constitutional and Social Dimensions
Earlier, Senior Professor V.K. Ahuja, Director of ILI, highlighted the constitutional significance of the legislation. He emphasised the need to focus on implementation alongside enactment.
Prof. Saleena K. Basheer, Dean of the Hamdard Institute of Legal Studies and Research, referred to the dictum “Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devataḥ.” She highlighted the moral and civilisational basis of women’s political representation.
She further noted that the nomenclature “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” reflects empowerment rather than mere reservation, aligning with constitutional intent.
Ms. Ruchi Sharma, Joint General Secretary of CLEA, also addressed the symposium. She spoke on the continued relevance of inclusive representation in contemporary constitutional discourse.
The symposium concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Arya A. Kumar, Associate Professor at ILI.
