Volume 4, Issue 1 Newsletter January 2021

School of Law welcomes Prof. (Dr.) Nuzhat Parveen Khan as its new Dean. Prof Nuzhat has twenty-eight years of academic experience in a Central University i.e., , . She has authored dozens of books on conflicting and contemporary legal issues. Prof. Khan has contributed and presented modules on Jurimetrics for the UGC e-Pathshala Project at graduate and post graduate level. She has also authored study materials for various universities and colleges across the nation. She is also a member of many Governing Bodies,

Academic Councils and Executive Councils of various leading Prof. (Dr.) Nuzhat Parveen Khan universities of . Prof. Khan has held several academic and administrative posts viz. Dean, Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, (2016- 2019); Chairperson (Law), National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, MHRD; Chairperson, Internal Complaints Committee, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Provost, Hall of Girls’ Residence, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi to name a few.

Welcoming Prof. (Dr.) Nuzhat Parveen Khan as the new Dean of School of Law, Bennett University BOARD OF STUDIES

CONTENTS Internal Experts: 1. Dean Speak...... 3 Prof (Dr.) Nuzhat Parveen Khan, Dean, School of Law, Bennett University and Chairman, Board of Studies 2. 71st Constitution Day Prof. (Dr.) Sridhar Acharyulu, Professor, School of Law, Bennett Celebrations...... 4 University 3. Socratic Club Lectures...... 4 Dr. Manjula Rani Mallepalli, Associate Professor, School of Law, Bennett University 4. Events at SOL ...... 5 Dr. Ashita Allamraju, Associate Professor, School of Law, Bennett 5. Collaborations...... 6 University 6. Post Truth: Faculty Seminar External Experts: Series...... 6 Prof. (Dr.) Faizan Mustafa, Vice- Chancellor, NALSAR University of 7. Moot point...... 6 law, Hyderabad Prof. (Dr.) V. Vijayakumar, Vice-Chancellor, NLIU, Bhopal 8. Student Corner...... 7 Prof. (Dr.) Srikrishna Deva Rao, Vice-Chancellor, NLU, Delhi 9. PhD Scholars at Prof. (Dr.) V. Kesava Rao, Vice-Chancellor, NUSRL, Ranchi BUSOL...... 9 Prof. Dr. Paramjit S Jaswal, Vice-Chancellor, SRM University, 10. Faculty in News...... 10 Sonepat Prof. (Dr.) Vijender Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, NLU, Nagpur 11. Welcoming New Students Prof. (Dr.) GS Bajpai, Registrar, NLU, Delhi and Faculty...... 15 Prof. (Dr.) S Shantha Kumar, Director, GNLU, Gandhinagar 12. ‘The Tenet’ by Centre for Shri. R. Venkatramani, Senior Advocate, Social Sciences...... 16 Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Director, ILI, New Delhi 13. Guest Author Column Dr. Anindya Sircar, Industry Consultant H-1b Visa Suspension: A Latent Reinforcement for Special Invitees: Indian Startups? -Padmini Prof. (Dr.) R. K. Shevgaonkar, Vice-Chancellor, Bennett University Subhashree...... 16 Prof. (Dr.) Nilanjan Chattopadhyay, Dean, School of Management, Bennett University Prof. (Dr.) Rama Komaragiri, Dean, Academics, Bennett University

2 3 Dean Speak

oceans, green lands, and space Through it all, Bennett Law to many animals who were School has not only managed on the brink of extinction. We to ride out the storm but have cherished the newfound has also aspired to keep the respect for healthcare workers, spirits up. We celebrated 71st sanitation workers, police Constitution Day, welcomed forces, civic body staff, and new faculty and Ph.D. every professional class students, and collaborated with deemed 'essential' during this international universities in global crisis. The internet the US and Europe. I feel very passed its ultimate stress test, proud of all student initiatives, Prof (Dr.) Nuzhat Parveen Khan and we started the work from publications, and laurels and home revolution, and many of those who represented the I want to begin by welcoming us took this time to reconnect school at the various national all my colleagues and students with family, friends, and and international competitions at Bennett Law School with neighbours. and moot courts. I really look a hearty start to a brand-new forward to celebrating many year. I hope this year brings Of course, much has changed new endeavours of the school a lot of new possibilities and for the worse as well: the together. success for all of us as we income and wealth inequality collectively navigate through has grown, corruption has As we embark on this new these tough times. deepened, the farmers are still journey, it is my sincerest protesting, and the violation hope that the leadership and I am elated to be part of the of women's rights have added the legacy that I leave behind Bennett Law School and I new dimensions to it. The for the school, faculty, and want to take a moment and cases of domestic violence its students, is even more thank everyone for their against women have increased empowered and resilient than immense support to have made manyfold and the crisis has the one I started with. I wish my transition in the role as the been termed a ‘Shadow you all the very best and look Dean so easy and possible. Pandemic’ for them. Such forward to years of fruition.

The world has changed instances teach us that there Prof (Dr.) Nuzhat Parveen Khan so much in the past one is a dire need to recognise the Dean, School of Law Bennett University year; Some of it for the real purpose of our education better: record fall in carbon and governance system — to emissions, pure air, pristine strive to safeguard humanity.

3 71st Constitution Day Celebrations

School of Law (SOL), Bennett University, organised the Celebrations of 71st Constitution Day, i.e., Samvidhan Divas on Nov 26, 2020. The celebrations started in two sessions. In the first session, the Preamble of Constitution of India was read to a large audience consisting the students, faculty, and staff members of the Bennett Law School. Prof (Dr) Nuzhat Parveen Khan, Dean SOL, explained the meaning and sentiment behind preamble of Constitution of India. She expressed her thoughts over the important and meaningful words written in the Preamble.

To mark the importance of this day, in the second session, a special lecture was delivered by Dr Parikshet Sirohi, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law University of Delhi, on the topic ‘Freedom of speech and Expression under the Constitution of India’. He explained the main elements of ‘Right to Freedom of Speech’ and ‘Expressions as a Citizen of India’, quoting the acts of ‘Right to Information’, the ‘Freedom of Commercial Speech’, and ‘Right to Expression’ beyond national boundaries.

