The Environmental Law Committee, School of Law, alongside the Centre for Social Action, Centre for Climate Action and Nature Club, is organizing an expert lecture titled “Between Legislation and Livelihood: PESA, FRA and the Politics of Implementation.” The session features prominent tribal rights activist Mr. Milind Thatte, founder of the Vayam Movement and an expert member of the Maharashtra Tribal Advisory Council. Bringing decades of grassroots experience in democratic participation and natural resource management, Mr. Thatte will offer critical insights into the operational realities of environmental governance.

The lecture addresses a vital pedagogical gap by moving beyond textbook provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA 2006) and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA 1996). Discussions will unpack why progressive statutory frameworks often fail at the ground level due to systemic barriers, including bureaucratic bottlenecks, diluted Gram Sabha powers, policy contradictions, and institutional resistance. Attendees will examine the political economy of forest governance, the challenges of unrecognized rights claims, and strategies for effective advocacy. By centering community perspectives and field realities, this session aims to cultivate a critical legal consciousness and prepare reflective practitioners in environmental law.