Programme Overview
The programme will be conducted over two days – 13th and 14th August 2026 - at National Law University Delhi. It includes an opening ceremony, four substantive discussion panels, four skill-building and learning-by-doing sessions, a closing ceremony with a keynote address, and a dinner reception. Skill-building sessions will be facilitated by international trainers using the YExLS (Youth Experiential Learning Labs) tool.
* Note: This schedule is subject to minor changes and will be updated periodically.
Day 1 – August 13, 2026
Opening Ceremony
• Opening remarks
• Welcome address
• Thematic Overview of the Workshop
Discussion Panel 1
Adolescent Love and the Law
Evaluating strict liability under POCSO in light of social realities:
• Constitutional law mandates regarding dignity and privacy of children
• Institutional impact of criminalisation of consensual adolescent relationships
• Considering the feasibility of Romeo-Juliet clauses in the Indian context
Discussion Panel 2
Trial of Children as Adults
Evaluating provisions of the JJ Act permitting children aged 16 to 18 to be tried as adults:
• Definitional difficulties – heinous crimes
• Assessment of capacity to stand trial as adults
• Compliance with constitutional safeguards and India’s international obligations
Skill Development Panel 1
YExLS: Youth Experiential Learning Labs
“Take a walk in my shoes … ” (Part 1)
Skill Development Panel 2
YExLS: Youth Experiential Learning Labs
“Take a walk in my shoes … ” (Part 2)
Day 2 – August 14, 2026
Discussion Panel 3
The Right and Reality of Speedy Trials
Assessment of the implementation of procedural time limits under the POCSO and JJ Act:
• Identifying Institutional barriers
• Role of capacity building and self-regulation among stakeholders
• Diversion
Skill Development Panel 3
Skill Building on Children in Justice System
Persuasive Advocacy and Learning-By-Doing
Discussion Panel 4
Interagency coordination in safeguarding child rights
Assessing the relevance of multiple agencies under the POCSO and JJ Act:
• Evaluating the degree of implementation - establishment and functioning of the agencies
• Role of technology in ensuring coordination
Skill Development Panel 4
Skill building for Child Clients and Witnesses
Learn-By-Doing Session on Examining Children
Closing Ceremony
• Introduction of keynote speaker
• Keynote address
• Closing remarks and Vote of Thanks