27th January, 2026 : Session on Contitutional Law- St.Joseph's College of Commerce, Bangalore

Adv Ashwini Obulesh, Founder-Director, Dhwani Legal Trust was invite by St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru to conduct one-day session on Constitutional Law for its students, around 300 of them, to basically impart knowledge and information regarding our Constitutional Law and its ancillary topics. The session provided a comprehensive deep dive into the Constitution of India - the "living document" that governs our democracy. The core objective was to move beyond textbook definitions and help Josephites understand how the three branches of government function as a system of checks and balances to prevent the misuse of power.

The session provided a comprehensive examination of the Indian political framework, beginning with the dual nature of the State Executive. It was noted that the executive branch functions through a delicate balance between the Governor, who serves as the formal constitutional head appointed by the Union, and the Chief Minister.

Transitioning to the State Legislature, the session focused on how laws are crafted and debated within the states. Participants explored the distinction between unicameral systems, which consist only of a Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), and bicameral systems that include a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). A significant emphasis was placed on the Vidhan Sabha’s role as the primary representative body. The session highlighted that the legislative process is not just about passing acts, but about providing a platform for regional representation and ensuring that state-specific issues are addressed through formal statutory frameworks.

The final segment of the session addressed the complex dynamics of Centre-State Relations, which define the "quasi-federal" character of the Indian Union. The narrative centered on the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which meticulously divides responsibilities into the Union, State, and Concurrent lists to prevent jurisdictional overlap. However, the session also acknowledged the "unitary tilt" of the system, where the Centre retains supremacy in the Concurrent list and holds residuary powers. Beyond just law-making, the relationship extends into administrative and financial spheres, where the Finance Commission plays a pivotal role in ensuring that revenue is shared equitably. The session concluded by framing these relations not as a competition for power, but as a system of "Cooperative Federalism" designed to maintain national integrity while respecting regional autonomy.

It was an activity-based session where the students were made to act out roles of Chief Minister and 3 Council of Ministers who in turn had to form rules regarding Discipline, Time Management and Safety in College. A public poll or opinion was taken from the students for the rules framed. Through this the students could understand the essence of people’s participation while making rules or laws.

Overall rather than a passive lecture, the session transformed into a collaborative exchange, with students frequently intervening to seek clarity on the nuances of constitutional law and the practicalities involved.