About
Dr. Gurudev Sahil is an Associate Professor at the School of Law, RV University (RVU), Bengaluru. With over 11 years of teaching and research experience, he holds a Ph.D. in Constitutional Law from TMBU, Bhagalpur, an LLM in Criminal & Corporate Law from the Indian Law Institute, New Delhi, and is UGC-NET qualified in Law. His academic career includes prior roles as Associate Professor and LLM Programme Coordinator at Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru; Assistant professor and Faculty In charge for Placements and Moot Court at Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Hyderabad; and faculty positions at Christ (Deemed to be University) and GLA University. Before transitioning into academia, he practiced as a Legal Associate, appearing before the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, and District Courts. He has guided multiple Ph.D. scholars continues to serve as an external RAC member at several universities.
This paper examines the regulatory and policy framework governing taxi aggregator platforms operating within India's digital ecosystem. It explores how ride-hailing intermediaries have disrupted conventional transport regulation, creating tension between innovation-driven business models and existing statutory frameworks. The study analyses key policy concerns including driver welfare, consumer protection, surge pricing practices, data governance, and market competition, situating them within the broader discourse on platform economy regulation. It further evaluates the adequacy of current guidelines issued by transport authorities and highlights gaps in accountability mechanisms for aggregators. Drawing on comparative regulatory approaches, the paper argues for a balanced policy model that fosters technological innovation while safeguarding stakeholder interests. The analysis contributes to ongoing academic and policy conversations on regulating digital intermediaries in emerging economies, offering recommendations for a more coherent and enforceable regulatory architecture for taxi aggregator platforms in India's evolving digital ecosystem.
This article investigates the rapid proliferation of mobile applications and the corresponding rise in data privacy concerns confronting users and regulators alike. As mobile apps increasingly mediate financial transactions, communication, and personal data storage, the study highlights the vulnerabilities created by inadequate consent mechanisms, excessive data collection, and weak enforcement of privacy safeguards. It examines existing legal and technical measures aimed at protecting user data, assessing their effectiveness against evolving threats such as unauthorised data sharing and third-party tracking. The paper situates these findings within the broader debate on digital financial inclusion versus privacy risk, particularly in the context of electronic finance applications. It concludes by proposing a stronger regulatory and technological framework to balance innovation in mobile application development with robust protection of user privacy, offering insights relevant to policymakers, developers, and financial institutions navigating this fast-growing digital space.
This paper explores the privacy and confidentiality challenges arising from the widespread integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices into everyday life. As interconnected devices continuously collect, transmit, and process personal data, the study identifies critical vulnerabilities in existing data protection frameworks, including inadequate encryption standards, weak device authentication, and limited user control over collected information. It analyses how the decentralised and pervasive nature of IoT ecosystems complicates the application of traditional privacy principles such as purpose limitation and data minimisation. The paper further reviews regulatory responses across jurisdictions and evaluates their capacity to address IoT-specific risks. Emphasis is placed on the need for a dedicated legal and technical framework that ensures confidentiality of data flowing through interconnected devices. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening accountability, transparency, and user consent mechanisms within IoT architectures to better safeguard individual privacy in an increasingly connected world.
Presented at an international conference, this paper builds on the growing concern surrounding mobile application usage and the accompanying rise in privacy vulnerabilities. It examines the technical and regulatory dimensions of data protection in mobile ecosystems, focusing on how app permissions, third-party integrations, and cloud-based storage increase exposure to privacy breaches. The study reviews the adequacy of current legal safeguards and technical standards designed to protect user data across mobile platforms. It also considers the behavioural aspect of user consent, noting that many users unknowingly grant excessive access to personal information. By synthesising legal and technological perspectives, the paper highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the privacy challenge and calls for coordinated efforts between developers, regulators, and users. The conclusions offer practical guidance for designing privacy-conscious mobile applications while reinforcing the importance of robust regulatory oversight in an increasingly app-driven digital economy.