Dr. Parikshet Sirohi (top left) speaking on ‘Freedom of 71st Constitutional Day Celebrations Speech and Expression under the Constitution of India’

SOCRATIC CLUB LECTURE

XI Socrartic Lecture was delivered by Shri. R Venkatramani, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Member, Law Commission of India on September 26, 2020. He deliberated upon the topic ‘The Invisible Constitution and the Court’. It was attended by all SOL Students and Bennett University Adv. R Venkataramani delivering XI fraternity group. Socratic Lecture XII Socratic Lecture was delivered by Shri Rajesh Nandan Srivastava on October 5, 2020. Mr. Srivastava is a 1992 batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Central Excise). He is presently on deputation from the to the Secretariat of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the UN body dealing with drugs, in Vienna as Drug Control XII Socratic Lecture by Shri Rajesh & Crime Prevention Officer. The topic of his lecture was ‘Drug Control in Nandan Srivastava India – Challenges and Legislative Structure to Address the Same’.

4 5 Events at School of Law

Special/Guest Lectures

September 1, 2020: SOL hosted a special lecture delivered online by Shri. Vikas Basode from Karnataka Government on the topic— ‘Role of Governor’.

September 7, 2020: Prof (Dr) M Sridhar Acharyulu, Dean School of Law Bennett University, delivered the 1st Constitution@70 lecture on September 7, 2020. He deliberated on the topic— ‘Is Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech) subject to Article 129, 142(2) (Power to Punish Expression for Contempt of Court)?’

September 22, 2020: A guest lecture (online) was organised by Dr Chasul Phogat for the PhD research scholars (SOL, 2020 batch) on ‘Ethnographic Research’. It was delivered by Dr Sailaja Nandigama, Assistant Professor, BITS Pilani, Pilani campus.

November 5, 2020: A guest lecture was organised by Prof Arpan Acharya for the law students on the theme of Constitutional Law. It was delivered by Mr. AM Shodhan Babu on the topic ‘The Constitutional Lists in Practice’. Mr. Babu is the Founding Partner, Panag & Babu Law Offices.

November 6, 2020: A guest lecture was organised by Dr Garima Tiwari for the law students on the theme of Public International Law. It was delivered by Prof Madhav Mallya on the topic ‘Subjecthood of Multinational Corporations under International Law’. Mr. Mallaya is an Assistant Professor with Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat.

November 13, 2020: A special lecture on ‘Constitutional Law- Emergency’ was delivered by Prof. Y Satyanarayana, former VC of the NLU at Visakhapatnam. He is an eminent jurist with decades of research and teaching experience. He was a student leader during the emergency.

November 24, 2020: A special lecture and training was organised by the Dean, School of Law— Prof (Dr) Nuzhat Parveen Khan on the topic, ‘All You need to know about Moot Courts’. The expert guest who was invited to deliver the lecture was Mr Tariq Khan, Advocate, International and Domestic Arbitrations.

December 5, 2020: Prof. Dr. Nuzhat Parveen Khan and Dr Garima Tiwari shared their views on ‘Careers in Law’ in a webinar organised by Bennett University in collaboration with Essex University. Literary and Debating events

To draw up the creativity and free expression of the students, Literary and Debating Committee of Bennett Law School organised many events: Short story writing competition, a conventional debate on, 'Feminist Porn should be Endorsed by the Government', a panel discussion on ‘Media Trials- the IV Tarnished Pillar’, an extempore competition, and ‘Abhivyakti- Call for Poetry’ (on Gandhi Jayanti).

5 Collaborations

Collaboration with Essex University

School of Law, Bennett University in collaboration with Essex University organised a webinar ‘Pathways to LLM at Essex University’ on December 15, 2020. The panel included Prof (Dr) Nuzhat Parveen Khan, Dean School of Law Bennett University, as patron. Speakers included Mr. Sandeep Sharma, Director for Student Recruitment & Partnerships, South Asia and Mr. Vatsal Chandra, Regional Recruitment & Development Officer, India. The webinar was moderated by

Dr Garima Tiwari, Assistant Professor School of Law. Webinar on ‘Pathways to LLM at Essex University’ MoU with WICCI

Bennett School of Law signed an MoU with WICCI (Women wing of FICCI)

Post Truth Faculty Seminar Series

XIV Post Truth Seminar was conducted on 'Regulatory Challenges of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence' by Prof Tabrez Ahmad on September 18, 2020. Prof Tabrez Ahmad is a Pro Vice Chancellor & Dean, School of Law, GD Goenka University. He is also the Founder of Technolex.

Moot Point XIV Post Truth Seminar by Prof Tabrez Ahmed

Participation in Moot Court Competitions

The students at School of Law, Bennett University, took part in various prestigious external moot court competitions between the months of July and December 2020.

• Sanya Kapoor and Sakshi Mittal, III-year, BBA-LLB(H), and Riya Soni II-year, BBA-LLB(H), participated in the 1st National Moot Proposition Drafting Competition organized by Licitelite. Students across the nation joined and showed their expertise in the field. The team secured st1 rank and Riya secured 2nd rank in the competition and won cash prize with additional publication opportunities. Their moot propositions will be utilized for Licitelite’s national moot court competition. • Tanvi Chopra, Tanishqa Gupta and Shaurya Nagpal, II-year, BBA-LLB(H) students represented the University in a National Moot Court Competition on ‘Wildlife Protection’ organised by Government Law College. The team reached the quarter final rounds and ranked 6th among all 16 teams. • The team from Bennett Law School comprising Abhay Dev Sharma, Hitashi Bansal III-year, BA-LLB(H), and Nisarg Trivedi II- year BA-LLB(H), participated in the ICFAI Mediation Competition, which was a part of their legal fest ‘LEX KNOT 2020’. The team won the competition among the pool of 18 teams and got the prize for Best Client - Council pair. .

