Opening Address

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Dear Friends,

A very Happy Diwali and warm welcome to the 4th issue of ILJ for 2010.

This issue focuses on important legal issues like the Satyam Scam causing the apex court to set aside an arbitral award, FDI in the retailing sector, validity of the right of first refusal in law, importance of legal infrastructure in the 21st century, sanctity of arbitral awards in India and legal issues surrounding genetically modified foods. Other issues focused upon in this issue include a comparison of the freedom of speech and expression between India and the United States, analysis of the civil nuclear liability bill and the recent issues surrounding homosexuality in India.

The interview of the month deals various legal education reforms which are currently being undertaken under the able guidance of Mr. Gopal Subramaniam, Solicitor General of India & Chairman, Bar Council of India while the book review section reviews ‘Before Memory Fades: An Autobiography’ which gives a wonderful insight into the life of Fali S. Nariman who is one of the greatest jurists that India has ever produced. This issue also contains the three best winning articles in the recently concluded legal writing competition Licito Concurso’10 which was organised by India Law Journal. The website has also added a conference corner which shall provide updates on both international and Indian law conferences which are taking place post 2011.

ILJ is presently taking part in legal education reforms in the country. One of the initiatives in this regard has been writing to the Bar Council of India to introduce a uniform system of law school rankings in India. Legal education reforms one area where ILJ shall try and be more active by taking several other initiatives over the next one year. I wish to express my sincere thanks to all those who have extended their unflinching support for the launch of India Law Journal, particularly our esteemed Board of Editors and the Editorial Team. I also wish to convey my sincere gratitude to the erudite personalities who have contributed invaluable articles for publication. Your feedback will be extremely useful.

Vikrant Pachnanda 
   Founder Director