This comparative study examines the legal framework governing arrest procedures and the corresponding rights guaranteed to arrested persons across different jurisdictions. It analyses statutory provisions, constitutional safeguards, and judicial pronouncements that shape the balance between law enforcement authority and individual liberty. Particular attention is given to procedural safeguards such as the right to be informed of grounds of arrest, access to legal counsel, protection against arbitrary detention, and the right to be produced before a magistrate within a stipulated period. The paper draws comparisons between different legal systems to identify best practices and persistent gaps in implementation. It also evaluates the role of judicial oversight in preventing custodial abuse and ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies. The study concludes by recommending reforms aimed at strengthening procedural protections for arrested persons, contributing to the broader discourse on criminal justice reform and the protection of fundamental rights during arrest and detention.
This paper explores the evolution and implementation of green building codes in India as instruments for promoting sustainable development. It examines the regulatory landscape governing energy-efficient construction, resource conservation, and environmentally responsible urban planning, tracing the development of green building standards and their integration into national and state-level building regulations. The study assesses the effectiveness of certification systems and incentive mechanisms in encouraging developers to adopt sustainable construction practices. It further considers implementation challenges, including compliance gaps, limited awareness, and enforcement difficulties across urban and rural contexts. By analysing case studies and policy initiatives, the paper highlights the contribution of green building codes to reducing environmental impact while supporting India's broader sustainable development goals. It concludes with recommendations for strengthening regulatory enforcement, enhancing stakeholder awareness, and aligning building codes with evolving environmental priorities to accelerate the transition toward sustainable and climate-resilient urban infrastructure in India.
This paper traces the regulatory evolution of insider trading laws in India, examining how the legal framework has developed to address market manipulation and protect investor confidence. It analyses key legislative and regulatory milestones, including amendments to securities regulations and the strengthening of enforcement mechanisms by market regulators. The study evaluates the effectiveness of surveillance systems, disclosure requirements, and penal provisions in curbing insider trading practices, while also considering persistent challenges such as detection difficulties and the complexity of proving intent. Comparative insights from other jurisdictions are used to assess the robustness of India's regulatory response relative to global standards. The paper further discusses the role of judicial precedent in shaping the interpretation of insider trading provisions. It concludes by identifying areas requiring further regulatory advancement, including technological upgrades in market surveillance and enhanced coordination between regulatory bodies, to ensure a fair and transparent securities market in India.
This paper analyses recent judicial trends in India concerning domestic violence, examining how courts have interpreted and applied the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act alongside related criminal provisions. It reviews significant judgments that have shaped the scope of protection available to survivors, including interim relief, residence orders, and maintenance entitlements. The study highlights evolving judicial attitudes toward evidentiary standards, the recognition of emotional and economic abuse, and the balancing of rights between complainants and respondents. It also considers the judiciary's role in addressing procedural delays and ensuring accessible remedies for victims. By tracing this jurisprudential trajectory, the paper assesses the extent to which judicial interpretation has strengthened or constrained statutory protections. It concludes by identifying emerging patterns in case law and offering observations on how continued judicial engagement can further advance the effective implementation of domestic violence legislation in India.
This paper examines the legal and policy framework governing forest conservation and development in India, exploring the tension between environmental protection and developmental imperatives. It reviews key legislative instruments, including forest conservation laws and allied environmental statutes, assessing their effectiveness in balancing ecological preservation with infrastructural and economic growth. The study considers the role of regulatory clearances, compensatory afforestation mechanisms, and community rights in shaping forest governance outcomes. Attention is given to persistent challenges such as deforestation pressures, weak enforcement, and conflicts between forest-dependent communities and development projects. Drawing on case studies and policy analysis, the paper evaluates the adequacy of existing safeguards in achieving sustainable forest management. It concludes with recommendations for strengthening participatory governance, improving compliance mechanisms, and aligning forest conservation policy with India's broader sustainable development commitments, contributing to ongoing discourse on environmental law and natural resource management.
