FACULTY DISCUSSION SERIES

I] FACULTY DISCUSSION SERIES

The Research Consultancy and Extension services Cell was instituted by the institution to promote research culture. The Cell which was renamed as Research development and Innovation Cell as per the directives of DHE, initiated a unique series titled ‘Faculty Discussion Series’ in the academic year 2021-22.

The main objective of the series was to inculcate research culture among the faculty and give them platform to express their opinions on the pertinent socio-legal topics. Thereafter the faculty was also encouraged to develop their research in to a research paper suited for publication in renowned Legal journals.

In the academic year 2021-22 eight sessions were conducted by the faculty. The reports of the sessions are as follows:

FACULTY DISCUSSION SERIES

SESSION – I

TOPIC: THE MUSLIM WOMEN (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS ON DIVORCE) ACT, 1986

FACULTY RESOURCE PERSON: MS. SONALI NAIK

DATE: 29^TH OCTOBER, 2021

The Research Consultancy and Extension Services Cell of the College as an IQAC initiative organized the faculty discussion series. The first session was conducted on the 29^th of October 2021 at 12:30 pm in the Smart classroom of the college. The topic of discussion was ‘The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights On Divorce) Act, 1986’. The resource person for the same was Ms. Sonali Naik, Assistant Professor. It was attended by all the faculty of the college.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Shruti Nadkarni, Assistant Professor and In-charge of the Research Consultancy and Extension Services Cell of the college. The inaugural address was delivered by the Principal, Dr. Saba Da Silva, he welcomed everyone to the first session of the Faculty Discussion Series and asked all the faculty members to participate in the discussion. Further on Dr. Shruti Nadkarni introduced the speaker Ms. Sonali Naik, Assistant Professor.

Ms. Sonali Naik, Assistant Professor began the session by giving an overview of ‘The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights On Divorce) Act, 1986’. She explained the concept of marriage and divorce under the Muslim Law. She explained the famous Shah Banu Begum’s case which led to the creation of ‘The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986’. She also highlighted the need and importance of a Uniform Civil Code. Finally she took up the Judicial perspective on divorce under Muslim Law.

At the end of the discussion questions were posed by the faculty to the speaker, which were duly answered. There was a fruitful discussion on the topic.

Dr. Shruti Nadkarni proposed the vote of thanks.

SESSION II

TOPIC: ACCEPTANCE OF SIPS AND MUTUAL FUNDS ANS INVESTMENT OVERCOMING OLD METHODS OF SAVING DEPOSITS, PROS AND CONS

Faculty resource person: Mr. SAPRESH DEVIDAS

Date: 13^TH NOVEMBER2021

The Research Consultancy and Extension Services Cell of the college and the IQAC organized a faculty discussion series, Session II on the topic ‘Acceptance of SIPS and Mutual Funds as investment overcoming old methods of saving deposits, Pros and Cons’. The resource person for the same was Mr. Sapresh Devidas, Assistant professor. It was held on 13^th November 2021 at 11:30 am in the smart classroom of the college. It was attended by all the faculty of the college. Dr. Shruti Nadkarni, Incharge of the Research & Consultancy Cell of the college welcomed everyone and introduced the speaker.

He explained the concept of mutual funds and also the types of mutual funds. He also explained in depth about the SIPS. He also stressed on the advantages and disadvantages of investing in Mutual Funds. Mr. Ainsley Bernard, Asst. Prof. from Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics was present for the discussion and he threw light on the stockmarket and Mutual Funds.

At the end of the discussion questions were posed by the faculty to the speaker, which were duly answered, also Mr. Ainsley Bernard, Asst. Prof also answered some queries put forth by the faculty. Ms. Niharika Chari, Asst. Prof. proposed the vote of thanks.

SESSION III

TOPIC: Investment as a Vehicle of Neo-Colonialism: The case of CDT and Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port

Faculty resource person: Ms. Vaibhavi Rane

Date: 24th November 2022

The 3^rd Faculty Discussion series was held on 24^th November 2022. The faculty resource person for the said series was Ms. Vaibhavi Rane, Assistant Professor, who delivered a session on the topic “Investment as a Vehicle of Neo-Colonialism: The case of CDT and Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port”. The Faculty Discussion Series is organized by the IQAC and Research Consultancy and Extension Services Cell of G. R. Kare College of Law.

The resource person spoke about geopolitics in accordance with international law in relation to China’s use of investment as a tool of neo-colonialism and its simple exploitation of Sri Lanka and its needs in order to further its own national interests.

Following questions were addressed in the discussion:

Whether China is indeed engaged in neo-colonist behavior, especially from perspective of Hambantota Port?
If international law is equipped to deal with such issues, if not what are the possible solutions?

The faculty members discussed their views and opinions and came to the conclusion that an international mechanism is necessary to regulate issues and problems relating to investments and also to keep a check on the exploitative strategies in this regard.

SESSION IV

TOPIC: ORGAN DONATION ISSUES AND CONCERN

Faculty resource person: Ms. Akanksha Gehlaut

Date: 9th June 2022

VVM’s Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law Margao, IQAC and Research Development and innovation (RDI) Cell under Faculty Discussion Series had organized a Session on ORGAN DONATION ISSUES AND CONCERN “on 09.06.2022.

Ms. Akansha Gehlaut, Assistant Professor of G.R kare college of law was the Resource person for the programme. The programme begins with the welcome speech of Dr. Shruti Nadkarni Assistant professor of G.R Kare College of Law who introduced the Resource person for programme.

Ms. Akansha Gehlaut then addressed the session as a resource person and expressed her views on the topic and gave brief introduction ORGAN DONATION ISSUES AND CONCERN. She enlighten the faculty participants transplantation of human organs act 1994 (amendment rules 2014).

