Report of the Seminar

Messages Received from

Eminent Jurists & Legal Luminaries

1.	Hon'ble Madam Justice Beverley McLachlin Chief Justice of Canada Chambers of The Chief Justice Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0J1	In his most recent book, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen argues that development should be measured not in dollars but in terms of freedom. Development, in his view, consists in the systematic elimination of obstacles to human freedom. When we think of development in terms of freedom, we cannot ignore the importance of law and legal systems to the enterprise of human development. In the modern age, it is through law that we assert our freedoms and through law that we reconcile our own freedoms with those of others. This holds true as much between nations as it does between individual citizens. Progress in our increasingly interconnected world will be effected in large part through the development of international law. One measure of progress, therefore, might be the degree of respect accorded by various nations to international law. Article 51 of the Constitution of India embodies this idea. Please accept my best wishes for a successful Conference. It is through such efforts that the object of Article 51 will be achieved in letter and in spirit.
2.	Hon'ble Mr. Justice Richard H. Benson Associate Justice Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia P.O. Box 936, Chuuk FM 96942 Federated States of Micronesia E-mail: rbenson@mail.fm	I was very moved by the care you have taken to prepare for the Conference, beginning with efforts two years ago. I was also touched that students of City Montessori School expressed their concern over the state of the world by obtaining over 100,000 signatures on a petition to Mr. Annan to safeguard world peace on behalf of the children. Surely world peace is the most important topic. I congratulate your students and yourself as convener on the steps you have taken. Yours efforts will bear fruit.
3.	Hon'ble Mr. Justice Vivier Judge The Supreme Court of Appeal PO Box 258 Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa Fax : 051 4302215 Tel.: 051 4474013 E-mail : sec-dcj@intekom.co.za	We wish you every success and compliment you on your efforts to achieve world peace for the sake of our children.
4.	Hon’ble Mr Justice Richard Goldstone Judge Constitutional Court of South Africa Private Bag X7 Braamfontein 2017 South Africa Email: r_goldstone@hotmail.com	Article 51 of the Constitution of India articulate the principles which are essential to a future of international peace and security. In our globalized world, an international rule of law is essential if we are to avoid the massive violation of fundamental human rights which has been the hallmark of the 20^th Century. The alternative to a rule of law for the international community, as also in the case of any national state, is anarchy. The challenge is to find and accommodation for the respect for international law consistent law consistent with national sovereignty. Article 51 appropriately recognises the role of international law in the modern world, the respect which all people should have for each other and the need for the settlement of disputes before they lead to war. The Constitutional Court of South Africa is the guardian of one of the youngest constitutions based upon equality, democracy and the rule of law. We frequently draw inspiration from the decisions of the courts of India, the most populous democracy in the world. We appreciate too, the steadfast campaign by your country in support of the anti-apartheid campaign and the friendship we have received since South Africa has become a free and democratic country. It is this context that I am disappointed not to be able to participate in and benefit from your deliberations. I have no doubt that they will contribute to the building of a better world in which there is respect for the human dignity of all people and tolerance for the religious and cultural differences which we should we celebrate rather than denigrate.
5.	Hon’ble Mr. Justice Terence Higgins Judge Supreme Court Canberra, ACC Canberra Australia	I heartily endorse your goal of the creation of a World Parliament. The formation of such a noble institution would elevate international law to a plane it richly deserves: that of an incandescent beacon of justice, bringing light and hope to those of our fellow human beings cursed by poverty, disease, slavery and totalitarianism.
6.	Hon’ble Mr Justice Sonam Tobgye, Chief Justice of Bhutan Royal Court of Justice, High Court Thimphu, Bhutan Fax: 0975-22921	The Judiciary of Bhutan presents its compliments to the City Montessori School, Lucknow on organizing a conference pertaining to Clause (b) of Article 51 of the Constitution of India. We are standing at the threshold of a future with threat and crowning glory. Timely action will avert the threat and wisdom will lead us to glorious results. Therefore, I am glad that your institution has taken a timely and historic role to facilitate the convergence of a galaxy of luminaries to discuss about the subject “enacting international laws which would be enforceable on all the countries and people of the world.” Sages and prohets have taught the undying message of peace and security and civilization has recognized the primacy to foster respect for international law. I wish the conference all success.