6 7 Student Corner

Students as Speakers

1. Swadheena Joardar, IV-year, BBA-LLB(H)student was among one of the panellists in a webinar organised by LSAC Global on November 17, 2020. It was the first in the series of webinars on ‘Global Perspectives: From India and Beyond’featuring Indian and International leaders to highlight the academic and professional opportunities for students in the field of Law. Other renowned names in the panel were Prof Monica Ingram, Associate Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid, Cornell

Swadheena Jordar (R) at the Webinar on ‘Global Perspectives: Law School; Prof Sital Kalantry, Clinical Professor of From India and Beyond’ Law, Cornell Law School and Prof C Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal Global University.

2. Apoorva Mehta, IV-year, BBA- LLB(H) was rapporteur for a webinar organised by Amity University and National Commission for Women on October 22, 2020. The topic was ‘Harassment of Women in Digital Space’. She gave a lecture on ‘Alternative Dispute Resolutions’ at the University of Namibia, Africa. It was an online session for African students to know about how ADR works in India. She also gave a talk on ‘A way forward for non-NLU students’ at ILS law college, Pune on November 30.

Apoorva Mehta as a speaker in the webinar on Student Publications ‘A Way Forward for Non-NLU students

1. Swadheena Joardar, IV-year BBA-LLB(H) student published her paper titled ‘Equal Pay for Equal Work: A Necessity for Combatting Economic Discrimination’ in the Lex Research Hub Journal on Law & Multidisciplinary Issues, Volume II, Issue I. She has also published her case comment ‘Case Commentary: Hugo Boss Trade Mark Management Gmbh & Co. Kg v. Sheeta Sabharwal’ in Volume 1, Issue 7, of the International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis.

2. Devansh Agarwal got his research paper titled ‘Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha v. Deepak Mangal And Ors’ published in Volume 2, Issue 2 of Lexforti Legal Journal.

3. Somya Goel, a II-year student of LLB (H) published three articles on legal services in India. The articles are- ‘Joseph Shine v. Union of India’, ‘M/S Embassy Property v. Karnataka’, and ‘Karta in a Joint Hindu Family’.

4. Naman Jain with Pooja Lakshmi contributed to the case compilation project 'Suo Moto Petitions' of Probono India, Gujarat and got appreciated for publishing their case analysis in the case compilation book, 2020 edition, which is also recommended to NLU Gujarat. They together secured 7th position with a free publication of their article and an internship offer in the National Short Article Writing Competition organized by Lawgical Forum.

5. Naman Jain’s article related to ‘Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’ got published as a chapter in the ISBN certified book titled 'Legal Issue’, Volume 2 issued by Cyberleck Publications and Notion Press. He along with her co- author Pooja Lakshmi, a II-year, BBA-LLB(H) student published a chapter in the ISBN certified book titled 'Indian Economy after Covid-19.' Also, they as a team bagged the first position in Ecolawgy Conference and Panel Discussion and were awarded the prize for the best content with a free publication of their research paper in Ecolawgy Magazine Vol 1, Issue 2.

7 Student Laurels 5. Upasana Chopra and Nisarg faced during lockdown and Trivedi, II-year, BA-LLB(H) their employment status. The 1. Kriti, IV-year, BBA-LLB(H) students participated in ‘The report was acknowledged by student, won the International Research Paper Writing The Hindu, Bar & Bench, SSC Bridges to Justice, Geneva’s Competition 2020’ organized by Online, The Wire, and multiple ‘Youth for Youth Justice’ Think India on August 1, 2020. other platforms. program award. Her project is They secured 1st position in on ‘Juvenile Justice’ and she the competition and won cash 9. A webinar was organised by has been assigned $1500 for its prize. The research paper got LSAT India, for all the aspiring implementation. Kriti would be published in JLSR Journal, law students. Arushi Sharma , working under the mentorship Volume 1, Issue 4. They also an SOL student, was given the of Adv. Ajay Verma who guided participated in ‘The National opportunity to speak in this her for the same. Case Comment Writing webinar. Competition 2020’ organized 2. Lakshya Kaushish, II-year 10. Naman Jain and Riya Soni were by Lawcutor onJuly 18, 2020. BA-LLB(H) student, secured among the winners of National They secured 1st position in 1st Position in the 1st National conference on RTE organized the competition and won cash Level Quiz Competition – ‘4 by Legal Aid Society of NLU prize. The case comment got Shades’, conducted by Ageless Odisha and got their manuscript published on the official website Legal Team on July 15, 2020. published in the newsletter of of Lawcutor. The Competition was based on– NLU Odisha. Further, they as a st ‘Constitutional law’ (Article 6. Maansi Pilla, I-year, BA- team bagged the 1 position in 5-212), ‘Indian Contract Law’ LLB(H) student, participated International paper presentation (Sec. 1-75), ‘Legal Maxims’, in a debate ‘War of Words’ competition of Lex Bonaza, and ‘Landmark Judgments’. conducted by DEBSOC (debating committee of 3. Pooja Lakshmi secured 1st CEREBRUM) on November Rank and won a cash price of 2, 2020 and secured the best Rs 1500/- in the Online Quiz interjector position. She also competition conducted in the won the best delegate in memory of Late Sh. P Ranga UNSC, BUMUN conducted on Rao Lecturer J.C College of December 20, 2020. Law, Guntur, AP on August 9, 2020 by Lex_Clara Futura in 7. Kasireddy Aishwarya, III-year collaboration with Access to BBA-LLB (H), won 1st position Justice Guntur, AP. in an Extempore competition conducted by Indore Institute 4. Naman Jain, II-year, BBA- LLB of Law as a part of their annual (H) student, bagged 1st rank in legal fest ‘Lex Bonanza’ The International Essay Competition teams included international conducted by Hi-R Education participants. UK and Lawtsapp. He was awarded with cash prize of 12 8. Suraj Aggarwal, I-year, BBA- Euros, Lifetime Membership of LLB(H) student, volunteered Hi-R Education UK, and free for a State Level Report publication of the article on the to know Migrant Workers’

international website. conditions and hardships they Maanasi Pilla (2nd row left) at War of Words

