Volume-I

Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla (HPNLU) is a recent addition to the league of premier law schools in the country. Since its inception, it has focused on interaction, to ensure that high quality discussions take place beyond and within the classrooms. The institution has been making efforts to set new paradigms in various aspects of legal academics.

With these objectives, the University lays emphasis on research publications. HPNLU Law Journal (HLJ) is the second flagship publication of the University, the first being the Shimla Law Review, two volumes of which have already been published.

The Law Journal is envisioned to be an essential for promoting multi-disciplinary studies (with law being the focal point) which sits at the core of the National Education Policy, 2020.

The University, placed in the geographical terrains of the Himalayas, is in its fifth year of existence. The Institution is one of the few educational Centers in the country which enjoys natural endowment of mesmeric beauty and is bestowed with all-natural conditions conducive for seeking, creating and imparting knowledge. The University was established in the year 2016, by the Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Act (Act 16 of 2016). It has acquired approval of the Bar Council of India and is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi.

HLJ promotes research by bringing together legal thoughts from the academia, professionals, social science scholars, and students to add to the existing debates. The Journal maintains its quality by using the technique of double-blind peer review and rigorous editing of each article. In order to ensure that the quality is not foregone, after the final editing, a further review of the selected articles is done by the Team for finalizing whether these articles can be a part of the final publication. The maiden edition of the HPNLU Law Journal encompasses issues such as public security and individual liberty, amendments to the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, Rights of animals, non-conviction-based asset forfeiture, corporate criminal liability for environmental wrongs, implementation of the Namami Gange Project, Ashworth Principles and its practical implications, etc.

I find it apposite and trite mentioning that in times of this pandemic, there is an invigorated need for emphasis on research and innovation. The University has therefore, taken all the steps to ensure that continuing learning and education is not impeded. During this pandemic period also, the University, with the help of its team, is conducting online classes. Various colloquiums on the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution were organized since June 2020 during which legal luminaries participated as panelists and enlightened the students with their words of wisdom. Other events were also organized including a Webinar on Reproductive Rights, Celebration of Environment Day, Conclave on Sustainable Development Goals, International Conference on Restorative Justice etc., using the ICT. Other events were also organized by the University among which the Week-long Orientation Programme for the newly admitted students was one of the most crucial events.

HPNLU, Shimla takes pride in the fact that it holds high the flag of promoting quality learning and knowledge exchange free of cost. It achieves this goal by making its publications freely accessible through its official website. I am sure that this edition of HLJ would add to the legal pool of knowledge.