Mumbai – Jyot, in collaboration with KC Law College, hosted a groundbreaking discourse led by His Holiness Spiritual Sovereign Jainacharya Yugbhushan Suri, the 79th successor of Tirthankar Mahavir, on the intricate legal concept of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the Contemporary Era. This historic event marked the first time a Jain monk had addressed such a crucial legal subject at the institution, bringing together spiritual wisdom, legal experts, and aspiring law students.
The chief guest for the event was Justice M. L. Tahaliyani, former Lokayukta of Maharashtra and retired Judge of the Bombay High Court.
While emphasising the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine, His Holiness stated:
“The absolute sovereignty of Parliament is and was never in the interest of humanity. Ancient scriptures denounced it, and it was never practiced in Ancient India. Absolute sovereignty should neither be created, propagated, nor implemented.”
Expressing his thoughts on the unique nature of the session, Justice M.L. Tahaliyani remarked, “For the first time, I have seen a spiritual leader speak on the Basic Structure Doctrine, which is a complex aspect of Indian Constitutional law.”
A law student from KC Law College shared their insights, stating, “The session and exhibition were eye-opening, offering an in-depth analysis of the Basic Structure Doctrine in relation to democracy.”
An experienced Bombay High Court advocate commented, “His Holiness raised a fundamental question about the nature of Indian democracy within the framework of the Basic Structure. The key issue is: Is the Constitution of India, as framed, democratically democratic or undemocratically democratic?”
The event was further enriched by the presence of distinguished guests, including Adv. Harihar P. Chaturvedi, Member (Judicial), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India, and Former HOD at NCLT, Ahmedabad Bench, Mr. Rajan Jaykar, Solicitor and Advocate, Mr. Yogendra Rajgor, Advocate, Bombay High Court and Several other eminent legal professionals
Jyot’s Vision and Upcoming Events
The event was part of Jyot’s ongoing initiative to disseminate key insights from its flagship conclave series, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Ki Oar’, whose deliberations have reached the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and 23 embassies of the Global South.
Continuing its mission to educate and engage youth on profound legal and philosophical themes, Jyot is organising a series of upcoming events across Mumbai’s premier educational institutions:
• February 13, 2025 – In collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Jyot hosted a session on ‘The Root Cause of Discrimination in the Current World Order’.
• March 11, 2025 – In partnership with Mumbai University and Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan’s Hazarimal Somani College of Arts, Commerce, and Science, Jyot will hold an exhibition-cum-conference on ‘The Root Cause of Discrimination in the Current World Order – A Holistic Approach through the Indian Knowledge System’. The event will take place at Mackichan Hall, opposite Bhavan’s College, from 9 AM to 12 Noon.
• March 18-19, 2025 – A two-day exhibition-cum-session at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, on ‘Freedom of Speech – Ancient vs Modern’. Special guest Justice B. N. Srikrishna will be in attendance.
• January 2026 – Jyot is planning the fourth edition of its flagship conclave series, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Ki Oar’.
Through these initiatives, Jyot aims to cultivate a future global order rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—one that is free, fair, and just.
