In a groundbreaking moment for interdisciplinary education, Manipal Law School (MLS), a part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru, hosted Milana 2024: Engage & Enlarge. The event, held on December 17, 2024, brought together the inaugural cohorts of India’s first specialized program in Construction Law and Arbitration, forging a dynamic space for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
A Vision Takes Shape
The Construction Law and Arbitration program, launched in August 2024, offers a pioneering curriculum through two distinct tracks: a full-time LLM for law graduates and a blended-mode postgraduate diploma for experienced construction engineers. Spearheaded by Prof. Venkataragavan, whose inspiration stemmed from his academic experiences in Scotland, the program bridges the gap between legal and technical expertise to address the complexities of India’s rapidly expanding infrastructure sector.
Illuminating Insights
The event began with a ceremonial inauguration, with key figures including Prof. Sarasu Esther Thomas, Director of MLS, and Gaurav Yadav, Deputy Director of Admissions, sharing insights into the program’s transformative potential. Prof. Thomas highlighted the urgent need for interdisciplinary education in fields like construction law, emphasizing the program’s relevance amidst India’s burgeoning infrastructure development.
Pioneering Conversations
A highlight of the event was the roundtable discussion, Women in Construction Law, which explored the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in this traditionally male-dominated field. Four accomplished women, ranging from advocates to project managers, shared their experiences, sparking vital conversations about inclusivity and diversity.
Equally engaging was a fireside chat moderated by Prof. Venkataragavan on the necessity of a dedicated Construction Act in India. Panelists debated the inefficacy of current dispute resolution mechanisms and explored international legislative models that could inspire reforms tailored to India’s needs.
Showcasing Talent
Participants demonstrated their mastery of construction law concepts through group presentations, tackling topics like dispute resolution clauses, the Indian Contract Act, and the financial implications of project delays. The winning team, praised for their analysis of FIDIC dispute adjudication boards, exemplified the program’s emphasis on practical and innovative learning.
Looking Ahead
As the day concluded, attendees looked forward to the upcoming International Construction Law Conference in April 2025. With its inaugural success, Milana 2024 not only fostered a robust community of future leaders in construction law but also underscored MLS’s commitment to shaping legal education that meets the demands of an evolving world.
Through events like Milana 2024, MLS cements its role as a trailblazer in education, preparing professionals to navigate the intricate intersections of law, engineering, and infrastructure development.
