HPNLU Hosts Special Lecture on Spill-over Effects of Retrospective Taxation under International Investment Agreements

Shimla, 26.02.2026
The Centre for Business Law and Economics, HPNLU, Shimla, under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, successfully organized a Special Lecture on 26 February 2026 titled “Spill-over Effects of Retrospective Taxation Policies under International Investment Agreements.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Argha K. Jena, an eminent expert in international economic law. The session witnessed active participation from LL.M. students and under graduate students of the 8th and 10th semesters, particularly those specializing in Business Law.
Dr. Argha K. Jena, an Indian attorney specializing in international dispute resolution and international economic law, delivered a comprehensive and insightful lecture on the legal and economic ramifications of retrospective taxation under international investment treaties. Drawing from his extensive professional experience of over a decade, he elaborated upon the doctrinal foundations, treaty obligations, arbitral interpretations, and the broader policy implications of retrospective tax measures adopted by sovereign states.
Dr. Jena is the Co-founder of Transnational Legal Advisors (TNLA) and has previously served as Senior Legal Consultant at the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, where he contributed to significant international investment treaty negotiations.
The lecture provided valuable insights into contemporary developments in international taxation and investment law, particularly focusing on spill-over effects such as investor confidence, treaty arbitration exposure, and the balancing of sovereign taxation powers with international commitments. The interactive session that followed enabled students to engage in substantive discussions on investor-state dispute settlement, treaty interpretation, and policy reforms.
The Centre for Business Law and Economics expressed its gratitude to Dr. Jena for sharing his expertise and enriching the academic discourse at the University. The event reaffirmed HPNLU’s dedication to nurturing informed, globally oriented legal professionals equipped to address complex challenges in international economic law.