This paper critically examines the gendered framing of India's domestic violence legislation and advocates for a more gender-neutral approach to ensure equal protection for all victims of domestic abuse. It explores the limitations of current statutory definitions that predominantly recognise women as victims, thereby excluding male and non-binary survivors from adequate legal protection. Drawing on comparative perspectives from jurisdictions that have adopted gender-neutral domestic violence laws, the study evaluates the feasibility and implications of reforming the existing legal framework in India. It considers social work perspectives on victim support, highlighting the practical challenges faced by underrepresented survivors in accessing redress mechanisms. The paper further discusses the balance required between protecting historically vulnerable groups and ensuring inclusivity for all victims regardless of gender. It concludes by recommending legislative and policy reforms aimed at fostering a genuinely equitable framework for addressing domestic violence in India.
This paper explores the evolving landscape of anti-dumping laws in India, tracing the paradigm shift in regulatory approach toward protecting domestic industries from unfair trade practices. It examines the statutory and institutional framework governing anti-dumping investigations, including the role of designated authorities in determining dumping margins and injury to domestic industry. The study analyses recent policy and procedural reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of anti-dumping proceedings, situating these developments within India's broader trade policy objectives. It further considers the interplay between domestic anti-dumping regulations and international trade obligations under the World Trade Organization framework. By evaluating case trends and regulatory outcomes, the paper assesses the effectiveness of India's anti-dumping regime in balancing fair trade protection with international commitments. It concludes by identifying areas for further reform to strengthen India's trade remedy mechanisms amid a rapidly changing global trade environment.
This socio-legal study examines public perceptions of justice, exploring how societal attitudes shape and are shaped by the functioning of legal institutions. It investigates factors influencing public trust in the justice system, including accessibility, procedural fairness, transparency, and the responsiveness of courts to societal needs. Drawing on socio-legal methodology, the paper considers how demographic and socio-economic variables affect individual perceptions of judicial efficacy and legitimacy. It further examines the gap between formal legal guarantees and lived experiences of justice, particularly among marginalised communities. The study highlights the implications of declining or fluctuating public confidence for the rule of law and democratic governance. By synthesising empirical observations with legal theory, the paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of how justice is perceived, experienced, and evaluated by the public. It concludes with reflections on strengthening institutional accountability and public engagement to enhance overall trust in the justice delivery system.
This book chapter offers an analytical examination of the regulatory contours governing cryptocurrencies in India, situating the discussion within the broader context of digital strategy and governance in transformative technologies. It traces the evolution of India's regulatory stance toward virtual digital assets, from initial ambiguity to more structured taxation and compliance measures. The chapter evaluates the adequacy of existing legal provisions in addressing concerns such as investor protection, anti-money laundering, and financial stability, while identifying persistent regulatory gaps around classification and enforcement. Comparative insights from international regulatory models are used to contextualise India's approach within the global cryptocurrency governance landscape. The chapter further explores the tension between fostering innovation in blockchain-based technologies and ensuring adequate oversight to mitigate systemic risk. It concludes by proposing a coherent regulatory pathway that balances technological advancement with financial and consumer protection safeguards in India's evolving digital asset ecosystem.
This paper examines the transformation of fiscal federalism in India following the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax, analysing how the shift toward a unified indirect tax regime has reshaped centre-state fiscal relations. It explores the constitutional and institutional mechanisms, including the GST Council, designed to facilitate cooperative federalism in tax administration and revenue sharing. The study evaluates persistent challenges such as compensation disputes, revenue autonomy concerns for states, and the complexities of consensus-based decision-making within the GST framework. It further considers the implications of these dynamics for the broader principles of fiscal federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. By assessing both achievements and shortcomings of the GST regime, the paper offers a critical perspective on the road ahead for fiscal federalism in India. It concludes with recommendations for strengthening institutional mechanisms to ensure equitable revenue distribution and sustained cooperative governance between the centre and states.