8 LLB(H) student, participated 14. Upasana Chopra and Nisarg in a quiz competition based on Trivedi, II-year, BA-LLB(H) ‘Arbitration and Conciliation students, participated in ‘The Act, 1996’ and she has been National Case Note Writing awarded ‘Certificate of Competition 2020’ organized Achievement’ for securing by Nirnay Lawgistics on June position in top 10 among 250 30, 2020. They scored 4th rank students. among 100 students. Arushi Sharma (2nd from Right) as a Speaker at LSAT India 13. Arushi Sharma got a ‘special 15. Damini Sharma and Nisarg Law fest of Indore Institute of mention’ in ‘Shushruta Trivedi, II-year, BA-LLB(H) Law, getting a free publication Extempore Competition’ students, represented School of their research paper in an organised by Niti Manthan. of Law in 1st National E-journal. Online Legislative Drafting Competition on ‘Marriage Rights 11. Naman Jain along with his co- in LGBTQIA+ Community author Manisha presented their Alternative Reproductive manuscript in the International Methods’ organised by the Conference on 'Challenges Criminal Justice Practicum Cell, during Covid-19,' of Rayat University Institute of Legal College of Law. They also Studies, Panjab University, st secured the 1 position in the Chandigarh. The team designed Blog Writing Competition their own legislation and organized by Jus Commune. amended the already established

Arushi Sharma (C) got special mention in law. 12. Damini Sharma, II-year, BA- Extempore Competition

PhD Scholars at BUSOL

Scholars’ Accomplishments

1. Shubham Kawalkar got appreciated for ‘Highest Degree Holder’ and ‘The Most Qualified Person in India: 2020’, 11 degrees at the age of 25 years in India Book Record. He also got awarded ‘Real Superhero: Corona Warrior Award: 2020’ in the category of 'Social Activist' for social work during the covid-19 lockdown period. Mr Shubham completed his Master of Journalism (M.J.) course with 8.24 CGPA, Grade ‘O’ with University Rank – 1, nominated for ‘Lokmanya Tilak Award’ from Tilak Maharashtra University, Pune

2. Sumedha Ganjoo, secured position of ‘Best Speaker’ in the first discussion Shubham Kawalkar with of Table Top Discussion Series on the topic ‘Ayodhya Verdict’ organized ‘India Book Record’ by Lex Obelisk on August 4, 2020. Ms. Sumedha published a manuscript titled ‘Right to be forgotten: Privacy and Cyberspace’ in Journal of Legal Studies and Research Volume 6, Issue 5,October 2020.

9 Scholars’ Participations

1. Sumedha Ganjoo attended a two-day Seminar (September 17-18, 2020), jointly hosted by the University of Stirling Law School and the Common Good Foundation with sponsorship from the World Peace through Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association.

2. Sumedha Ganjoo completed an Online Capsule Course ( September 26-27, 2020) on ‘Data Protection Laws in Selected Jurisdictions with Focus on Cross-border Legal Challenges’ organized by the GNLU Centre for Public and Private International.

3. Sumedha Ganjoo attended a Webinar on ‘Introduction to GDPR’, conducted by Adv. Niti Paul.

4. Mr Achintya Arora received ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ for drafting the Moot Proposition for ‘PARAMPARA 1.0: National Virtual Moot Court Competition’ by the LegalPhile India, Burnished Law Journal and JLSR Journal.

5. Mr Rishi Raj attended an online conversation by WIPO H.E. Ms. Amanda Solloway (Minister for Science, Research and Innovation) UK, Mr. Jean-Marc Deltorn, Sr. Researcher for IP, University of Strasbourg, France, Mr. Yury Zubov Deputy-Head, Federal Service for IP, Moscow at Geneva(2:30 PM IST Onwards).

6. Mr Rishi Raj attended a Webinar at HNLU ‘Constitution@70-Decoding the Misen-en-scene of Judiciary Media IPR’ . Keynote speakers- Dr. M. Shridhar Acharyulu, Prof. Bennett University, Dr. Uday Shankar, Faculty, Rajiv Gandhi School of IP Law.

7. Sumedha Ganjoo participated in 10th Annual European Data Protection & Privacy Conference, 2020.

Faculty in News

Faculty as Judges

• Dr Daksha Sharma was Invited to judge the Preliminary round at GD Goenka- CIArb (India) International Virtual Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition, 2020.

• Dr Suvir Kapur participated as Judge in the Legalphile and Burnished Law Journal, organized ‘Virtual all India Political Party Meet’ on the agenda – ‘Privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India’.

• Prof Sridhar Acharyulu judged the final round of I-win's first virtual national IPR moot court competition on IPR issues cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Ministry of Commerce & Industry- Govt. of India in collaboration with Centre for Intellectual Property Rights and Patent Facilitation Services of Osmania University & University college of law, Osmania University on August 9, 2020. Faculty Awards

• Prof. Siddharth Kanojia was awarded ‘Best Faculty Award (Male)’ at 2nd International Academic and Research Excellence Awards (IARE) 2020 by the GISR Foundation.

• Mr. Pallab Das was awarded 'Under 35 Elite Award' for his contributions in the legal field during Indian Law Conclave organised by the Adhrit Foundation.

10 Faculty as Experts and Speakers

Invited Expert • 14th Academic Council Meeting (Online) at G.D Goenka University Gurugram, December 26, 2020. • The valedictory session of ‘Two-Days Virtual Conference on Law, Courts and Politics’, jointly organized by the Indian Society for Legal Research Prof (Dr) Nuzhat Parveen Khan and Weeramantry Centre for Peace, Justice and International Law. • Discretionary powers of the Governor and Judicial Interference at Siddharth Law College, Dehradun. External Expert • The Board of Studies held at Department of Law, Central University of Kashmir, Tulmulla Campus- Ganderbal.

