– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
Bengaluru, June 30: Justice (retd.) H.N. Nagmohan Das emphasized the importance of legal reforms over criminal reforms, stating that there should be codified rules for legal reforms, ensuring compliance with human rights and the basic structure of the Constitution.
Speaking in a seminar on “The Pursuit of Legal Justice” here Saturday, the former Karnataka High Court judge Justice Das said, “While some criminal reforms can be welcomed, others require serious discussion and some are unacceptable, such as provisions related to police custody, bail, and sedition.”
In his opening remarks earlier, Advocate P Usman, president of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), the host of the seminar, set the tone for a day of insightful discussions on legal and criminal reforms.
Human rights activist, Advocate BT Venkatesh criticized the new criminal laws, arguing that they prioritize police protection over civil protection. He elaborated on various aspects of the new laws and their implications.
UPCL activist, Advocate Manvi Rajvanshy addressed the alarming rise in hate speech, particularly in news channels, and discussed effective strategies to combat this growing menace.
Nadeem Khan, National Secretary of APCR, highlighted the need for paralegal activists within the framework of the current legal system. He shared some specific cases handled by APCR across India, showcasing their impact and importance.
The seminar concluded with a compelling call to action by Delhi University Professor Apoorvanand. He urged the attendees to collaborate with civil societies to oppose laws that are not people-friendly.
Advocate Mohammed Niyaz, State Secretary of APCR Karnataka, moderated the event, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow of discussions.
The seminar was a significant step towards raising awareness and fostering dialogue on crucial legal issues, reaffirming APCR’s commitment to protecting civil rights and promoting justice.
