Inaugural Vidhi Samman 2024 awards conferred on legal luminaries like Late Fali S. Nariman
By TIOL News Service
NEW DELHI, MARCH 20, 2024: THE first-ever VIDHI SAMMAN Awards, marking a new chapter in recognition of excellence of the Indian legal community, was held during the Vidhi Utsav 2024 held at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, on 16th-17th March 2024. Justice Rajiv Shakdher, Judge, Delhi High Court, presided over the event as Chief Guest and inaugurated Vidhi Utsav - India's First Festival of Law and Legal Literature. Over the two days, the Vidhi Utsav 2024 saw 90 Speakers present their views on diverse topics related to legal field with participation of over 800 delegates.
The event, organised by OakBridge Publishing, recognised the contributions of esteemed legal luminaries, including the Late Mr. Fali S. Nariman with Sarvoch Vidhi Samman; Former Chief Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, Senior Advocates Mr. K.K. Venugopal and Mr. K. Parasaran with Vishisht Vidhi Samman; and eminent jurists Mr Lalit Bhasin, Mr V. Lakshmikumaran, and Mr Amarjit Singh Chandhiok with Vidhi Samman. Justice A.K. Patnaik (Retd.), Supreme Court, presented the Sarvoch Vidhi Samman award to Mr Lalit Bhasin, President Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), on behalf of Mr. Nariman, symbolising his enduring legacy in the legal community and his fifty-year-old friendship with Mr Fali Nariman.
In his keynote address on the occasion, Justice Rajiv Shakdher lauded Vidhi Utsav 2024 for bringing together law and literature on a single platform - an intersection that provides thought-provoking examples from Western and Indian literature. Further elaborating on the idea, Justice Shakdher said, "Much of the art of advocacy is literature. Judges and lawyers have (always) taken recourse to literature to explain legal complexities. Law has to be seasoned with justice and mercy. If they do not meet, there will not be a satisfactory answer."
Reflecting on Nani Palkhivala's advice to aspiring lawyers to read everything but law, Justice Shakdher highlighted the significance of broader knowledge, including history. Palkhivala's mastery, despite stammering, exemplifies the transformative power of interdisciplinary learning, a legacy few can emulate. Justice Rajiv Shakdher said that Palkhivala's courtroom prowess, notably during the Kesavananda Bharati case, remains unparalleled.
In his address on the occasion, Mr. Shreesh Chandra, Co-founder and Director, OakBridge Publishing, mentioned that, "VIDHI UTSAV 2024 brings together eminent jurists, law firm partners, general counsels and law schools to celebrate law, legal literature and legal luminaries with engaging, enriching and entertaining sessions. It's a uniquely curated event that will set new benchmarks and will educate lawyers and law students about role of quality legal literature in advancing legal knowledge, legal skills and the rule of law."
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikesh Dhyani, Co-founder, Director and Publisher at OakBridge, said, "The VIDHI SAMMAN Awards transcend the traditional accolades in the legal field; they embody the acknowledgment of the indomitable spirit, the visionary insights, and the significant impacts our honourees have had on both the jurisprudence and the societal fabric of India. This award is a beacon of excellence, inspiring current and future generations of legal professionals to aspire to the highest standards of practice and ethics. By celebrating these pioneering figures, we not only pay tribute to their legacy but also underscore the critical role of legal innovation and thought leadership in shaping our society."
Among the participants were Former Justices of Supreme Court Mr. A.K. Patnaik, and Mr. A.K. Sikri, and Retired Justice Najmi Waziri, also known as the Green Judge who together enumerated the skills and qualities of successful lawyers. Other prominent speakers included, Senior Advocate and Author Mr. Satvik Varma, and Senior Advocate Mr. Sridhar Potaraju, known for his role in the Ram Janmbhoomi case and Mr. Sudhir Mishra.
The event featured a host of notable sessions, such as, "Opportunities in Disruption" by Mr. Rameesh Kailasam, CEO of Indiatech.org, discussion on Entry of Foreign Law Firms by Mr. Lalit Bhasin, Mr. Amit Kapur, Mr. Manish Lamba and Mr. Ameya Kunte, and an examination of the new Criminal Laws by Senior Advocates Ms. N.S. Nappinai, Ms. Geeta Luthra, Ms. Shobha Gupta, and Mr. Kunal Vajani.
Another Panel discussion on "Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity in the Legal Profession" chaired by Ms. Pallavi Saluja, Co-founder and Managing Editor, Bar and Bench, offered insights on the present situation, awareness, sensitivity and ambient challenges, as well as possible ways to address the same.
Sessions on Law and Technology, Transforming role of General Counsels, Holistic Well Being, Personal Branding for Lawyers, and Law Education and Careers in Law were also highly appreciated. Senior Advocate Mr. Vivek Sood elaborated on the ease of criminal justice in India.
ABOUT VIDHI UTSAV 2024
The awards were part of Vidhi Utsav 2024, an unprecedented and uniquely curated event that over two days brought together a vibrant community of eminent jurists, legal professionals, scholars, artists and students. Through discussions, workshops, and keynote addresses, poetry, musical performances, dastangoi and standup comedy the festival aimed to spur innovation, celebration, camaraderie and collaboration within the legal sector.
ABOUT VIDHI SAMMAN AWARDS
The introduction of the VIDHI SAMMAN Awards highlighted the Vidhi Utsav 2024. The inclusion of the VIDHI SAMMAN Awards in this year's festival underscored OakBridge Publishing's commitment to honouring individuals who have made a lasting impact on the practice and understanding of law in India thereby advancing the rule of law and enabling access to justice. For more information on Vidhi Utsav 2024 and the VIDHI SAMMAN AWARDS, please visit and stay updated- https://www.vidhiutsav.com/
ABOUT OAKBRIDGE PUBLISHING (WWW.OAKBRIDGE.IN):
OakBridge Publishing is a contemporary and progressive publishing house that specializes in law, tax, and related subjects like governance and economy. Their portfolio spans across a diverse array of legal texts - from academic works by esteemed jurists and scholars to practical commentaries on various laws, designed to cater to the needs of legal practitioners, scholars, and students alike. OakBridge is known for its commitment to quality and excellence, offering publications that are both insightful and accessible, ensuring that complex legal concepts are communicated with clarity. The publishing house stands out in the Indian market for their innovative approach, often incorporating the latest trends and technologies in the field to enhance the reading and learning experience. With a keen eye on the evolving landscape of the legal profession, OakBridge aims to bridge the gap between legal theory and practice, making them a respected name in legal publishing. Both the Founders are IIM-B alumni and industry veterans with over 25 years in book publishing and knowledge information services industry.