Keynote Speaker • Webinar on ‘Judicial Institutions’ (Amaravati), organised by Open Think Forum;Topic- ‘Methods of Hearing Complaints against Sitting Judges of High Courts and Supreme Court’; ‘Valedictory of Vigilance Week’, (Hyderabad) organised by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. Prof. (Dr.) Sridhar Acharyulu Guest speaker • Constitution Day at HNLU, ‘National Webinar: Constitution@70, Decoding Mesc-en-scene Judiciary, Media and IPR’. • Online International Conference on ‘Access to Information in Time of Crisis: The UNESCO Information for all Programs, Priorities, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’. Resource Person for the topic ‘Disaster Management Law – Trends and challenges’, in the ‘One-week Short Term Online course in Disaster Management’, (August 24-29, 2020,_ organized by the UGC-Human Resource Development Centre, JNU, New Delhi. Paper Presentation • ‘Earth’s Changing Climate: Past, Present and Future’, in an International Dr Priya A Sondhi Virtual Conference, October 15-17, 2020, organised by Birla Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, National Institute of Disaster Management, New Delhi and National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. • ‘Covid 19 and Migrant Labour – the Unprecedented Crisis’ an annual conference of ISIL

Lecture • ‘Poverty: Current Issues and Trends’ by Department of Economics, Dr Ashita Allamaaju Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra on August 31, 2020. Post graduate students, PhD scholars of the Department and faculty participated in the lecture.

11 Reviewer Dr Garima Tiwari • Asia-Pacific Journal on Human Rights and the Law.

Keynote speaker • Webinar on ‘Protection of Children from Sexual Offences’ by Think India, New Delhi. • Webinar on ‘Rights of Children: Facts and Challenges’ organised by District Legal Services Authority, Yavatmal and Legal Services Clinic, Dr Daksha Sharma Amolakchand Law College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra. Speaker • Webinar on ‘Protection of Child Rights: Role of Law and Machinery’ at Pravin Gandhi College of Law, Mumbai. • Webinar on ‘Adoption Laws in India- with special reference to the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956’ at Amity Law School Noida.

Guest speaker • Webinar on ‘Career Guidance, LLM Abroad and Judiciary Preparation’ organized by DSNLU. • Webinar on ‘International Commercial Arbitration Post Covid-19: A Pitch for an Out of Box Approach in the New Normal’, organized by UPES Dr Pallab Das School of Law. • Workshop on ‘Master Class on Fundamentals of Domestic Arbitration’ organized by UPES School of Law. • Webinar and interactive session on mentoring the Judicial Service Aspirants, by SOA National Institute of Law, Bhubaneswar.

Keynote speaker Webinar on ‘Academic as a Career Option for the Law Students’. Mr. Siddharth Kanojia Invited speaker Workshop of NIE session at Kendriya Vidyalaya, AFS Avadi. Moderator at the ‘International Interactive Certificate Course of Arbitration’.

Paper presentation on ‘Reflections on Metadiscourse in Online Forum Mediated Collaborative Learning of Argument Writing: An Exploratory Case Dr Suman Luhach Study’ at The Asian ESP Journal & Asian EFL Journal International Virtual Conference at the TESOL Asia Head Office, Philippines.

12 13 Faculty Publications

Book Prof (Dr) Nuzhat Parveen Khan • Women and Child Related Laws LexisNexis, Gurgaon (Haryana, India).

Book • Vallenduku Nadustunnaru (in Telugu) published by Prajasakthi Publishers, Prof. (Dr.) Sridhar Acharyulu Vijayawada and Hyderabad, July 30, 2020. • PM Cares Fund within Secrecy (in Telugu)published by Vijnana Kendram Vijayawada & Hyderabad, November,2020.

Journal Article • ‘Gender Sensitiveness in Disaster Law of India’ in ILI Law Review 2020 Covid Special Issue published by ILI, New Delhi. Dr Priya A Sondhi • ‘Ambient Particulate matter in Delhi Air- a Public Health Disaster’ in Quest for Justice published by Department of Law, Aligarh Muslim University. Vol 9, No.1 (co-authors:Dr. Akash Sondhi, Saranya Mishra).

Journal Article • ‘Role of Managerial Perception of Competitive Pressures in Firms’ Product Dr Ashita Allamaaju Innovation Success' in the European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. ahead-of-print.

Book Chapter Dr Sudha Jha Pathak • ‘Women Custodians of Tradition’ in Intellectual Property Rights and The Protection of Traditional Knowledge by IGI Global, USA.

Book chapter Dr Oly Roy • 'Post-Gupta Kingdoms in North India' and 'Languages and Literature' in BHIC 103 History of India II.

Book Chapter • 'India' in Gender and Identity around the World, Africa, The Americas, Dr Garima Tiwari Asia, Oceana (Edited by Chuck Stewart) published by ABC-CLIO, California Vol.1.

Book chapter • ‘The Namesake: Ek Samiksha’ in Hindi Pravasi Sahitya me Swades, published by Academic Publishing Network. Dr Chasul Phogat Journal Article 'Corona Aapda: Sahitya v Sahityakar’ in International Journal of Hindi Research, Vol 6, issue 6.

13 Journal Articles • 'Recreating Discourse Community for Appropriating HOCs in Law Undergraduates’ Academic Writing’ published in IAFOR Journal of Education, Vol 8, issue 4. • ‘Exploring Polysemy through Prototypical Theory for Teaching Legal Dr Suman Luhach English in Contracts” in i-manager`s Journal on English Language Teaching (JELT) Vol 10, Issue 4 (co-author: Dr. Garima Tiwari). Book chapter • ‘Online Group Argument Writing and Online Discussion Forums’ in Technology-Enhanced Language Teaching in Action by the Asia-Pacific Association for Computer- Assisted Language Learning (APACALL).