7.	Hon’ble Mr. Justice Percy Blieden Judge, High Court Private Bag X7 Johannesburg 2000 South Africa Tel.:(011) 332-8175 Fax:(011) 337-5162	After reading the literature, which you kindly attached to my invitation, I am more convinced than ever in the importance and relevance of the forthcoming conference. The world would be a better place if more conferences of this nature were held.
8.	Hon’ble Mr. Justice B M Griesel Judges’ Chembers High Court Private Bag X9020 Cape Town 8000 South Africa Tel.: (021) 480-2642 Fax : (021) 423-0412 Email: bgriesel@justice.gov.za	My best wishes for the success of your conference. In discussing your conference topic, namely respect for international law, you may be interested to know that the Constitution of our young democracy (Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No 108 of 1996) contains a provision similar to your sec 51(c), in that our sec 39(1)(b) provides that a court, tribunal or forum, when interpreting the Bill of Rights, “must consider international law...” it would appear, therefore, we could benefit from your experience and deliberations in this regard.
9.	Hon'ble Justice Bernard D. Bongiorno Judge's Chambers Supreme Court of Victoria 210 William Street, Melbourne, 3000 Australia	"Your endeavours on behalf of world peace are to be applauded. I wish you every success with the conference."
10.	Greg Reinhardt President, Australia Institute of Judicial Administration, Australia	The Australian Institute of Judicial Administration, as a promoter of excellence in judicial administration and alternative dispute resolution, wishes the Conference well.
11.	Dr Justice AR. Lakshmanan Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court Chancellor, National Law University Jodhpur Ph: 0291-544391 (Jodhpur) 0141-380130 (Jaipur) Res: C-116, Savitri Path, Manjal Marg, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur – 302 004 Ph. (Res) : 515698	I am happy to learn that the City Montessori School (CMS), Lucknow is going to organize the first International Conference on "World Peace and Article 51 of the Constitution." In rapid globalisation of the world there can be no question that nation must march with the international community and the Municipal Law must respect rules of International Law even as nations respect international opinion. The comity of nations requires that rules of international law may be accommodated in the Municipal Laws even without express legislative sanction provided then do not run in conflict with the acts of Parliament. Law is enforceable if there is sanction behind it. Since there is no such sanction behind International Law there is dire need to enact enforceable International Law to safeguard the future of world's children by peaceful settling of territorial and international disputes. I must congratulate the organizers for organizing such a Conference. I wish the Conference all success.
12.	Prof. Wang Li President, De Heng College of Lawyers, China Email : dhlbj@public.bta.net.cn	I highly appreciate your aspiration for discussing such topics concerning the whole humanity, which shows an inspiring sense of responsibilities as well as a respectable spirit of scholars. I will follow relevant news about the Conference with great interest and sincerely wish you success.
13.	Peter Scheffel Former Judge, Federal Court of Germany Email : p.scheffel@gmx.de	"World Peace and Global Governance are indeed of utmost importance for the future of mankind. It is very meritorious that you foster the awareness of the CMS students for these issues. My thoughts and good wishes will be with you and all those present at the conference."
14.	Justice T.H. Smith Judge, Supreme Court, 210 William Street Melbourne, 3000, Australia Tel.: (03) 9603 6111 Fax: (03) 9670 8408	I wish you every success with the conference.
15.	Hon'ble Mr. Justice G N K Hetisani Judge, Venda High Court South Africa E-mail: Mmabobo@justice.gov.za	A Conference of this nature can only benefit the international community. I wish you all the success in this promising venture and hope that you will keep me in mind for future Conference.