After the brief introduction the forum was kept open for discussion on the said topic. To begin with discussion asst professor Saprem Shirvoikar took the issue of informed consent. Then Dr. Shruti Nadkarni gave her views on various loopholes in the transplantation of Human organs act 1994. Then Asst Professor Sapresh Devidas spoke on ethical issues also crimes performed through kidney rackets. Dr Saba Da Silva also shows his concern on legal and procedure for transplantation of organs mostly incase of Brain Death. Other faculty members also equally took part in the discussion by giving their views on the topic. Overall it was a fruitful discussion on the topic.

After the detail and fruitful discussion it was realized that there is requirement of necessary amendment to be made in the act. The programme was concluded by vote of thanks.

SESSION V

TOPIC: LEGALITY OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE IN INDIA

Faculty resource person: Ms. Lariza Gomes

Date: 13^th June 2022

The concept of marriage has evolved over the years. Traditionally, a marriage was defined as a union between a man and a woman but now it is understood to mean the union of TWO PEOPLE. India too is no stranger to this change. The landmark judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India,brought about a whirlwind of change and gave newer dimensions to rights of the persons belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. But even post the judgment that decriminalized Sec. 377 of IPC, uncertainty with respect to same sex marriages in India still continues.

In India (except for the State of Goa) there is no unified marriage law. Marriages are generally governed by the personal laws of the persons marrying. These personal laws do not expressly prohibit same sex marriages. But the courts have in interpreting these provisions excluded same sex marriages from the ambit of these legislations. Further,certain other rights and obligations that flow from a marriage become questionable in the absence of proper marriage laws govening same sex marriage.

In this Faculty discussion resource person highlighted the main issues pertaining to the same sex marriages which are as follows:

Are same sex marriages legal in India? If no, should they be legalized? If yes, should they be criminalized?
Should partners in a same sex marriage or in a same sex live in relationship have the right to maintenance?
Should same sex couples have a right to take in adoption?
Should a person in a same sex marriage or in a same sex relationship have a right to inheritance of his/her partners property?

The faculty members discussed and debated on these issues and tried to ascertain and understand the legality of same sex marriages in India and understand it’s implications on the various rights and issues that ensue from a marriage.

SESSION VI

TOPIC: Universalism Vs Cultural Relativism of Human Rights

Faculty resource person: Ms. Priyanka Parab

Date: 15^th June 2022

The Research, Development and Innovation Cell of Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law under its institutional distinctiveness organizes Faculty Discussion Series. Ms. Priyanka Parab, Assistant Professor of G. R. Kare College of Law was the faculty resource person for the 6^th faculty discussion series held on 15^th June 2022, delivering a session on the topic “Universalism Vs Cultural Relativism of Human Rights” assessing the intersection between human rights and culture in the context of human rights regime. The session started with the welcome remarks and introduction of the resource person by Dr. Shruti Nadkarni, Assistant Professor of G. R. Kare College of Law.

Ms. Priyanka Parab began the discussion by highlighting the significance of human rights and elaborating on various human rights conventions and documents with global implications. The resource person outlined the argument made by Universalists and Cultural Relativists. According to Universalists, human rights apply to all people regardless of their cultural background, on the contrary Cultural Relativists believe that human rights should take account of cultural differences.

In this faculty discussion series, following questions were discussed:

Whether human rights must be universal or culture related?
Whether the rights listed in UDHR are based on morality o f Western and European countries as claimed by the relativists?
To what extent culture-based rights be adopted?
How to achieve reconciliation/balance of the two conflicting ideologies?

On the questions mentioned above, the faculty members shared their thoughts and opinions. The discussion came to the conclusion that while cultural orientations should be taken into consideration when evaluating human rights, but those cultural orientations shouldn’t be allowed to violate basic human rights.

SESSION VII

Topic: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN: A HIDDEN VICTIM

Faculty resource person: Ms. Archana Naik, Assistant Professor

Domestic violence also termed as Intimate partner violence is a global issue. India from ancient times is a patriarchal society, so it is often hard to believe that even men can be victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence is rarely discussed in society from the perspective of a male victim since information is scarce and incidences are frequently unreported. Spousal abuse is a severe issue that affects both men and women. While domestic violence against women are widely highlighted in the media, an increasing number of males are being harassed and subjected to physical and psychological abuse at the hands of their spouses.

India has strict laws to protect women from domestic violence such as The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Sec 498- A of the Indian Penal Code which safeguards women from being subjected to cruelty in the hands of the husband or his relatives, however, there is no such legislation available to protect the rights of men. The law in India does not recognize domestic violence against men.

In this Faculty discussion attempt was made to understand how men can be victim domestic violence and explore the issues which are relevant to understanding the position of men in India who experience domestic abuse and also focus on making improvements to the current legal system.

Points for discussion

Is law silent on domestic violence against men? If yes, why? If no, which are the provisions?
Is there a need to amend the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005?
What should be the course of action in cases where domestic violence is inflicted by both the

partners on each other?

Whether Gender biased laws have led to increase in domestic violence against men? Are Gender neutral laws the need of the hour?

SESSION VIII

TOPIC: NEED FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF NDPS ACT, 1985

Faculty resource person: Mr. Saprem Shirvoikar

Date: 23^rd June 2022

There were no laws regulating narcotics in India till 1985 when the NDPS Act was passed. Smoking of cannabis has been mentioned in the Atharva Veda and its recreational use was common and accepted in society on a par with alcohol consumption. Until 1985, cannabis and its derivatives like hashish, marijuana, bhang, etc. were sold legally in the country. After NDPS Act there has been strict prohibition on sale and use of Narcotic and Psychotropic substances. However in spite of the Act the drug abuse in the country is on the rise. This raises concern about the implementation of the Act. This session was an attempt to discuss the effective implementation of the Act.