The Published Books authored/Co Authored:
This edited volume brings together contributions examining the dynamic interplay between law and society amid rapidly evolving contemporary legal and ethical challenges. As editor, the compilation curates diverse perspectives on emerging issues spanning technology, governance, human rights, and social justice, reflecting the multifaceted nature of legal scholarship in a changing world. The volume situates legal analysis within its broader societal context, exploring how law responds to, and shapes, evolving ethical frontiers across disciplines. Contributions address themes including regulatory innovation, access to justice, and the ethical dimensions of legal decision-making in an increasingly complex socio-technological environment. The editorial framework emphasises interdisciplinary engagement, encouraging readers to critically examine the adequacy of existing legal structures in addressing contemporary dilemmas. The volume serves as a resource for scholars and practitioners seeking a comprehensive understanding of the evolving relationship between law, society, and ethics in the present era.
This authored work examines the application and evolution of Muslim personal law within the modern Indian legal system, tracing its historical development and contemporary relevance. It explores key areas including marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance under Muslim law, analysing how statutory reforms and judicial interpretation have shaped the rights of individuals governed by these personal law provisions. The book considers the ongoing debate surrounding the uniform civil code and its implications for religious personal laws, situating Muslim law within India's pluralistic legal framework. It further examines landmark judicial pronouncements that have influenced the interpretation and application of Muslim law principles in contemporary disputes. By providing a comprehensive analysis of both traditional doctrine and modern legal developments, the work contributes to a deeper understanding of how Muslim law continues to function and adapt within India's constitutional and secular legal order, addressing questions of gender justice and legal reform along the way.
This authored work explores a wide spectrum of global legal challenges confronting societies undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological, economic, and social change. It examines how legal systems across jurisdictions are adapting to emerging issues such as digital governance, environmental sustainability, human rights protection, and evolving notions of justice in an interconnected world. The book adopts a comparative and forward-looking approach, analysing how legal frameworks must evolve to remain responsive to contemporary global realities. It considers the role of international law and cross-border cooperation in addressing shared challenges that transcend national boundaries. Through its examination of diverse legal themes, the work highlights the necessity of progressive legal thinking in navigating uncertainty and complexity in the modern era. It concludes by advocating for adaptive and inclusive legal frameworks capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges of a rapidly transforming global society.
Technology law, data privacy, and digital platform regulation
Financial and securities regulation, including cryptocurrency and insider trading
Fiscal federalism and taxation policy
Criminal justice, arrest procedures, and custodial rights
Gender justice and domestic violence law
Environmental and sustainable development law
International trade and anti-dumping regulation
Socio-legal analysis of justice and public trust
Research Excellence Award (Law) Global Research Foundation (KAAV Media Pvt. Ltd.), September 2020
This award recognizes outstanding contribution and excellence in legal research, conferred by the Global Research Foundation in acknowledgment of consistent scholarly output and academic rigor in the field of law. It reflects national-level recognition of research quality, impact, and dedication to advancing legal scholarship during the early stages of the recipient's academic career.
Award for Contribution in Research and Development in Higher Education (Law) SVDES-MIMT, 2020–21, May 2021
Conferred by SVDES-MIMT, this award honors significant contributions toward research and development within higher education in the field of law. It acknowledges efforts in strengthening academic scholarship, mentoring, and institutional research culture, recognizing the recipient's role in advancing legal education and fostering a research-oriented environment during the 2020–21 academic year.
Certificate for Developing E-Content GLA University, Mathura
This certificate was awarded in recognition of the development of e-content aimed at enhancing digital and online legal education. It acknowledges contribution to innovative, technology-driven pedagogy at GLA University, supporting accessible and quality learning resources for students during a period of increasing reliance on digital teaching methods.
