We are delighted to host Mr. A.S. Ponanna, Senior Advocate, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, and Legal Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, at the NLS campus on Monday, January 12, 2026.

His talk, titled “Elections, the Rule of Law, and Democratic Governance,” will be held from 2 to 4 pm at NAB 101, and is being facilitated by Prof. Muhammad Ali Khan, who teaches the elective Introduction to Election Law at the University.

Abstract

Governance today is shaped by the growing convergence of law and public policy, with lawyers increasingly engaging as advisors, drafters, and institutional actors alongside policymakers. Drawing on his experience as a senior advocate, legislator, and legal advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Ponanna will reflect on the expanding role of public policy professionals and the new professional pathways this creates for lawyers.

The lecture will also examine the evolution of Indian election law over the past decade, highlighting key judicial and regulatory developments and their impact on democratic governance. The talk will also address the emerging roles for lawyers and public policy minded professionals in election-related litigation, advisory work, policy formulation, and institutional reform.