Malvika Seth

Professor Malvika Seth

Small Group Project 2022-23

Cultural Expertise and Litigation in South Asia and Europe

This project pioneers a critical examination of the meaning and usage of cultural expertise in litigation in South Asia and Europe via a cross-jurisdictional analysis. Expert witnesses with various disciplinary backgrounds are known play an important role during decisions on rights and liabilities, helping the judges to understand these matters for a smooth resolution of disputes. However, when it comes to interpretive social science and humanities, controversies arise over the appropriateness of involvement of historians, political scientists, religious leaders as experts of culture. While recent research has discussed approaches adopted by some European jurisdictions, other States appear to have followed different mechanisms in this regard.

More information

Research outcomes

Holden, L., Seth, M., Mishra, A., & Steuer, M. (2023).

The rise of cultural expertise in litigation. Jindal Global Law Review, 14(2), 207–216.

Areas of interest

Law International Law Criminal Law Constitutional Law

Cohort

FG7

Biography

Prof. Malvika Seth holds an LL.M. in International Legal studies from New York University (NYU) and B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) degree from Gujarat National Law University. She has worked as Law clerk-cum-Research Assistant in the Supreme Court for India. Her research areas included constitutional and criminal law.

Malvika has also worked as a pro bono advocate and researcher with People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Jaipur. At PUCL, she was actively involved with the right to food campaign, study on access to justice for women and community outreach and counselling. During the LL.M. program, she volunteered with MADRE, a New York based women’s rights organization. Post the completion of LLM, Malvika was awarded the NYU-International Finance and Development fellowship with International Development Law Organization, Rome.

Biographical details correct as of 27.04.26