National Law Seminar on “Harassment: Power Dynamics, Legal Framework and Reporting Barriers,”

Title

National Law Seminar on “Harassment: Power Dynamics, Legal Framework and Reporting Barriers,”

Objective

The National Law Seminar on “Harassment: Power Dynamics, Legal Framework and Reporting Barriers,” held on 11 April 2026, was organized by IPEM Law Academy, Ghaziabad, in collaboration with BBS Group of Institutions, Prayagraj, with the primary objective of fostering critical dialogue on the complex and sensitive issue of harassment within institutional and societal power structures. The seminar aimed to examine the interplay between power dynamics and harassment, focusing on the legal frameworks governing such issues and the barriers faced by victims in reporting incidents.

A key objective was to provide an interdisciplinary platform for academicians, legal practitioners, policymakers, research scholars, and students to deliberate on contemporary challenges related to harassment, including workplace harassment, institutional abuse of authority, digital harassment, and issues of consent and reporting mechanisms. The seminar also sought to explore gaps in existing legal frameworks, highlight issues of underreporting due to fear of retaliation, and analyze the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms such as Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs).

Another important objective was to encourage research and academic engagement among young scholars by providing them an opportunity to present their work and contribute to evolving legal discourse. The seminar emphasized the need for inclusive, victim-sensitive, and robust legal mechanisms that ensure access to justice, accountability, and protection of fundamental rights. By bridging theory and practice, the seminar aimed to contribute toward developing more responsive and equitable legal solutions to address harassment in contemporary society.

Description

The National Law Seminar on “Harassment: Power Dynamics, Legal Framework and Reporting Barriers,” organized by IPEM Law Academy, Ghaziabad (UP) in collaboration with BBS Group of Institutions, Prayagraj, was successfully conducted on 11 April 2026, with enthusiastic participation from academicians, researchers, and students across the country.

The seminar was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Aparna Yadav, Vice Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Women Commission, whose insightful address highlighted the realities of harassment, the role of institutional accountability, and the importance of empowering victims to report injustices.

A significant highlight of the seminar was the formal launch of the Seminar Proceedings Book, comprising 46 extended abstracts and research contributions, reflecting the depth of academic engagement and diverse perspectives on the theme.

The seminar featured three technical sessions for paper presentations:

Technical Session I
Chaired by Reema Bhattacharya, Associate Professor, Jagannath University.
A total of 22 presenters shared their research.
Best Paper Award was conferred upon Nishtha Singh, Research Scholar, Sharda University.

Technical Session II
Chaired by Namita Vyas Joshi, Dean, School of Law and Legal Affairs, Noida International University.
This session witnessed 12 research presentations.
Best Paper Award was awarded to Khushbu Prasad, Academician, Amity University, Patna.

Technical Session III
Chaired by Yashi Joshi, Assistant Professor, BBS Institute of Law.
A total of 12 presenters contributed to this session.
Best Paper Award was presented to Deepika Verma, Academician, Amity University, Patna.

The seminar concluded on a positive and impactful note, with participants engaging in meaningful discussions on legal reforms, institutional responsibility, and the need to address systemic barriers in reporting harassment.

The conveners, Simran Dhingra and Swati Pal, extended heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, session chairs, participants, and organizing members for their valuable contributions in making the seminar a grand success.

Overall, the seminar served as a significant academic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and critical reflection on one of the most pressing socio-legal issues of our time, reinforcing the need for stronger, more inclusive, and effective legal responses to harassment.

Conveners

Simran Dhingra and Ms. Swati Pal

Highlights