Book Chapter • ‘Appointment of Women Directors: An Overview of South Asian Nations’ Prof Siddharth Kanojia in New Paradigms in Business Management Practices, Volume 2. Amazon Publishers.

Faculty Development Programs

Certificate course in ‘Online Multidisciplinary Certificate Course’ onFundamentals Dr. Priya A Sondhi of Research Methodology organized by organized by Legal Expatiate, Pune. Courses on 'Strategy Formulation' and 'Strategic Management' authorized by Copenhagen Business School; 'Corporate & Commercial Law I: Contracts & Dr. Manjula Rani Mallepalli Employment Law' and 'Corporate & Commercial Law II: Business Forms, Financing & Governmental Regulation' authorized by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (all online courses offered by Coursera). One-week FDP on ‘ICT, Learning and E-content Development’ organized by Internal Quality Assessment Cell & Placement and Soft Skill Development Cell, Dr Suvir Kapur Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya in association with IGNOU, Regional Centre, Lucknow.

One-week online course on ‘Fiction for Young Writers’. Dr Chasul Phogat A 22-hours PDP on ‘e-Transforming Educational Practices’ by Rashtram school of Public Leadership (online). One-week FDP by School of Law, on 'Innovative Teaching Learning Methods and Research in Law: Challenges Ahead’. Dr Prachi Tyagi One-week FDP on ‘Emerging Contours of and Teaching Techniques’ organized by Vivekananda School of Law and Legal Studies, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies. Certificate Course on Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Sydney, Mr. Pallab Das Coursera. Mr. Siddharth Kanojia Online certification course in ‘Introducing Corporate Finance’.

14 15 Welcoming New Students and Faculty

SOL successfully completed the existing student online registration process with registering 430 students from BBA- LLB (H) BA-LLB (H), LLB (H) & Law PhD program. New Faculty

Dr. Priya A Sondhi Associate Professor Dr. Priya is a PhD from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University. Dr. Sondhi has more than eleven years of progressive teaching experience. She was formerly the Associate Dean (Academics) at Asian Law College (ALC), Noida. She has taught at some of the most reputed law colleges in India like SLS (Pune), ILS Law College (Pune), and (Hyderabad).

Dr. Oly Roy Dr. Ankur Kashyap Assistant Professor Assistant Professor Dr. Oly is a PhD from He has obtained his Centre for Historical Ph.D. degree from Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru the Department of University (JNU). She has Management Studies, IIT experience of teaching Roorkee, India. His broad Amity Law School, Noida area is general & strategic and Amity Law School management with a research interest in innovation, Delhi, GGSIPU. IPR, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Daksha Sharma Mr. Pallab Das Assistant Professsor Assistant Professor Mr. Pallab has completed Dr. Daksha Sharma his LLM from Swansea has completed Ph.D. in University, United International Law from Kingdom on an the Indian Law Institute International Excellence (I.L.I.), New Delhi on Scholarship, 2015 with ‘Streamlining the process specialization in International Commercial and of Intercountry Adoption Maritime Law and his BSL.LLB from ILS Law in India: A Critical Study’. College, Pune

15 ‘The Tenet’: Magazine Launch by Centre for Social Sciences

SOL Research Centre for Social Sciences published its first student driven publication, “The Tenet”. The magazine is an artistic take at the classic academic approach to social sciences: a blend of information, knowledge, creativity and efforts of the students and an excellent medium to foster their creative potential and writing skills. This gives a platform to the students at School of Law to develop a holistic overview of the various contemporary issues of importance and recognise the inter-relationship between law and various disciplines of social sciences.

Guest Author Column

H-1b Visa Suspension: A Latent Reinforcement for Indian Startups? Padmini Subhashree1 Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has struck deep and hard into the recesses of the world economy. Jobs are lost, companies are facing closure and national treasuries continue to get depleted by pumping liquidity into the broken trenches of the market. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the present circumstances would prompt large-scale austerity and protectionist measures by world governments in an effort to rebuild their economies. The executive order2 signed by the US President on June 23, 2020, extending the suspension of H-1B visas and other such work permits is one such measure. Temporary work permits including the ones like H-1B3, H-4, L-1, etc. which account for a massive number of Indian beneficiaries have been effectively suspended till the end of this year. This means no new visas under these categories will be issued and existing visa holders who are currently outside the US will not be allowed to return there. The people most affected by this development are Indian professionals who make up almost three-quarters4 of the 85,000 visa recipients under the H-1B category. Owing to the regulatory flexibility in this category, it is highly sought-after, primarily by the IT-industry. The companies significantly cut back on costs by deputizing domestic employees to work in US stations rather than hiring local employees abroad. The ban is temporary and is only to expected to last till the end of this year5. However, the travel-related apprehensions posed by the pandemic, the economic uncertainties subsisting in a post-pandemic world and the string of radical regulatory benefits offered by the Indian government amidst the ongoing crisis, culminate into a unique landscape that calls for enlisting the talents of these outbound professionals inside the domestic environment.In order to examine how the domestic job market can absorb these talents, one needs to look at the pattern of their departure. In the last five years, a total of 3185316 Indian nationals were issued work visas for the US, out of which, 229,908 belonged to the ‘professional category ______1 Editor, TRANSFIN. Media Pvt. Ltd., 2 Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak, (2020), https://www. whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-aliens-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-following-coronavirus-outbreak/ . 3 Priyanka Sangani, Trump Signs Order to Suspend H-1B, L-1 Visas Till December, The Econ. Times, June 25, 2020 at , https://economictimes.indiatimes. com/nri/visa-and-immigration/trump-signs-order-to-restrict-h-1b-l-1-visas-till-december/articleshow/76521286.cms. 4 How Will Trump's H-1B Visa Ban Affect Indians?, THE WK., June 23, 2020 at , https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2020/06/23/how-will-trump-H1B- visa-ban-affect-indians.html. 5 Rajghatta, Donald Trump Suspends H-1B, H-4 Visas Till Year End, The Times of India, June 23, 2020, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/trump- suspends-h1b-h4-visas/articleshow/76519657.cms. 6 APPROVALS BY FISCAL YEAR AND EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE FOR TOP TEN COUNTRIES AND REST OF THE WORLD EACH YEAR FISCAL YEARS 2015 TO 2020 (Q1-Q2) (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services 2020), https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/data/ I140_app_by_country_FY2015-2020_Q1_Q2.pdf.

