The 11th Dr. L.M. Singhi Memorial Lecture was organised by O.P. Jindal Global University in New Delhi, bringing together distinguished leaders from the judiciary, Parliament, Bar, academia, and civil society to reflect on the theme “Human Dignity as the Soul of the Constitution: Judicial Reflections in the 21st Century.”
The event was graced by Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, as the Chief Guest, and the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai, as the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker. Senior Advocate and Member of Parliament, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, also addressed the gathering, along with Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University.
In his keynote address, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai underscored that human dignity lies at the heart of constitutional jurisprudence in India. Tracing the evolution of Article 21 and landmark judgments, he emphasised that dignity is not merely an abstract value but a guiding principle that underpins rights to liberty, equality, privacy, autonomy, and justice. He remarked that the Constitution must be interpreted as a “living document” that protects not just survival but the conditions necessary for a life of respect and freedom.
Hon’ble Speaker Om Birla, in his address, highlighted that dignity is not the monopoly of the judiciary but a shared responsibility of all democratic institutions. Parliament, he observed, must safeguard dignity by ensuring laws that empower and protect the most vulnerable, while debates must remain rooted in civility and respect.
Earlier in the evening, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar welcomed the dignitaries and reflected on the multifaceted legacy of Dr. L.M. Singhi as a jurist, parliamentarian, diplomat, cultural custodian, and advocate of human rights. He described the lecture series as an invocation of ideals that bind democracy to justice and dignity.
Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, recalled his father Dr. L.M. Singhi’s immense contributions to law, diplomacy, and interfaith harmony, noting that dignity for him was not only a constitutional principle but a lived practice.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Advocate Aishkar Singhi, who reaffirmed that the memorial lecture is not merely a commemorative event but a platform for dialogue between generations, carrying forward Dr. Singhi’s vision of justice, democracy, and human dignity.
The lecture was attended by judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, senior advocates, Members of Parliament, ambassadors, academics, students, and members of the legal fraternity, making it a solemn yet celebratory occasion to honour Dr. L.M. Singhi’s enduring legacy.