Seminar marking the World Day of Social Justice 2025 & Announcing the Establishment of “K.K. Luthra & Nirmal Luthra Centre for Comparative Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Studies” at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) - Thursday 20 February 2025 at 5:00 pm at the JGU International Academy, New Delhi

I have great pleasure in informing you that we have received confirmation for establishing a coveted and generous endowment from one of India's leading lawyers, Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India to establish a Centre dedicated to research and scholarship in the field of comparative criminal law and criminal justice. 

On Thursday, 20 February 2025, O.P. Jindal Global University will be hosting a Seminar marking the World Day of Social Justice 2025 and announcing the establishment of the K.K. Luthra & Nirmal Luthra Centre for Comparative Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Studies.

This Centre, established by Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, in honor of his parents, will serve as a hub for research and dialogue on comparative criminal law and justice. The occasion will witness sharing of the reflections by the following individuals:
•    Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of Law and Justice, Government of India (Chief Guest)
•    Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, Judge, Supreme Court of India
•    Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Karol, Judge, Supreme Court of India
•    Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arjan K. Sikri, Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court
•    Hon’ble Mr. Justice Michael Wilson, Former Judge, Supreme Court of Hawaii, USA
•    Mr. R. Venkataramani, Attorney General for India
•    Mr. Salman Khurshid, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
•    Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
•    Ms. Geeta Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
•    Dr. Meera Luthra, Senior Consultant in Paediatric Surgery
•    Professor R Sudarshan, Dean, Jindal School of Government & Public Policy
•    Professor Dr. Stephen P Marks, Dean, Jindal School of Public Health & Human Development
I have enclosed the event invitation and the detailed programme for your reference. Since the event is already over-subscribed, please let me know, if you are interested to participate in this event. I cannot promise the availability of seats but will nevertheless, try our best to accommodate your request. 
 

Concept Note and Vision Paper

Establishing the K.K. Luthra & Nirmal Luthra Centre for Comparative Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Studies

Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University

Introduction

To commemorate the 100th birth centenary of Mr. K.K. Luthra, a stalwart of criminal law and Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India, this proposal outlines the establishment of the K.K. Luthra & Nirmal Luthra Centre for Comparative Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Studies at Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), O.P. Jindal Global University. This Centre will also honor the legacy of Nirmal Luthra, highlighting her contributions and achievements.

This Centre will be established through a fully endowed fund ensuring the sustainability of its activities in perpetuity. The amount will be contributed by Mr. Siddharth Luthra, a distinguished lawyer and jurist, as a philanthropic initiative to honor his parents’ legacy.

The Centre will serve as a global hub for interdisciplinary research, dialogue, and advocacy in criminal law and criminal justice, fostering a legacy of excellence in research, education, advocacy, and reform.

Vision

To become a global leader in comparative criminal law and criminal justice, promoting fair, equitable, and effective legal systems worldwide.

Mission

To advance comparative legal scholarship, policy innovation, and practical reforms in criminal law and justice through rigorous research, education, capacity-building, and public engagement.

Objectives
        1.      Promote high-quality research in comparative criminal law and justice systems.
        2.      Foster academic and practitioner dialogue on contemporary challenges in criminal law.
        3.      Encourage law reform initiatives for fair and effective justice delivery.
        4.      Create a repository of knowledge on global best practices in criminal law and justice.
        5.      Build a cadre of young scholars and legal professionals through training programs.
        6.      Facilitate policy engagement with governments, judicial bodies, and international organizations.
        7.      Celebrate the legacy of K.K. Luthra and Nirmal Luthra by fostering values of integrity, fairness, and justice in criminal law practice.

Flagship Activities and Initiatives

The Centre will undertake the following 10 flagship activities and initiatives:

1. K.K. Luthra & Nirmal Luthra Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals for Academic Excellence
   •   Objective: Recognizing and encouraging excellence in the study of criminal law, criminology, and criminal justice.
   •   Plan:
      •   Award Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals annually to the top three students in each of the three courses.
      •   Winners will also receive a Merit Certificate, which will be formally recognized on the occasion of University Day.
      •   These awards will inspire future generations of scholars and practitioners, fostering intellectual rigor and academic excellence in disciplines crucial to the Luthra family’s legacy.