16.	Hon'ble Mr. W. J. Hartzenberg, Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Judges' Chambers, High Court of South Africa P.O. Box 442, PRETORIA, 0001 Tel: 0027-012-315-7711 Fax: 0027-012-315-7600 E-mail: whartzenberg@gmx.net	Subsection (c) of Article 51 calls on the Government of India to strive towards respect for international law. This is undoubtedly a very progressive rule in the field of Constitutional Law. I have no doubt that other nations should look into the possible importation of such a rule into their respective constitutions. The co-operation between nations to maintain world peace is absolutely essential to our survival as a human species. One only has to think of the nuclear arsenal of the world to illuminate this pint. It is therefore my firm opinion that the establishment of some form of "World Parliament" is not only a possibility which needs to be explored, but an absolute necessity. As all great advancement in social evolution, the development of a "World Parliament" will unfortunetely not happen overnight. Any laws made by a "World Parliament" have to be enforced or the laws will carry no sanction in the event of contravention. This is in my opinion the problem that the United Nations (UN) system could not overcome. Consensus could never be reached between member states to establish a UN Army, which could serve as enforcer of decisions made by the UN. It is therefore submitted that a "World Parliament" cannot function effectively without a well-trained, well-equipped military force. National Governments will have to understand the necessity of surrendering at least some of their sovereignty to the "World Parliament". If no sovereigty is ceded to the "World Parliament", then decisions made by such a Parliament are not supreme and therefore, in the global context, irrelevant.
17.	Hon'ble Mr. Justice JJF Hefer Acting Chief Justice The Supreme Court of Appeal PO Box 258, Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa Fax : 051 4302215 Tel.: 051 4474013 E-mail : sec-dcj@intekom.co.za	Wishing you a successful and enjoyable conference I am.
18.	Hon'ble Mr. Justice Nicholson AO RFD Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia	I wish you every success with your conference and hope that you will achieve all of the objectives planned for the event.
19.	Hon’ble Mr. Justice K. N. Singh Former Chief Justice of India A-10, Sector 36 NOIDA (U.P.)	Article 51 of the Constitution of India embodies the aspirations of our people and the ethos of Indian civilization to follow the path of non-violence and to treat the entire world as one human family propounded by our sages philosophers since ancient times. The proposed International Conference is a laudable effort to ensure universal peace and harmony in the world. I commend your efforts and wish all success to the Conference.
20.	N. Santosh Hegde Supreme Court of India 10, Tees January Marg New Delhi - 110 011 Tel.: 3014989 (Res.) 3388942-44 (Off.)	I am extremely happy that the City Montessori School, Lucknow, has been very active in propagating the well-cherished Indian Constitutional objective of International Peace and Security. Apart from inculcating this worthy objective in the minds of the younger generation by holding this Conference, you would also be doing a great service to the society by creating social awareness of the constitutional objectives. I wish the Conference all success.
21.	Hon'ble Petur Kr. Hafsteem The Supreme Court of Iceland Haestriettur Islands Iceland Fax : (354) 562 – 3995	"On behalf of Justice Petur Kr. Hafstein I would like to thank you for the kind invitation be recently received to attend your conference, to be held on 6 May. Unfortunately, Mr. Hafstein is unable to attend the conference at the said date due to the workload in the court."
22.	Judge Annette Marfording Federal Court of Australia Email : a.marfording@unsw.edu.au	"I wish your project every success."
23.	Ian Binnie Supreme Court of Canada Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0J1, Canada Tel. (613) 996-5350 Fax : (613) 952-1882	I hope the Conference is a great success.
24.	Chief Justice Carsten Smith Supreme Court of Norway PO Box 8016 Dep 0030 OSLO, Norway Phone : +47 22 035901 Fax : + 47 22 42 8554	"Let me convey my best wishes for every success with the conference and acknowledgement of its aim for promoting international peace and security through respect for international law."
25.	Justice A. Varadarjan Former Judge Supreme Court of India F-138, Anna Nagar East Chennai 102 India	"Wish you success in your endeavour to effectuate article 51 of our constitutions which will help the people of the world as whole"
26.	Justice Peter Buchanan Judge's Chambers Court of Appeal Supreme Court 210 William Street Melbourne, 3000 Australia Phone :(03) 9603 6111 Tax : (03) 9670 8404	"I wish the conference success."
27.	Ms Marian Trobbiani Assistant to Mr Peter Boyce Ombudsman for the Northern Territory Australia Email : marian.trobbiani@nt.gov.au	"Mr Boyce wishes you a successful conference."
28.	Keshav Prasad Upadhyay Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court of Nepal Ramshahapath, Kathmandu G.P.O. Box 6062 Tel.: (977-1) 410363 Fax : (977-1) 362878	I appreciate your foresight and vision behind organising a conference on Article 51 of the Constitution of India.
29.	Dr. Nasim Hasna Shah Chief Justice of Pakistan (Rtd.) 58-D/1. Gulberg-III Lahore-Pakistan