Shimla, October 25, 2026
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, in association with the Law and Economics Trust, concluded the 12th International Conference on Law and Economics (ICLE-2026), centred on the theme “Positive Externalities for a Better Society.” The valedictory session marked the culmination of two days of academic deliberations, research presentations and interdisciplinary discussions on the role of law and economics in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
Prior to the valedictory session, and as part of the conference deliberations, a panel discussion on the social capital-oriented practices of surgeons’ surgical interventions was chaired by Dr. Shrinivas Thati and featured Dr. Aradhana Singh, Dr. Arun Gupta, Prof. Murli Prasad Panta and Prof. Praveen Kulshreshtha. Dr. Thati emphasised the importance of social capital, patient trust, ethical medical practice, multidisciplinary teamwork and standardised surgical training. Dr. Aradhana Singh discussed surgical safety, informed consent, team coordination, simulation-based training and the need to safeguard both patients and surgeons. Dr. Arun Gupta highlighted transparency in surgical practice and the importance of communicating treatment options and associated risks to patients. Dr. Thati also addressed orthopaedic infrastructure, NABH guidelines, trauma care and standards of medical practice. Prof. Murli Prasad Panta examined healthcare quality through the concepts of credence services, resource efficiency and distributive justice, while Prof. Praveen Kulshreshtha discussed surgical ethics, professional conduct, regulatory frameworks and stakeholder cooperation.
Another panel discussion focused on solid waste management and sustainability in Indian cities. Chaired by Dr. Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati, the discussion featured Prof. Arindam Biswas, Dr. Anil Kumar Roy, Dr. Bikramaditya Kumar Choudhary, Dr. Bijay Kumar Das and Dr. Arvind Kumar Pandey. The panellists deliberated on waste segregation, recycling, landfill management and urban sustainability. The discussion emphasised the need for improved waste collection systems, greater public awareness, appropriate incentives and the integration of the informal sector into waste management practices.
The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Esha Sharma, Assistant Professor, Management, HPNLU, Shimla, who welcomed the Chief Guest, distinguished academicians, delegates, researchers and participants. She acknowledged the significance of the conference in fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting academic engagement with contemporary issues concerning law, economics and society.
An overview of ICLE-2026 was presented by Prof. (Dr.) Murli Prasad Panta, Professor in the Department of Economic Sciences, IIT Kanpur who reflected on the conference proceedings, academic deliberations and the range of themes explored during the technical sessions and panel discussions. The overview highlighted the conference’s role in bringing together scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplines to exchange ideas and examine the potential of law and economics in advancing positive social outcomes.
The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) L.C. Mallaiah, Vice Chancellor, Dravidian University, Andhra Pradesh, addressed the gathering during the valedictory session. His address formed a key part of the concluding deliberations, bringing the conference proceedings to a close and underscoring the importance of sustained academic engagement and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU, Shimla, delivered the presidential address. She reflected on the significance of academic conferences in encouraging research, intellectual exchange and collaboration across disciplines. The session provided an opportunity to take stock of the conference’s deliberations and reaffirm the relevance of law and economics in understanding and addressing complex societal concerns.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Girjesh Shukla, Director, Centre for Law, Business and Economics, HPNLU, Shimla. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the Vice-Chancellor, the speakers, participating scholars, delegates, organisers and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of ICLE-2026.
The conference was attended by Prof. Jaivir Singh, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi; Prof. Murali Prasad Panta and Prof. Praveen Kulshreshtha, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur; Dr. Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati and Dr. Arvind Kumar Pandey, IIT Tirupati; Prof. Arindam Biswas, IIT Roorkee; Dr. Anil Kumar Roy, CEPT University, Ahmedabad; Dr. Bikramaditya Kumar Choudhary, JNU, New Delhi; Dr. Bijay Kumar Das, NIT Patna; Col. Prakash Tewari (Retd.), Member, Expert Appraisal Committee, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Maj. Gen. S.S. Patil, Additional Director General, Territorial Army Directorate, Army Headquarters; Brig. Rajesh Sharma, Commander, Territorial Army Group, Western Command; Col. Deepak Kumar, Commanding Officer, 133 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Eco Dogra; Ms. Jyoti Kapoor, Indian Defence Estates Service, Chief Executive Officer, Cantonment Board, Mhow; Brig. Venkatesh, Deputy Director General, Territorial Army; and Maj. Gen. Sanjay Puri (Retd.).
Other distinguished delegates and speakers included Dr. Srinivas Thati, Director and Head, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, AIG Hospitals; Dr. Aradhana Singh, Additional Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis, Noida; Dr. Arun Gupta, medical negligence lawyer and expert, New Delhi; Dr. G.B.K. Rao, Chairman, Pragati Group of Companies; Shri Babloo Kumar, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police and Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Lucknow; Prof. Sunil Kumar, Centre for Industrial Ecology and Circular Economy, CSIR-NEERI; Dr. Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan, Founder, Infinite Sum Modelling LLC; Dr. Anand Dayal, Anand Dayal & Co., Advocates, New Delhi; Prof. L.C. Mallaiah along with other participating academicians, researchers and delegates.
The conference brought together participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue on positive externalities and their potential to contribute to a better society. The valedictory session formally marked the conclusion of the two-day conference at HPNLU, Shimla.