16 17 whereas 49,980 belonged to the ‘professional and skilled’ category. It is this group of outgoing nationals who are economically high-valued, and are invited for their services in exchange for handsome monetary considerations. Therefore, ensuring they do not drain out of our country requires matching up their incentives in terms of salary (in equivalent dollar figures), providing conducive work environments and strong prospects for growth. One might expect the patriotic sensibilities of staying back in their countries of origin to emerge as a substantial motivator, but the fact remains that the financial, social and gratifying considerations that accompany a trip to the west, doesn’t allow much overplay for the emotion of nativity.The ideal way to accommodate the unsuccessful applicants and existing VISA holders who are likely to return as a result of the ban from the US, is to incentivize their employment through appropriate initiatives and industry-wide support. As part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Yojana’, a collateral-free credit assistance in the order of Rs. 3 lakh crores7 was sanctioned for the Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs). The threshold of turnover outlined to qualify under the MSME was also reduced to the lowest category of 1 crore. These8 two measures are an inviting boost to professionals who are looking to establish startup ventures. The notion of job-creation as better than job-exploration is what lays down the premise for achieving increased per- capita income for this section of our population which is skilled enough to deserve it but was not equipped to design it for themselves.

Funding

While credit-facilitation is a good start, there are a few more things to be set in motion. First of all, easing funding channels. The combined sources of funding opened in the aftermath of COVID-19 in the form of grant opportunities, equity, debt and returnable instruments, are very sparse to support the startup enterprises which number more than 50,0009 in the country. Traditionally, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) have been regarded by successive governments to be a precursor to industrial growth. While it is a true and tenable hypothesis, it is neither advisable nor essential to carry on their countenance for growth.There is a need to increase Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the growth of startups. Private lending and grant money could be significantly invested by instituting a portal to liaise between startup organisations and funders. A dedicated body with the ability to generate funding opportunities for both parties on a need and merit-based prerogative, while monitoring their performances via mandatory reporting requirements, could go a long way to generate feasible opportunities for talented professionals whose presence will only increase the startups’ profile.Similar models could be employed for creation of social infrastructure through startups. The government has recently allocated a sum of Rs. 8100 crores in ‘viability gap funding’10 for the development of social infrastructure. In addition, opening a line of credit, instrumentalizing connection to high net-worth individuals, venture capitals, etc. to the startups working in the social sector could prove worthwhile. A host of non-governmental organizations aren’t able to maintain their desired outreach owing to the lack of proper direction.11 This direction can be offered by individuals with qualified credentials who can be motivated to work there if incentivized by the government to do so.

______7 Rounak Jain, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Six Measures for the MSME Sector, BUS. INSIDER, May 14, 2020 at , https://www. businessinsider.in/india/news/fm-nirmala-sitaraman-announces-six-steps-for-msme-sector/articleshow/75717258.cms. 8 Nirmala Sitharaman: Rs 20 Lakh Cr Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Stimulus to Aid Labourers, Middle-class, MSMEs and NBFCs, The Econ. Times, May 13, 2020 at , https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/nirmala-sitharaman-rs-20-lakh-cr-atmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-stimulus-to- aid-labourers-middle-class-msmes-and-nbfcs/75719723 9 INDIAN STARTUP ECOSYSTEM, Dep't for Promotion of Indus. & Internal Trade [hereinafter STARTUP ECOSYSTEM IN INDIA: QUICK FACTS], https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/international/go-to-market-guide/indian-startup-ecosystem.html. 10 FM Raises Viability Gap Funding for Social Infra Projects, THE ECON. TIMES, May 16, 2020 at , https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/ policy/fm-raises-viability-gap-funding-for-social-infra-projects/articleshow/75776222.cms. 11 The Importance of HR Management in an NGO Environment (2013), http://www.ngopulse.org/article/importance-hr-management-ngo-environment.

17 Regulatory Changes

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) successfully tracked 272 changes12 in laws, policies and regulations, the groundwork for which was laid in the 40-day window between the first nationwide lockdown and the first issue of unlocking guidelines. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued continuing guidelines on extending repayment deadlines, placing moratorium on debts, increasing scrutiny over local banks, etc. in an effort to promote decentralization of lending activities and promote small businesses. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified13 a slew of regulatory relaxations to aid in fundraising, releasing compliance burden and maintaining the financial health of companies. The labour laws in more than 18 states14 were recently amended with an eye to boost industrial productivity and attract investments. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) was temporarily suspended, thus, barring initiation of insolvency proceedings for a company after March 25, 202015 . Although these changes have undergone substantial public aspersions, one thing they cannot be faulted for is their intent to attract greater investments and preserve the startup ecosystem in the country.

