By Matters India Reporter
NEW DELHI, October 27, 2026: Twenty-two Jesuit lawyers representing 12 provinces across India gathered at the Indian Social Institute from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21 for a national conclave themed “Our Role in Nation Building.”
The participants reflected on their legal apostolate, shared experiences, and formulated strategies to advance constitutional democracy, social justice, and human rights protection.
The conclave was inaugurated Oct. 20 with keynote addresses by the Father Stany D’Souza, president of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia, and the Father Ajit Xess, president-designate of the conference.
Both highlighted the pioneering efforts of the Jesuit Father Constant Lievens and his successor, Father John Baptist Hoffmann, whose work led to the passage of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 to safeguard Adivasi land rights.
D’Souza and Xess urged participants to draw inspiration from these pioneers.
Sessions on the role of attorneys in nation building featured Senior Advocate Robin R. David and Advocate Michael Dias, providing a platform for participants to discuss legal practice challenges.
A panel discussion Oct. 21 explored expectations for Jesuit legal professionals. Panelists included Advocates Sister Sneha Gill, Dr. Alana Golmei, and A.C. Michael, a former member of the Delhi Minority Commission. Discussions focused on expanding legal services for marginalized communities.
Five Jesuit lawyers presented diverse approaches to justice and legal service:
- Ravi Sagar discussed his efforts to qualify as an Advocate-on-Record before the Supreme Court of India.
- K.M. Joseph shared his experience handling cases for minority institutions before the Patna High Court.
- Anupchand detailed his work safeguarding Adivasi land rights before the Jharkhand High Court and subordinate courts through the Hoffmann Law Firm in Ranchi.
- Santhanam presented the work of the Legal Action, Advocacy and Services Centre in Tamil Nadu, including litigation, paralegal training, research-based advocacy, and campaigns defending constitutional values.
- Owen highlighted legal interventions by the Legal Cell for Human Rights in Guwahati, Assam, supporting vulnerable communities.
Key priorities identified for future action include establishing legal centers in every Jesuit province, expanding litigation and advocacy efforts, creating research teams, strengthening minority aid cells, and collaborating with existing legal networks.
Participants also emphasized the need for provincial support, continuity in legal representation, and documentation of Jesuit contributions to nation building.
The gathering proposed creating a Jesuit Lawyers Forum within the conference, holding annual in-person meetings, and addressing emerging constitutional issues, including anti-conversion laws.
Participants also honored the legacy of Jesuit Father Jerome D’Souza, a member of the Constituent Assembly of India who contributed to drafting the Indian Constitution, including the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Minority Rights.
Ahead of the 50th anniversary of his death in 2027, plans were proposed for national seminars, conferences, and widespread distribution of the Indian Constitution.
Attendees were also shown an early copy of the Indian Constitution originally presented to Father Jerome D’Souza, which is preserved at the Indian Social Institute in New Delhi.
(Photo supplied)