One Week Faculty Development Programme - Day 4

SPEAKER 1: Prof. (Dr.) A. P. Singh, Dean, School of Law and Legal Studies, GGSIP University, Dwarka, New Delhi.

Topic: " Role of Media and Freedom of Press"

Prof. A. P. Singh commenced the lecture by explaining what media refers to in legal context. The speaker discussed the origin of freedom of media in India as well as in USA and further emphasized its importance. While discussing the meaning and extent of electronic media, the speaker simultaneously delved into the right of freedom of speech and expression extending to the media. The landmark cases were quoted to accentuate three prime constituents of the right enjoyed by media i.e., access to information, freedom of publication and freedom of circulation. To give a better understanding of the topic the speaker briefly discussed the historical background of rights enjoyed by the media in India as well as the laws which sanction the actions of the media. Moving on to OTT platforms, he briefly pointed out as to how its system works and then quoted some intermediary guidelines required for its regulation. He emphasized on the need for and importance of censorship on the OTT platforms. He concluded the discussion by highlighting the judgment of the Hicklin's test, and pointing out how crucial it is to have separate regulation for traditional media and the electronic media.

SPEAKER 2: Prof. (Dr.) T. R. Subramanya, Dean, School of Legal Studies, CMR University

Topic: “International Law: Practices of Sovereign States”

Prof. T.R. Subramanya, commenced by explaining the significance of synchronicity between the municipal law and the international law. He discussed to what extent does the municipal law incorporates the international law and vice versa. In the light of this question, he also raised another question that to what extent does the national courts apply international laws and vice versa. He further discussed the important theories on international law including the theory of Dualism, Monism and Hans Kelson’s Pure Theory of Law. While discussing these theories on international law and treaties linked with the topics respectively, he pointed out an important phrase i.e., “Pacta sunt servanda”. He also discussed the theory of transformation, theory of delegation, and theory of specific adoption while delivering the lecture. A crux of the session was not merely on an array of theories on international law but also the pertinent criticism relating to it. He concluded by quoting some landmark cases of international concern, and the difference created by such decisions.

SPEAKER 3: Prof. (Dr.) G. Kameshwari, Director (Research), Commonwealth Institute of Justice, Education and Research, Lloyd Law College.

Topic: “Strategies and Techniques for Teaching Criminal Law”

Prof. G. Kameshwari commenced the session by quoting an effective quote that “Teaching must not be by chance rather teaching must be by choice". According to her, the important aspect of teaching includes enthusiasm for teaching, knowledge relating to the content to be taught, clarity of thought and expression, preparation, and organization, stimulating student’s taught thoughts and interests. She further pointed out that while teaching a particular substantive law subject like IPC, the teacher must have a fair knowledge of other related subjects like jurisprudence, interpretation of statutes, constitutional law, etc. This helps the teacher to get clarity on the subject which ultimately builds confidence in the teacher. While in the case of procedural law subjects, the students must be exposed to practical aspects to enhance their learning as well as drafting skills.  She laid great emphasis on the methodology to be adopted while teaching criminal laws, to which she added that besides gaining a fair knowledge of the entire subject and the syllabus concerned, the teacher must prepare a semester plan as well as a daily session plan to ensure there is a structured and clear teaching/ learning experience for the teachers and the students, respectively. She also discussed various techniques of teaching including lecture method, case method, question – answer method, problem – solving method, quizzes, group discussion.  She concluded the session by putting forward some do’s and don’ts that the teachers must take into consideration in respect of their attitude and personality in the class.

SPEAKER 4: Dr. Nitesh Saraswat, Assistant professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Principles of Taxation Law and Constitution of India

Dr. Nitesh Saraswat gave a deep insight of constitutional provisions by laying down principles of taxation in India. He referred to the constitutional principles from which the taxation system in India, derives sanctity, including Article 246 along with the VII schedule of the Indian Constitution (Union List, State List, and Concurrent List). He then discussed different kinds of taxes including direct taxes, indirect taxes, and the GST and gave an elaborate list of taxes that fall under these three categories of taxation, also the various regulatory mechanisms of income tax in India. He further discussed on the theories of tax i.e., emergent tax, benefit theory, social contract theory, sacrifice theory and covered the four major canons of Taxation that is equity, certainty, convenience, and economy. This was followed by a discussion on the equity, economic efficiency, administrable, and coherence which altogether constitutes four crucial principles of taxation. The session was structured so well that the speaker was able to cover most of the important sub topics and also gave insight on areas which need reforms in the future.