2. International Conference on Comparative Criminal Law
   •   Objective: Facilitating scholarly dialogue on global perspectives and challenges in criminal law.
   •   Plan:
      •   Host biennial international conferences on topics such as restorative justice, cybercrime, and human rights in criminal justice.
      •   Publish conference proceedings in a peer-reviewed journal.

3. Policy and Law Reform Advocacy
   •   Objective: Developing actionable recommendations for reforms in India’s criminal justice system.
   •   Plan:
      •   Establish working groups on pre-trial detention, bail reforms, and police accountability.
      •   Submit white papers and policy recommendations to stakeholders.

4. Comparative Research Studies through the KK Luthra & Nirmal Luthra Chair in Criminal Law & Criminal Justice
   •   Objective: Analyzing and comparing criminal justice frameworks worldwide.
   •   Plan:
      •   Research plea bargaining, victim rights, and evidence law.
      •   Publish reports and policy briefs to inform academia and policymakers.

5. Capacity-Building Workshops for Legal Professionals
   •   Objective: Enhancing skills for lawyers, judges, and prosecutors.
   •   Plan:
      •   Conduct workshops on forensic evidence, cybercrime litigation, and human rights advocacy.
      •   Collaborate with bar councils and judicial academies.

6. Postgraduate and Doctoral Research Fellowships
   •   Objective: Supporting emerging scholars in criminal law and justice studies.
   •   Plan:
      •   Offer fully funded fellowships for postgraduate and doctoral students.
      •   Mentor fellows to produce policy-relevant research.

7. K.K. Luthra Legacy Series: Publications and Digital Repository
   •   Objective: Preserving and disseminating Mr. K.K. Luthra’s legal philosophy and contributions.
   •   Plan:
      •   Publish books and articles on his casework and impact.
      •   Create an open-access digital repository on criminal law.

8. Public Engagement and Awareness Programs
   •   Objective: Enhancing public understanding of criminal justice issues.
   •   Plan:
      •   Organize public talks, webinars, and podcasts.
      •   Collaborate with NGOs and advocacy groups.

9. Judicial Dialogues and Roundtables
   •   Objective: Encouraging interaction among the judiciary, academia, and practitioners.
   •   Plan:
      •   Host semi-annual closed-door roundtables on emerging legal challenges.
      •   Develop policy briefs based on these discussions.

10. Internship and Training Programs for Students
   •   Objective: Providing practical exposure to students in criminal law practice and research.
   •   Plan:
      •   Partner with law firms, courts, and NGOs for internships.
      •   Offer training in trial advocacy and legal drafting.

Family Legacy and Contributions

Nirmal Luthra: A Pillar of Strength and Excellence

The Centre will also honor and celebrate the life and contributions of Nirmal Luthra, who played a pivotal role in supporting and shaping the legal journey of the Luthra family. Her dedication to education, integrity, and justice will be a guiding inspiration for the Centre’s work.

Ketaki Goswami: A Distinguished Legal Luminary

Ketaki Goswami, besides being the wife of Siddharth Luthra, is a distinguished lawyer in her own right. Her expertise and contributions to legal practice and advocacy continue to inspire young professionals in the field of law.

Geeta Luthra: A Senior Advocate of Eminence

Geeta Luthra, besides being the sister of Siddharth Luthra, is an accomplished lawyer and Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India. Her work has significantly shaped legal discourse in India, making her an integral part of this family’s legal legacy.

Implementation Plan & Partnerships
   •   Endowment: The Endowment Fund will ensure sustainability.
   •   Governance: Advisory board of jurists, academics, and practitioners.
   •   Infrastructure: Dedicated space at JGLS.
   •   Partnerships: UNODC, Harvard Law School, Oxford University

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