The critical role of legal professionals

Immediate Release, New Delhi: Legal professionals will play a pivotal role in Indi’s transformational journey into a developed nation– Viksit Bharat by 2047—to ensure a harmonious blend of justice, innovation, and prosperity for all its citizens.

As Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, counsel at S&A Law Offices and Member of the Bar Council of Delhi, argued that a developed India is not just about economic growth but also about social justice, infrastructure development, women’s empowerment, quality education, robust healthcare, and a sustainable environment. Critical areas that will require the active participation of legal professionals.

Mr.  Singh was speaking at the Alliance for Corporate Counsel and Company Secretaries (ACoS) Annual Meet and International Summit 2024, centered around the theme “Viksit Bharat @ 2047: The Role of the Legal Profession in Building a Developed Nation.”  The meet brought together more than 150 legal professionals, including General Counsel of multinational companies, senior legal experts from top law firms, and key figures from India Inc. As is evident from the theme, the focus was on the critical role of legal professionals in shaping the country’s path towards development by 2047.

In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Parvesh Kheterpal, founder of ACoS, emphasized the pivotal role that legal professionals, particularly In-House Counsel, will play in shaping the future of a developed nation. He underscored their contributions in strengthening governance, ensuring justice and compliance, facilitating cross-border deals, and contributing to lawmaking and policy development. “The role of lawyers in shaping public policy, upholding human rights, and advising on complex international legal matters will be instrumental in navigating India’s emergence as a superpower,” says Mr. Kheterpal.

Other dignitaries, too. focused on different aspects of law in driving India’s vision of achieving developed nation status. While Mr. Justice Rakesh Tiwari highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and its role in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat, Mr. Manoj Kumar emphasized the need to strengthen the legal framework to inspire investor trust and support the cause of India’s development.

A point that found a resonance with Mr. Sasmit Patra, MP, who underscored the need for a strong legal framework for the establishment of the rule of law, dispute resolution, business regulations, and human rights protections—all foundational elements for building a developed nation. He noted that legal professionals are indispensable in driving economic growth and ensuring that governance and justice remain central to India’s progress.

Similarly, Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal endorsed the vital contributions of women lawyers and women judges in India’s legal system, emphasizing their role in creating an equitable and developed nation.

Mr. Sameet Gambhir, Senior Vice President, Legal at UFlex Ltd., suggested that legal professionals should contribute through pro bono services, offering their expertise to help underserved communities and support social causes.

The summit also featured four technical sessions designed to explore India’s evolving legal infrastructure and how it can contribute to global business leadership while upholding high ethical and governance standards. The topics include: 1) Making Bharat a Global Hub for Arbitration; 2) Global Deal Dynamics- Strategies for Successful Cross Border Transactions;3) Economic Offences- Compliances and risk mitigation strategies and 4) ESG and Sustainability Goals for Viksit Bharat

In his valedictory speech Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Member of Parliament and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Former Minister, Law and Justice, reinforced that legal professionals will be at the forefront of shaping India’s legal, social, and political frameworks as the nation moves towards a Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that their role in ensuring justice, accountability, sound laws, and reforms is indispensable in achieving a prosperous and inclusive India. By 2047, the legal profession will not only contribute to building a robust legal system but also actively shape India’s path to becoming a developed and influential global player.