Two-Pronged Endeavour

There was a time when the best and the brightest in our country used to escape to better shores abroad for the severe lack of high-brow employment opportunities. Even though it still continues, we have begun cultivating a greater number of refined work opportunities for our graduates. However, the post-COVID-19 world is going to warrant different developmental strategies altogether. Hence, it makes all the more sense to capitalize on the bounties offered in a comparatively lax regulatory regime, regrettably borne out of the pandemic’s effects, and work towards achieving shared developmental goals. Although the irony dictating this particular strategy is unfortunate, it doesn’t render its objectives any less worthy. As a trend, almost a quarter of the H1-B visa-affiliated immigrants from India are employed in the IT-industry. Our priority must, therefore, be focused on easing regulations of investments and employment in this sector. Prudent reforms such as tax benefits, credit extension, easing public-procurement norms (for Agri startups, etc.), uniform and easier resolution proceedings, etc. should be administered for startups who plan to make inroads into business. Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) via swift registration and informed counsel should be prioritized to ensure the startups’ mandate over their work product. Investment into the ‘deep tech’16 domain warrants top policy and institutional support at this time. Professionals who throng to the shores of Palo Alto could be motivated to contribute to the national economy if they were provided opportunities and autonomy to make their own ventures in the tech world. The question one might ask at this point, if they haven’t already, is that why must our focus be on developing startups and not on the functioning enterprises. The answer is professional autonomy. If a professional had to compromise on pay and other considerations, the one thing that can empower their position is the freedom to create and develop a franchise they can call their own. Industrial and technological renaissance is not heralded through institutional dictation but through a free-flowing culmination of ideas and collective enterprise. This is not to say that startups don’t have adequate payment structure, because they do, on a scale ranging from adequate to lucrative, depending on the skill-set they employ.

______12 GAUTAM CHIKERMANE & RISHI AGRAWAL, REGULATORY CHANGES IN INDIA IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: LESSONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (ORF SPECIAL REPORT) (Observer Research Foundation June 2020), https://www.orfonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ ORF_SpecialReport_110_Covid-Regulatory1.pdf 13 COVID-19: SEBI Eases LODR Compliance Norms (Indus Law 2020), https://induslaw.com/app/webroot/publications/pdf/alerts-2020/InfoAlert-COVID- 19-SEBI-eases-LODR-compliance-norms-March-2020.pdf 14 ANYA BHARAT RAM, RELAXATION OF LABOUR LAWS ACROSS STATES (PRS Legislative Research 2020), https://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/ relaxation-labour-laws-across-states (last visited July 31, 2020). 15 THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, 2020 (Ministry of Law & Justice 2020), https://www.ibbi.gov.in/ uploads/legalframwork/741059f0d8777f311ec76332ced1e9cf.pdf. 16 See https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/11/what-do-we-mean-when-we-talk-about-deep-tech/

18 Enforcing regulatory requiescence is a part of the process. Though one could argue that in spite of the best concepts and efforts, institutional lethargy and red-taping is still thriving under the needless pretenses of clearance mechanisms17. The other requirement to promote startup and consequently employee-interests therein, is infusion of capital. It is time to seriously diversify into the venture funding landscape. A shift from firm-centric to project-centric venture capitalism is advantageous to augment the startups’ strength which is garnered from the merit-based performance of its people. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) must enjoy greater authority and enforce newer mechanisms to extend credit support to MSMEs via decentralized micro-financing institutions for easier access of funds. Keeping a close watch on credit activity by setting up local institutions will help in boosting household as well as micro-level entrepreneurship reliance. The task of overseeing this institution should be carried out via recruitment of qualified personnel. Public listing is another groundbreaking initiative that should be mandated for startups. The sheer magnitude of capital markets which can be accessed by startups via listing of their portfolios and credentials, is remarkable. There is a growing rise of “philanthro-capitalism” which is especially taking off for ambitious new startups and small allied institutions who are willing to collaborate with members of the intelligentsia and activist groups on ground-level developmental activities. The promising venture of working with channels opened up by investors in capital markets towards a progressive economy could be an enticing prospective for gifted young professionals. The government should institute capacity-building measures to help equip the professionals with the required amenities and support staff. Incidentally, keeping in mind that the COVID-19-related exigencies may last a few months or even years, a centralized database must be generated to aggregate talent for the up and coming startups. It is important that an industry-wide synergistic alliance is formed to recruit all the otherwise-emigrating talent and appoint their services in the process of vital industrial development.

Conclusion

The total amount of personal remittances received by Indians in 2019 was above $80 billion18. The cumulative valuation of startups in India, on the other hand, is expected to reach at least $350 billion19 by 2025, as per Nasscom’s estimation. That is a significant prospect for the economy. Even though remittances have huge financial value, the value of startup business contributes directly to the GDP. GDP is accounted for through production inside the geographical boundaries of a country, not through the nationality of the producer in other parts of the world. As is evident, aggressively facilitating startup infrastructure is not only fetching in financial terms, but it is also an exercise in virtue, for enabling the modus vivendi for individuals to stay in their homeland. The progress of startups depends as much on its operations as it does on the qualification and credibility of its personnel. Although the Startup India initiative has witnessed a lukewarm20 awakening in the four years since its inception, the necessitation to absorb the visa-distraught workforce could just be the breakthrough this initiative needs. Even if their numbers add squarely to make up less than a decimal of the Indian working class, a band of brilliant reformists, starting out in basements or modest enclosures is all it takes to script history. They could contribute substantially towards setting the base for a decadal reform in Indian economy.

______17 Read https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/modi-government-cuts-through-red-tape-to-make-working-easier-in-india/ articleshow/44842892.cms 18 PERSONAL REMITTANCES, RECEIVED (CURRENT US$) - INDIA (The World Bank 2019), https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/BX.TRF.PWKR. CD.DT?locations=IN 19 India Adds Over 1,100 Startups in 2019, Continues to Be Third Largest Ecosystem in the World, BLOOMBERG QUINT, Nov. 05, 2019 at , https://www. bloombergquint.com/business/india-adds-over-1100-start-ups-in-2019-continues-to-be-3rd 20 Dr. G Suresh Babu & Dr. K Sridevi, A Study on Issues and Challenges of Startups in India, 2019 Int'l J. of Fin. Mgmt. & Econ. (2019), https://www. theeconomicsjournal.com/article/view/16/2-1-4

19 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Prof (Dr.) Nuzhat Parveen Khan

CONVENOR Dr. Manjula Rani Mallepalli, Associate Professor EDITOR Dr. Suman Luhach, Assistant Professor COPY EDITOR Dr. Chasul Phogat, Assistant Professor STUDENT EDITOR Ms. Sumedha Ganjoo, PhD Scholar ADVISOR Ms Ambika Thakur (Co-ordinator at SOL)

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