NLSIU Partners with Ahmadi Foundation to establish Justice Ahmadi Initiative on Rule of Law, Democracy and Social Justice
The Ahmadi Foundation and National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, are pleased to announce the establishment of the Justice Ahmadi Initiative on Rule of Law, Democracy, and Social Justice to honor the legacy of former Chief Justice Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi. Justice Ahmadi served as the Chancellor of NLSIU during his tenure as Chief Justice of India from 1995 to 1997. The Ahmadi Committee Report on Legal Education, 1994 is considered a landmark in legal educational reform in India and has played a crucial role in shaping NLSIU’s early institutional development. The Justice Ahmadi Initiative at NLSIU will renew this long-standing relationship and open up opportunities for its growth in new areas.
The MoU for the Justice Ahmadi Initiative was signed by Ms. Insiyah Vahanvaty, Justice Ahmadi’s granddaughter, on behalf of the Ahmadi Foundation, and Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice Chancellor of NLSIU. The MoU was exchanged at the inaugural Ahmadi Foundation lecture in New Delhi on December 5, 2024, where Prof. Arun Thiruvengadam represented NLSIU. During the event, Ms. Vahanvaty also launched her book The Fearless Judge, a biography of Justice Ahmadi.
The Initiative will focus on advancing the values Justice Ahmadi championed throughout his career, including human rights, education, inclusion and protection of vulnerable communities, judicial independence, alternative dispute resolution, and strengthening democratic institutions.
NLSIU and the Ahmadi Foundation will initially collaborate on organizing an annual distinguished lecture series, eventually establishing an endowed Chair in Justice Ahmadi’s name, which will incorporate the Initiative.
Insiyah Vahanvaty, Trustee, Ahmadi Foundation
“The Justice Ahmadi Initiative on Rule of Law, Democracy, and Social Justice represents not just a tribute to the legacy of Justice Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi, but a commitment to continue the work he so passionately championed throughout his life. By advancing the values of human rights, equality, judicial independence, and democratic integrity, we hope to inspire a new generation of legal minds and leaders who will carry forward his vision of a just society where the law is a tool for equality and empowerment – a lasting homage to his legacy.”
Mrinal Satish, Dean (Research), NLSIU
“NLSIU will work with the Ahmadi Foundation in promoting values that Chief Justice Ahmadi advanced through his life, and his work. These include human rights, judicial independence, inclusion and protection of vulnerable communities, and strengthening of democratic institutions. NLSIU has been committed to these values, which reflects in the work of its faculty, research centres, and Chairs. We look forward to organizing the Distinguished Lecture series in collaboration with the Ahmadi Foundation, bringing speakers of repute to discuss and debate issues of contemporary significance.”
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BITS Law School Commemorates UN World Day of Social Justice with Engaging Panel Discussions
On the occasion of the UN World Day of Social Justice (February 20), a global observance dedicated to addressing inequality, BITS Law School, in collaboration with the Industry Interface & Career Advancement (IICA) team, organized three insightful panel discussions focused on inclusive laws and equitable development.
A key session featured a discussion on The Fearless Judge: The Life and Times of Hon. Justice A.M. Ahmadi by Ms. Insiyah Vahanvaty, moderated by Dr. Akhil Katyal and Dr. Rahela Khorakiwala. The event was further enriched by the presence of Mr. Yusuf Muchhala, Senior Counsel and National President of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, whose lifelong dedication to civil liberties added depth to the dialogue.
