International seminar on The Electoral System: Democracy, Laws and Issues at PU

Chandigarh, March 9, 2019: The Centre for Constitution and Public Policy (CCPP) at The University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, UK hosted the International seminar on The Electoral System: Democracy, Laws and Issues in UILS here today. Justice Rajive Sharma, Judge, Pumjab and Haryama High Court was the chief guest. Ms. Urvashi Gulati, former Chief Secretary, Haryana was the guest of honour. Professor Cillian Ryan, Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Head of the College of Business, Law, and Social Sciences Nottingham Trent University, UK sent a welcome message which was played at the Inaugural session. This collaborative effort with NTU is another milestone for the relationship between the two universities. Justice Rajiv Sharma, spoke on the issues and concerns surrounding the Electoral System in India, highlighting the areas which needed academic intervention. He traced the origin of democracy and its elctoral system highlighting the judiciary's contribution. Starting with the first general elections he detailed the progress and applauded the efforts of the Election Commission of India. Ms Urvashi Gulati, former Chief Secretary, Haryana, having closely dealt with the Electoral process in the State was able to throw real life issues to be debated by tbe participants. He shared anecdotes from her experiences. Earlier, Prof. Rattan Singh, Director UILS welcomed the guests and the participants for the seminar. He also appreciated the effort of Nottingham Trent University. Dr. Shruti Bedi, the convenor introduced the theme of the seminar. She outlined the scope and content of the day long deliberations. The seminar saw a participation of around 195 academics, professionals and students from all over the country who discussed and deliberated on various issues concerning the Electoral System. The technical sessions were chaired and co-chaired by professors and other academicians. This seminar was timely and provided a platform for many issues which need attention in the upcoming elections.