At SPIL Mumbai, we are dedicated to fostering a deep interest in international law among our students by addressing matters of global concern. We achieve this through engaging interactions with experts, external professors, and special lectures by our distinguished alumni.
Global Expertise and Prestigious Lectures
Our initiative includes inviting renowned professors from esteemed international institutions to deliver insightful lectures on various subjects. Notable highlights include lectures from:
-
His Excellency, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Mumbai;
-
Professor at Wayne State University Law School;
-
Professor at Harvard Law School;
-
Professor at University of Pennsylvania;
-
Professor at Cardiff University;
-
Professor at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore.
These interactions provide our students with unique opportunities to learn from global experts, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of international law.
Why Engage with SPIL Mumbai?
-
Gain insights from professors at leading international institutions.
-
Explore matters of global concern through expert lectures and discussions.
-
Benefit from the experiences and knowledge of our illustrious alumni.
Join us at SPIL Mumbai to enrich your understanding of international law and engage with experts from around the world. Our commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences ensures that our students are well-prepared for the complexities of international legal practice.
SPIL Guest Lecture: Importance of International Law with His Excellency Ahamad Zuwairi Yusoff, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Mumbai
About the Lecture
The guest lecture on "The Importance of International Law" offered an enlightening perspective on the foundational role that international law plays in maintaining global order and cooperation. The discussion emphasised how international law serves as a framework for resolving cross-border conflicts, promoting sustainable development, safeguarding human rights, and addressing issues like environmental conservation and peacekeeping. The lecture illuminated how international law aligns diverse national policies with a shared set of global values, creating a structured pathway for resolving complex international issues.
About the Speaker:
Mr. Ahmad Zuwairi Yusoff began his career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia in 2005. He has served in Iran and the Netherlands, and his job experience was among others as the Alternate Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and MH 17 Joint Investigation Team (JIT). He has represented Malaysia in various multilateral meetings including Parliamentarians for Global Affairs (PGA), Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). He assumed his post as the Consul General of Malaysia in Mumbai in October 2022.
Key Highlights
-
Comprehensive insight into the foundational principles and impact of international law.
-
Analysis of international law’s role in addressing global challenges, from human rights to environmental protection.
-
His Excellency’s informed perspectives, supported by his substantial experience in global diplomacy and multilateral negotiations.
SPIL Guest Lecture: Laws of Wars - Part II
with Prof. Kishu Daswani
About the Lecture
The guest lecture on "Laws of War" offered a profound examination of the legal frameworks governing armed conflict, shedding light on how international law seeks to limit the devastating impacts of war. This insightful session provided a detailed understanding of the principles and norms that guide the conduct of hostilities, including the protection of non-combatants, humane treatment of prisoners of war, and the prohibition of certain weapons. The lecture underscored the importance of these laws in upholding human dignity, even amidst conflict, and explored current challenges in enforcing the laws of war.
About the Speaker: Prof. Kishu Daswani
Professor Kishu Daswani has been teaching law at the Government Law College, Mumbai for over 25 years and is the Faculty Advisor for Students for the Promotion of International Law, at Government Law College, Mumbai. He is the founder member and the Coordinator for the Securities Law course at the College and has been appointed by the Governing Council of the College to work on Social empowerment of underprivileged in college.
He is a teacher at the Masters in Public Policy Program, Human Rights and Business Law at the St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. In the past he has taught at the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and has conducted lectures at the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, Uttan, Mumbai and at Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. He also teaches International and Humanitarian Law at the Rotary Peace Centre at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
He has been invited on several panels to speak on International Relations and Human Rights. He has received accreditation as a trained Mediator by the High Court of Bombay and is a Member of LAW: Review, Reforms and Rationalisation Committee of the Indian Merchants Chamber. He is a Global Peace Index Ambassador. He is also a Resource person for the Harvard College in Asia Program and has conducted several workshops with national and International participants on Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Key Highlights
-
Thorough examination of the laws regulating armed conflict and their relevance in modern warfare.
-
Discussion on the ethical considerations and challenges associated with enforcing international humanitarian law.
-
Prof. Daswani’s expert insights, reflecting his extensive research and contributions to the field of international law and conflict studies.
SPIL Webinar: Introduction to the WTO Framework - Trade & Environment with Ms. Akshata Limaye
About the Webinar
The "Introduction to the WTO Framework: Trade and Environment" webinar provided an insightful exploration into the structure and functioning of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This intergovernmental body regulates international trade, promotes healthy multilateralism, prevents discrimination, and encourages reciprocity while addressing constraints like national security and environmental protection. The webinar focused on how the WTO navigates the intricate balance between trade and environmental considerations.
