Hubballi: Stressing the need to bridge the gap between law and society, Dr.C. Basavaraju, Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka State Law University, said all stakeholders in the legal field must take responsibility to spread awareness about protection of rights among common people.
Addressing a lecture programme on “Freedom in the New Era”, he said teachers, non-teaching staff, lawyers and students should act as facilitators, guiding citizens to access appropriate legal aid centres.
Quoting B. R. Ambedkar, Basavaraju underlined that freedom without equality holds little meaning. He noted that though Article 21 guarantees fundamental rights, many from weaker sections are unable to exercise them due to illiteracy, poverty and lack of awareness. He urged students to work towards ensuring equal access to freedom irrespective of caste or religion.
Senior advocate Satish Mane Shinde raised concerns over continued violations of individual freedom despite the presence of numerous laws. He pointed out that freedom is often curtailed at multiple levels and systems meant to safeguard it remain inadequate.
He added that while rights are constitutionally guaranteed, the mechanisms to realise them are still weak, with common people often facing challenges, particularly in institutions such as police stations, prisons and courts.
The programme also saw participation from Registrar Geetha E. Kaulagi, Evaluation Registrar Prof. Dr. Ratna R. Bharamagowdara and faculty members, along with students.
