LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH: The Pro Bono Club at the University of Lucknow hosted the Justice V.K. Dixit Memorial National Conference and Paper Presentation on May 2, 2026. The conference, themed “Reimagining Access to Justice: The Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms and Pro Bono Legal Services,” was organized in partnership with Manu Dixit Advocate & Associates. The event served as a platform for legal experts, academicians, and scholars to discuss the evolution of legal frameworks and inclusive justice mechanisms.
Inaugural Session and Academic Dialogue
The proceedings commenced with a formal welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) R. K. Verma, Head of the Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow. Prof. Verma emphasized the necessity of academic dialogue regarding evolving legal structures, particularly focusing on how innovative mechanisms can enhance access to justice.
Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar Yadav, Faculty Incharge of the Pro Bono Club, further highlighted the contemporary relevance of the conference theme, noting its significance in the current legal landscape of the country.
Judicial and Academic Insights
The inaugural session was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subhash Vidyarthi, Judge, Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench). In his address, Justice Vidyarthi emphasized the importance of legal ethics and the pivotal role of the youth in strengthening the judicial system to ensure access to justice for all.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. (Dr.) Amar Pal Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow, discussed the transformative role of legal education. He noted that academic institutions are critical in shaping “justice-oriented professionals” capable of navigating modern legal challenges.
Keynote Address and Expert Perspectives
The keynote address was delivered by Shri Anoop Trivedi, Senior Advocate and Additional Advocate General for the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Shri Trivedi shared insights on bridging the gap between theoretical legal education and practical governance.
The session, moderated by Advocate Saurabh Singh, also featured contributions from:
- Shri Pritish Kumar, Senior Advocate and Additional Advocate General, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
- Dr. Taru Saxena, Senior Partner at Max Law Firm and Managing Director of St. Anjani’s Public School, Lucknow.
The conference further benefited from the expertise of Shri Desh Deepak Singh, Advocate at the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench), and Advocate Harsh Srivastava.
Technical Sessions and Research Contributions
The conference facilitated three parallel technical sessions. A total of 36 teams from across India participated, presenting research papers aligned with the theme of ADR and pro bono services. These sessions fostered a rigorous academic exchange of ideas and explored the practicalities of reimagining justice delivery.
Valedictory Ceremony
The valedictory session was presided over by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Alok Mathur, Judge, Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench). Justice Mathur commended the research contributions of the participants and felicitated the winners among the 36 presenting teams.
The event was coordinated by Student Coordinator Mr. Aditya Raj Soni and Co-coordinator Mr. Bhavesh Kumar, supported by the Pro Bono Club team. Through this national conference, the Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legal awareness and advancing research in the field of access to justice.
