The Alliance School of Law, Alliance University, hosted the Fourth International Conference on Law and Social Transformation (ICLS 2025) on 27 September 2025. The conference was conducted in a blended mode and brought together academics, researchers, and professionals to discuss the role of law in driving social change.

Inaugural Session

The inaugural session began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a welcome address from Prof. (Dr.) V. Shyam Kishore, Associate Dean – Academic Affairs and Dean of the Alliance School of Law. He spoke about the deep connection between law and social transformation, highlighting key issues such as technology, climate change, and gender justice.

The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) T. R. Subramanya, former Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka State Law University and Dean at CMR University, addressed the gathering with a focus on the principles of the United Nations. He linked peace, equity, and cooperation to social transformation and emphasised the importance of human rights, economic stability, and technological progress. From an Indian perspective, he spoke about the role of digital transactions, renewable energy, demographic strength, and economic sovereignty as drivers of change. His address underlined that collective effort, rather than individual action, is the true basis of transformation.

The session also included the unveiling of the conference publication Lex et Mutatio: Law and Social Transformation, Volume V, which features 31 selected research papers. The inaugural programme concluded with the National Anthem.

Participation and Presentations

The conference saw 131 participants, including 94 research presentations from 40 institutions across 12 states in India. The main theme of the event was Empowering Social Transformation through Law and SDGs.

Presentations were organised across fifteen parallel sessions, with topics ranging from artificial intelligence and intellectual property rights to environmental litigation, constitutional issues, prison reforms, and gender justice. The sessions were co-chaired by faculty members of the Alliance School of Law and chaired by distinguished academics from institutions across the country.

Valedictory Session

The valedictory session was attended by eminent professors and chaired by faculty from Alliance University. Dr. Rajat Banerjee presented a summary of the day’s discussions and highlighted the success of the event. Awards for best researchers were given to Ms. Smitha Kurian, Research Scholar at Mahatma Gandhi University, and Ms. Parneet Kaur, Assistant Professor at Chandigarh University. Best presenter awards were also announced for each of the fifteen technical sessions.

Certificates and copies of Lex et Mutatio, Volume V were presented to all external participants. In his vote of thanks, Dr. Upankar Chutia expressed gratitude to the University leadership, faculty, organising committee, staff, and student volunteers whose efforts ensured the smooth conduct of the event. The conference concluded with the National Anthem, marking the close of a day of meaningful academic exchange.

Conclusion

ICLS 2025 reflected Alliance University’s continuing commitment to advancing dialogue on law and social transformation. Through research presentations, expert insights, and collaborative discussions, the conference provided a platform for diverse perspectives on the role of law in shaping a just and equitable society.