Harvard Law School Human Rights Program Discussion on India’s Constitutional Democracy
The Human Rights Program (HRP) at Harvard Law School, marking its 40th anniversary, has announced an upcoming public event examining the promises and challenges of India’s constitutional democracy.
Upcoming Event: India's Constitutional Democracy: [In]Complete Justice?
Date: Friday, January 30
Time: 12:15 PM EST
Location: TBD
This event will feature a discussion with Justice Srinivasan Muralidhar, former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, and Professor Sugata Bose. The conversation will explore whether the Constitution of India, and the Supreme Court it established, has fulfilled its foundational commitments to liberty, equality, fraternity, and dignity.
The discussion will also address the Court’s role in checking majoritarian impulses and the excesses of state power, as well as the broader question of judicial legitimacy in contemporary India.
The event highlights Justice Muralidhar’s newly released book:
"[In]complete Justice? The Supreme Court at 75"
The book offers a critical exploration of the Supreme Court’s evolving role over its 75-year history and raises questions about its ability to deliver equal and fair justice while navigating political and institutional pressures.
Lunch will be provided. Additional event details are available through HRP’s events page.
Fellowship Announcement: Neelan Tiruchelvam Memorial Fellowship (2026–2027)
HRP and the Program on Law and Society in the Muslim World (PLSMW) at Harvard Law School are currently accepting applications for the Neelan Tiruchelvam Memorial Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The fellowship supports outstanding legal scholars and practitioners of Sri Lankan background to undertake research and scholarly engagement on human rights themes related to Sri Lanka and South Asia for up to one academic semester at Harvard Law School.
The fellowship honors the late Neelan Tiruchelvam, a Sri Lankan peace and human rights activist, lawyer, scholar, and politician.
Application deadline: March 2, 2026
Further information and the online application are available through Harvard Law School HRP.