From Classroom to Legislature: Bahra University Law Students Witness Democracy in Action at Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha
In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening experiential learning and practical legal education, a delegation of law students from the School of Law, Bahra University, Waknaghat, visited the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), Shimla, to observe the ongoing Monsoon Session.The educational visit was conducted under the guidance of the Dean/HOD, School of Law, Bahra University, with the objective of providing students with firsthand exposure to legislative procedures, parliamentary practices, constitutional governance, legislative debates and the functioning of a State Legislature.
The visit provided an opportunity for students to move beyond theoretical classroom learning and understand the practical application of constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules governing the functioning of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Interaction with the Hon’ble Speaker
Before the commencement of the House proceedings, the student delegation had the privilege of interacting with Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Hon’ble Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Welcoming the students, the Hon’ble Speaker shared valuable insights into the functioning of the House and the parliamentary mechanisms that govern legislative proceedings. He highlighted the importance of dignity, discipline, constitutional values and procedural decorum during Assembly sessions.The interaction helped students understand how established rules and procedures regulate discussions and debates between the ruling and opposition benches and ensure the effective functioning of democratic institutions.
Students Witness Live Monsoon Session
The law students subsequently observed the Live Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Visitors’ Gallery. The students witnessed legislative discussions and debates on bills, public policy matters and issues of public importance.
Observing the proceedings firsthand enabled students to understand how legislative matters are introduced, examined, debated and deliberated upon within the framework of parliamentary procedure.
For aspiring legal professionals, the experience provided valuable practical exposure to the relationship between law, governance, public policy and democratic decision-making.
Interaction with Hon’ble Cabinet Ministers
Following the Assembly proceedings, the delegation also had the opportunity to interact with prominent members of the Himachal Pradesh Council of Ministers.
The students interacted with Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Hon’ble Minister for Family Welfare, Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Himachal Pradesh, and Shri Rajesh Dharmani, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training, Town and Country Planning (TCP), and Housing, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
The interactions provided students with valuable insights into the functioning of the State executive, public administration, policy implementation and the responsibilities associated with public office.
The experiential learning tour served as an important bridge between legal education and real-world governance, enabling students to develop a broader understanding of constitutional institutions and the functioning of democracy.
Strengthening Practical Legal Education at Bahra University
Such academic and field-based initiatives are an integral part of the School of Law, Bahra University’s approach to experiential legal education. Exposure to courts, legislative institutions, government bodies and other constitutional institutions enables law students to develop practical understanding alongside their academic knowledge.
The visit to the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly also encouraged students to appreciate the significance of constitutional law, legislative studies, parliamentary procedure, public policy and civic responsibility in professional legal practice.
The visit was coordinated by Mr. Balwant Singh and Mr. Lal Dass, Assistant Professors, School of Law, Bahra University, Waknaghat.