The right to health is a fundamental human right recognized by international conventions and national constitutions worldwide. However, the legal framework surrounding healthcare access and obligations remains a subject of debate, particularly in countries where healthcare policies do not fully align with human rights principles. As legal scholars and practitioners continue to explore ways to strengthen this right, the intersection of law, public policy, and healthcare delivery becomes increasingly significant.

International Legal Framework on the Right to Health

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) explicitly recognize the right to health. Article 12 of the ICESCR obligates states to ensure access to essential healthcare services, improve environmental and occupational health, and prevent diseases. Additionally, international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) emphasize that governments must implement policies ensuring universal and equitable healthcare access.

Despite these commitments, enforcement mechanisms remain weak in many regions. While developed nations often provide universal healthcare, developing countries struggle with resource constraints, inadequate legal protections, and disparities in medical infrastructure. Ensuring accountability in healthcare governance and creating enforceable legal mechanisms are critical steps toward realizing the right to health.

Challenges in National Healthcare Laws

National legal frameworks often shape healthcare accessibility and quality. In India, the Constitution under Article 21 guarantees the right to life, which courts have interpreted to include the right to health. The Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 47) place an obligation on the government to improve public health. However, India lacks comprehensive legislation explicitly defining and guaranteeing healthcare as a justiciable right, leaving enforcement largely dependent on judicial interventions.

Legal challenges arise in areas such as healthcare affordability, insurance regulations, and state accountability. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, aimed at providing free healthcare to economically weaker sections, has expanded healthcare access, but concerns regarding quality control, fraud prevention, and funding remain. Additionally, public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted gaps in legal preparedness and crisis response mechanisms.

The Role of Law in Advancing Healthcare Rights

Strengthening healthcare rights requires a multifaceted legal approach, including policy reforms, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and clearer definitions of state obligations. Countries must develop transparent healthcare laws, invest in universal healthcare models, and establish independent regulatory bodies to monitor compliance. Courts also play a vital role in adjudicating health-related disputes and ensuring government accountability.

As legal scholars and policymakers continue to explore new solutions, the integration of law and healthcare policy will be essential in shaping a more just and equitable healthcare system.

The Government Law College, Ernakulam, will host a two-day international workshop on "Climate Change and Education" on February 2-3, 2025, with the aim of fostering dialogue on how education can play a pivotal role in combating climate change.

The workshop will bring together scholars, researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to explore innovative ways to integrate climate change education into curricula across various disciplines. It will also focus on the role of education in raising awareness about climate change and fostering sustainable practices for the future.

The event will feature keynote addresses by experts in climate science and education, along with panel discussions and paper presentations on topics ranging from environmental policy and climate justice to incorporating climate change topics in academic programs. The workshop is designed to facilitate in-depth discussions on the urgent need for educational institutions to be proactive in equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address the climate crisis.

This international gathering also aims to provide a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among participants from around the world, enabling collaborations and the exchange of ideas that could lead to tangible solutions in the field of climate education.

The workshop, which has attracted considerable interest from both national and international attendees, is open to scholars, researchers, students, and professionals engaged in climate change-related work. However, registration for the event closed on January 25, 2025.

The Government Law College, Ernakulam, has launched this initiative as part of its commitment to contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. By promoting education as a tool for environmental awareness and sustainability, the college hopes to empower future generations to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Through this workshop, the institution aims to strengthen the link between climate change and education, urging stakeholders to take collective action in fostering a sustainable and resilient future.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has intensified its crackdown on dummy schools operating without proper infrastructure, following a directive from the Delhi High Court. These institutions, which often exist only on paper, have raised serious concerns about the authenticity of certificates and mark sheets issued to students.

Responding to the court’s concerns, CBSE has initiated a comprehensive investigation and identified multiple dummy institutions nationwide. Officials have confirmed that affiliations for such schools will be revoked immediately to prevent further academic fraud.

The Delhi High Court has directed CBSE to ensure that all affiliated schools possess adequate infrastructure and comply with academic standards. It has also mandated strict legal action against those involved in fraudulent practices. The board has assured the court of rigorous inspections and thorough verification processes to curb the proliferation of such institutions.

The crackdown is expected to impact thousands of students who may have obtained fake certificates or mark sheets through these unauthorized schools. Many educationists and parents have welcomed the move, stressing the importance of stringent regulations to safeguard academic credibility.

Experts believe that in addition to closing fraudulent institutions, CBSE should establish robust monitoring systems to prevent their resurgence. They advocate for periodic audits, surprise inspections, and stricter affiliation criteria to ensure ongoing compliance with educational norms.

As education remains a cornerstone of national development, CBSE’s stringent actions demonstrate its commitment to eliminating malpractices and reinforcing the credibility of India’s education system. Stakeholders hope that continued vigilance will create a more transparent and trustworthy academic environment for future generations.

Xavier Law School, in collaboration with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Indian Intellectual Property Foundation (IIP), is set to host a national-level moot court competition focused on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The event, scheduled from February 24 to 26, 2025, will take place at the Xavier Law School campus in Bhubaneswar.

The competition aims to provide law students from across the country with a platform to showcase their advocacy skills and legal expertise in IPR-related cases. The event will bring together future legal professionals, experienced judges, and leading advocates to engage in rigorous legal debates and courtroom simulations.

Competition Format and Prizes

The competition will feature teams comprising two to three members representing various law schools. Participants will compete in multiple rounds, including:

• Preliminary Rounds
• Quarterfinals
• Semifinals
• Finals

The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000 along with a trophy. Additionally, individual prizes will be presented in the following categories:

• Best Memorial
• Best Speaker
• Best Researcher

The registration fee for the competition is ₹5,000 per team, and interested participants must complete their registration by February 10, 2025.

Encouraging Legal Awareness in IPR

The moot court competition is expected to enhance students' understanding of Intellectual Property Rights, a growing field in corporate and technology law. The event will also serve as an opportunity for law students to network, exchange ideas, and gain insights from experienced legal professionals.

Organizers believe the competition will promote awareness of IPR laws and encourage students to consider careers in this domain. By engaging in complex legal arguments, participants will contribute to discussions on emerging IPR issues and gain valuable experience in legal research and advocacy.

For registration and inquiries, teams can reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact +91 94370 33333.