35th Informal Discussion Group Session with Dr. E. A. S. Sarma

Theme-Governance, Law and Public Interest

On 10 March 2026, the Informal Discussion Group of NLU, Odisha, hosted a session on “Governance, Law and Public Interest” featuring noted public policy commentator and former civil servant Dr. E. A. S. Sarma. A former member of the Indian Administrative Service (1965–2000), Dr. Sarma served as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministries of Power and Finance and later as Principal Adviser (Energy) to the Planning Commission.

The discussion began with a brief exchange on the idea of development, before expanding into a broader conversation on governance, public accountability, and civic engagement. Drawing from his post-retirement public interest work, Dr. Sarma spoke about issues ranging from environmental advocacy in the Vedanta mining controversy in the Niyamgiri Hills to the human rights concerns surrounding the Salwa Judum case. He also emphasised the role of informed public discourse and litigation in strengthening democratic institutions and protecting public interest.