Pune, (Maharashtra), [India], 11 June, 2025: Rest The Case, a prominent legal platform, recently hosted a highly impactful panel discussion titled “Evolution of Indian Law & Its Impact on Society: Part 1.” The event convened distinguished legal experts to delve into the intricate evolution of Indian law and its profound influence on the nation’s societal fabric, exploring both historical legal frameworks and their enduring social dimensions.
The esteemed panel featured Adv. Mayur Bharat Joshi, Founder of Joshi Legal Associates, and Adv. Laxmi Maria Jenkins, a seasoned legal professional with over two decades of experience in litigation and Intellectual Property Law. Together, they offered critical insights into the challenges surrounding India’s evolving legal landscape, emphasizing the crucial need for robust infrastructure, policy alignment, and sustained capacity building within the legal system.
The discussion commenced with an exploration of Dharma-based laws in ancient India. Panelists detailed how these laws, intrinsically linked to caste duties, systematically marginalized women and lower castes, effectively denying them access to justice and revealing deep social inequalities embedded within the legal traditions of the time.
Transitioning to medieval Islamic rule, the panel examined the judicial framework of Qazi courts operating under Sharia law. Concerns were raised regarding the treatment of non-Muslims within this system, highlighting the exclusionary character present in both ancient and medieval legal frameworks.
The introduction of codified laws, such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC), during British rule marked a significant structural transformation. Panelists debated whether these reforms truly improved access to justice or primarily reinforced elite control. The British decision to retain personal laws was scrutinized as a divisive strategy rather than an effort to protect cultural diversity, viewing these reforms through the lens of both progress and power dynamics.
A pivotal part of the discussion focused on the transformative ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution, particularly Fundamental Rights, the abolition of untouchability, and the Hindu Code Bills. While acknowledging the significant legal advancements, panelists also noted a persistent gap between these constitutional principles and their practical application at the grassroots level. A major concern was the continued influence of entrenched local power structures, identified as key obstacles to ensuring equitable justice in rural India.
Miss Shreya Sharma, Founder and Director of Rest The Case, highlighted Public Interest Litigation (PIL) as a transformative step in making the Supreme Court more accessible to the general public. She cited landmark cases like Bandhua Mukti Morcha to illustrate how PILs have benefited marginalized groups. However, she pointed out that persistent language barriers, complex procedures, and legal jargon continue to impede ordinary people from navigating the legal system effectively.
The discussion concluded with a powerful reminder: Indian law is not merely a record of legal change, but a profound mirror reflecting societal transformation. The legal system, the panelists affirmed, holds immense potential as a force for equity, but only if it is made more accessible, humane, and deeply grounded in the lived realities of its people.
Part 2 of this insightful series will delve into the future of Indian law, addressing: “What should Indian law look like in the future—and what still needs to change?”
For more updates on Rest The Case’s upcoming events and legal insights, please visit www.restthecase.com or follow them on social media at @restthecase__india.
