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Former Chief Justice of India, U.U. Lalit appointed as Professor of Emeritus at SRM School of LawSRMIST Hosts ICILS%u201926: Advancing Innovation and Global Collaboration in Life SciencesSTAFF WRITERHon%u2019ble Mr. Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, has been appointed as Professor Emeritus at the School of Law, SRM Institute of Science and Technology. Notably, he was part of the Constitution Bench in Shayara Bano v. Union of India, which declared instant triple talaq unconstitutional, and the ruling in Joseph Shine v. Union of India, which struck down the offence of adultery, reaffirming the values of dignity, equality and personal autonomy.During his visit to the SRMIST campus on 24th March 2026, Justice Lalit delivered a lecture on %u201cParliamentary Privileges,%u201d focusing on their constitutional basis and contemporary relevance. He traced the origins of parliamentary privileges to the evolution of the British Parliament and explained how these principles were adopted and adapted within the Indian constitutional framework.He said parliamentary privileges are essential to ensuring the independence and effective functioning of legislative bodies, allowing them to discharge their duties without undue interference.%u201cParliamentary privileges are not personal advantages, but institutional safeguards designed to preserve the dignity, independence, and effectiveness of legislative bodies,%u201d Justice Lalit noted.Justice Lalit also discussed key rulings that have defined the scope of parliamentary privileges in India. Referring to M.S.M. Sharma v. Sri Krishna Sinha, he highlighted the tension between legislative privilege and freedom of the press. He also cited Tej Kiran Jain v. N. Sanjiva Reddy, which upheld immunity for statements made by legislators within the House.Emphasising the importance of legal reasoning, Justice Lalit urged students to read judgments in their entirety and understand the context in which legal principles are developed. He said a fragmented reading of case law often leads to incomplete or incorrect interpretations.%u201cAt SRM, we believe the law is best learned from those who have shaped it. It is a profound honor to welcome Hon%u2019ble Justice U.U. Lalit as our Professor Emeritus. His presence transforms textbook theory into living inspiration, mentoring our students to become the thoughtful, principled leaders our legal system needs.%u201d %u2013 Prof. P. Sree Sudha, Dean, SRM School of Law, SRMIST-KTR.STAFF WRITERThe Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Campus, organized the 3rd International Conference on Innovations in Life Sciences (ICILS%u201926) on 16 and 17 February 2026 in hybrid mode.The two-day international conference brought together eminent scientists, academicians, clinicians, industry professionals, and young researchers from India and across the globe to deliberate on emerging innovations, interdisciplinary research, and translational approaches in the life sciences. The inaugural session, held at the Dr. T. P. Ganesan Auditorium, commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and a welcome address by Dr. T. G. Nithya, Convener ICILS%u201926 and Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry. The conference proceedings were formally released, followed by the Presidential Address by Dr. A. Vinay Kumar, Pro ViceChancellor, SBL, SRMIST.The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Dr. N. Mathivanan, Former Registrar (i/c) and Former Director & Head, Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, who highlighted the importance of bioprospecting and integrative research in advancing biomedical sciences. A special address by Dr. R. Prabhavathy, Former Director (Biotechnology), M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, emphasized the role of sustainable and regenerative approaches in life science innovation. ICILS%u201926 featured multiple technical sessions covering a wide spectrum of topics, including medicinal plant research, soil microbiome and regenerative agriculture, stem cell banking, pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, retinal disease therapeutics, and alternative preclinical models for drug discovery. Empowering Health at the Grassroots: SRM%u2019s Medical Outreach Camp Brings Care to Recycling Workers in KodungaiyurSTAFF WRITERA medical outreach camp was conducted on 8 November 2025 at Narayana E-Techno School, Kodungaiyur, for workers from the local plastic recycling sector. The camp was jointly organized by SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre and the Centre for Research in Environment, Sustainability, Advocacy and Climate Change (REACH), the Directorate of Research, in association with Tamil Nadu%u2013Pondy Plastic Association (TANPPA). Recycling workers from various age groups attended the camp and received comprehensive health assessments for conditions such as asthma and wheezing, respiratory issues, allergies and rashes, diabetes, hypertension, lifecycle care, child growth and nutrition, and visionrelated concerns. Children from the nearby orphanage %u201cStreet Vision NGO, Kodungaiyur%u201d also participated and benefited from the medical screenings. This initiative marks a meaningful step toward strengthening the health and well-being of the recycling community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the camp. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated doctors and staff of SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre for their sustained support.2026 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 2 35