Day-3: The master class by Justice U. U Lalit, Lecture series on Constitution for the date 06-09-2025. “Dealing on affirmative actions”

Event Date: 06-09-2025

Event Detailed Description

The master session by Justice U.U. Lalit, held from 8:00 am to 10:15 am, offered expert insights into major constitutional judgments and doctrines shaping India’s legal landscape, covering landmark cases such as State of Kerala v. N.M. Thomas, K.C. Vasanth Kumar v. State of Karnataka, the Mandal Commission, Indira Sawhney v. UOI, Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan, S.P. Gupta v. UOI, the Hutton Commission, Navtej Singh Johar v. UOI, and the evolution of the Collegium and NJAC systems.

State of Kerala vs. N.M. Thomas

Justice Lalit elaborated on how this case advanced the principle that affirmative action provisions could override general equality norms when remedying disadvantage, legitimizing reservations in promotions for scheduled castes and tribes 

K.C. Vasanth Kumar vs. State of Karnataka

He explored the redefinition of merit—showing that merit should consider context and opportunities, not just test scores, and highlighted Justices Chinnappa Reddy and Ramaiya's pioneering judgments. 

Mandal Commission and Indira Sawhney v. UOI

Justice Lalit detailed the Mandal Commission Report’s impact, the “creamy layer” doctrine, and the 50% cap on reservations formulated in Indira Sawhney, analyzing judgements by Justices Pandiyan and Jeevan Reddy. 

Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan

The session included landmark discussions on the rooting of workplace harassment jurisprudence in constitutional rights and the use of international law in shaping Indian legal standards. 

S.P. Gupta v. UOI & Evolution of Collegium/NJAC

Justice Lalit explained judicial appointments in India, from the S.P. Gupta judgment (First Judges’ Case) to the institution of the Collegium and the controversial NJAC (National Judicial Appointments Commission), addressing themes of judicial independence and constitutional checks.

Hutton Commission

The session referenced historical commissions shaping public policy and legal reforms, including the Hutton Commission, to provide context on administrative law and state function. 

Navtej Singh Johar v. UOI

He covered the progressive jurisprudence on rights and inclusion represented by this ruling, which read down Section 377 IPC to decriminalize consensual same-sex relationships. 

Department Name –School of Law

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