Constitutional Law and Values

On March 17, 2025, Christ (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, hosted an enlightening session on "Constitutional Law and Values" under the School of Business & Management (MBA). The session aimed to explore the fundamental principles of constitutional law and their role in shaping governance, democracy, and ethical business practices. The session was conducted from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM and was designed to create awareness among students about the significance of constitutional values in both legal and business landscapes.

Objective of the Session

The session was organized with the objective of helping students, particularly those from business and management backgrounds, understand the relevance of constitutional law in their professional and social lives. It focused on:

• The core values of the Indian Constitution, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• The influence of constitutional principles on business ethics, corporate governance, and public policy.
• Analyzing contemporary legal challenges in relation to economic and social justice.
• Encouraging critical thinking on how the law safeguards individual rights and regulates state power.

Key Highlights of the Session

1. Introduction to Constitutional Law

The session commenced with an overview of constitutional law, discussing its historical evolution in India and its role in governance. The speaker emphasized the preamble of the Indian Constitution, which encapsulates the guiding principles of democracy, socialism, secularism, and republicanism.

2. Fundamental Rights and Duties

A significant portion of the discussion focused on Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35) and their importance in safeguarding democracy. Key rights discussed included:

• Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Prohibiting discrimination and promoting equal opportunities.
• Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Ensuring freedom of speech, movement, and personal liberty.
• Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Protecting individuals from human trafficking and forced labor.
• Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Allowing citizens to approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

Additionally, the discussion covered Fundamental Duties (Article 51A), emphasizing the responsibilities of citizens to uphold constitutional values.

3. Separation of Powers & Judicial Review

The session then delved into the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary, explaining how this doctrine prevents the abuse of power. The concept of judicial review was also explored, highlighting how courts have the authority to strike down laws that violate constitutional principles.

4. Impact of Constitutional Law on Business & Management

A key focus of the session was the intersection between law and business. It was discussed how constitutional provisions influence corporate governance, labor laws, environmental regulations, and business ethics. The session provided examples of how legal rulings shape the business environment, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.

5. Challenges and Future of Constitutional Values

The session concluded with an insightful discussion on contemporary legal challenges, such as digital privacy, data protection laws, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and environmental sustainability. The audience was encouraged to reflect on how constitutional values play a crucial role in navigating these challenges in a rapidly evolving society.

Student Engagement & Key Takeaways

The session saw enthusiastic participation from students who posed thoughtful questions about constitutional principles and their implications in business and governance. Key takeaways from the session included:

• A deeper understanding of citizens’ rights and responsibilities under the Constitution.
• Awareness of the importance of legal frameworks in shaping ethical business practices.
• Insights into how the judiciary acts as a guardian of constitutional values.
• A better grasp of constitutional law’s role in economic and social justice.

The session was highly informative and thought-provoking, reinforcing the idea that constitutional law is a fundamental pillar not only for legal professionals but for all citizens, including business leaders and policymakers. By understanding the principles of justice, equality, and liberty, students gained valuable knowledge on how the Constitution influences governance, corporate ethics, and societal development. The event successfully bridged the gap between legal principles and real-world applications, ensuring that attendees left with a greater appreciation for constitutional law and its relevance in everyday life.