About the Speaker: Ms. Akshata Limaye
Ms. Akshata Limaye, a Consultant at Trade for Sustainable Development (T4SD) – International Trade Centre, Geneva, led the session. She holds a B.L.S. / L.L.B. from Government Law College, Mumbai, and a Masters of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics from the World Trade Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland. With extensive experience as an Associate at Economics Law Practice and additional qualifications in Cyber Laws and Entrepreneurship Administration and Business Laws, Ms. Limaye provided a multi-disciplinary perspective on the WTO's operations. Her discussion highlighted the nuances of trade and environmental policies within the WTO framework.
Key Highlights
-
Detailed exploration of the WTO’s regulatory mechanisms.
-
In-depth analysis of the intersection between international trade and environmental protection.
-
Ms. Limaye’s unique perspective on the WTO, drawn from her extensive academic and professional background.
SPIL Webinar - Understanding the International Law Question in the Enrica Lexie Arbitration between India and
Italy: Part I
The "Understanding the International Law Question in the Enrica Lexie Arbitration between India and Italy" webinar provided a comprehensive analysis of the legal complexities surrounding the case.
Part I of the webinar delved into the intricate details of the incident involving the killing of fishermen aboard the St. Anthony's vessel. This session thoroughly examined the available arbitration options under the International Law of the Sea, providing attendees with a robust understanding of the institutional frameworks and mechanisms involved.
About the Speaker: Dr. Sudhir Verma
Dr. Verma pursued BLS LLB and LLM from Government Law College and, MPhil, PhD at JNU Delhi. He is a member of Asian Society of International Law. Dr Verma worked in the capacity of Research Associate, for Maritime Laws and International Commercial Arbitration at Dr. Gubbi's House of Justice, Bengaluru. Also, he was a Visiting Faculty member at NLU, Delhi and Symbiosis School of International Studies.
Key Highlights
-
Detailed recount of the facts related to the fishermen's death on the St. Anthony's vessel.
-
Exploration of various arbitration options under the International Law of the Sea.
-
Discussion on the legal ramifications and jurisdictional challenges in the case.
SPIL Webinar - Understanding the International Law Question in the Enrica Lexie Arbitration between India and
Italy: Part II
Part II of the "Understanding the International Law Question in the Enrica Lexie Arbitration between India and Italy" webinar focused on the critical legal interpretations and implications of the case. The session provided an in-depth discussion on the relevant articles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the controversial concept of 'incidental jurisdiction.'
About the Speaker: Dr. Sudhir Verma
Dr. Verma pursued BLS LLB and LLM from Government Law College and, MPhil, PhD at JNU Delhi. He is a member of Asian Society of International Law. Dr Verma worked in the capacity of Research Associate, for Maritime Laws and International Commercial Arbitration at Dr. Gubbi's House of Justice, Bengaluru. Also, he was a Visiting Faculty member at NLU, Delhi and Symbiosis School of International Studies.
Key Highlights
-
Comprehensive analysis of the Enrica Lexie arbitration case, highlighting the legal arguments presented by both India and Italy.
-
Detailed interpretation of specific UNCLOS articles relevant to the case, providing attendees with a clear understanding of the legal framework governing the dispute.
-
Examination of how the invocation of 'incidental jurisdiction' influenced the case's outcome and prejudiced India's arguments.
SPIL Webinar - Doctrines of Force Majeure & Hardship in Oil & Gas Contracts during Market Volatility
In collaboration with the Indian National Association of Legal Professionals, SPIL Mumbai organised a webinar titled "Doctrines of Force Majeure & Hardship in Oil & Gas Contracts due to Market Volatility during the Pandemic." The webinar featured insights from distinguished speakers Mr. Rahul Donde and Mr. Varad Kolhe.
About the Speakers
Mr. Rahul Donde and Mr. Varad Kolhe are renowned legal experts with extensive experience in the oil and gas sector. Their expertise in contract law and arbitration provided participants with a deep understanding of the complex legal doctrines and their practical implications.
Key Highlights
-
Examination of the force majeure doctrine, its application in oil and gas contracts, and the legal ramifications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Analysis of the hardship doctrine and its impact on contractual obligations amidst unprecedented market volatility.
-
Discussion on the significant challenges faced by the oil and gas sector due to fluctuating market conditions during the pandemic and the legal strategies to navigate these challenges.
SPIL-INALP Webinar - Corruption in Investment Arbitration"
Students for the Promotion of International Law (SPIL), Mumbai, in collaboration with the Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP), conducted a compelling webinar on "Corruption in Investment Arbitration" featuring insights from Ms. Shreya Ramesh.
About the Speakers: Ms. Shreya Ramesh
Ms. Shreya Ramesh is a distinguished legal expert specialising in international arbitration. With a wealth of experience in handling complex arbitration cases, Ms. Ramesh provided valuable insights into the intricacies of corruption in investment arbitration and its broader implications on international investment law.
Key Highlights
-
Examination of the prevalence of corruption in investment arbitration and its impact on international investment law.
-
Analysis of legal frameworks and arbitration practices aimed at combating corruption in international investment disputes.
-
Discussion on notable cases of corruption in investment arbitration and the judicial responses to these challenges.