Sonipat, Jan 29 (NationPress) “Our national identity and our constitutional values lie at the heart of discussions regarding leadership and legacy. We have embarked on a journey of Atmanirbhar or self-reliance, embracing our civilization and its values. India stands poised to distinguish itself through unwavering commitment to these principles, the rule of law, and enduring values amidst global upheaval,” stated Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Chairperson of the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law and Regulation during a Distinguished Public Lecture themed: “Law, Leadership & Legacy: Redefining the Indian Legal Profession for a Changing World.”

“Currently, we inhabit a world witnessing not just a decline in constitutional institutions, but also diminishing respect for international laws. What significance do domestic law and institutions hold in your perspective? This emphasizes the crucial role of the Constitution, domestic institutions, courts, and political processes. India exemplifies a true democracy—imperfect, yet functional. Our courts operate effectively, and our society is free, thanks to these institutions,” he remarked.

“Domestic institutions, grounded in the Constitution, form the bedrock of our global standing and civilization, as well as our foreign relations. Although we gained our independence and our Constitution turned 77 this year, we remain a civilization steeped in values for over 2000 years. Despite enduring numerous invasions, we persist as a nation with a strong sense of identity.

“We possess one of the best constitutions globally, infused with deep emotion. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar indicated that it's more than a lawyer’s document; it embodies a way of life. In times of discord, we find opportunities for transformation. We achieved political freedom in 1947, and true economic freedom in 1991. I trust we will uphold key principles: first, the rule of law, which we, as lawyers, will always cherish. Second, we must foster resilience through economic strength and financial independence. This is vital for maintaining our dignity as an independent nation, especially as the world divides into three spheres of influence: the Western Hemisphere, China, and Russia. Technology, sovereignty, and AI capabilities are crucial. This inspired the establishment of the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law and Regulation.

“What vision do we hold for India in 2047? Specifically, how will our legal work evolve? If we do not align with the ambition of transforming India into a developed nation, we will not reach our full potential. Our aim is to modernize the legal profession in India. When I assumed leadership, I recognized the chance to revolutionize legal education and modernize the profession. We were pioneers in creating a career track and in granting partnership opportunities to individuals outside the founding family.

“Today, AI serves as a transformative tool within firms, altering our working methods. New legislation and frameworks emerge, demanding a more innovative mindset that challenges us daily. There lies a remarkable opportunity to enhance the human experience and adapt to the dynamic commercial landscape. What are the crucial aspects moving forward? First, ethics.

Ethics are foundational to any profession, yet often receive insufficient attention. Can we leverage technology to expedite dispute resolution? How might we innovate the administrative aspects of the justice system? Another focus is enhancing access to justice. India's lag in true innovation stems from the lack of alignment between academia, the private sector, and the state.

Paridhi Adani, Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, shared her insights on the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation, emphasizing the vast potential arising from meaningful collaborations. She noted that JGU is forging a legacy for a new India and that the Centre is particularly timely, addressing the urgent need for thoughtful engagement at the intersection of technology, law, and regulation.

Prof (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, warmly welcomed Cyril Shroff, stating, “We are privileged to host a distinguished legal luminary who has profoundly transformed the corporate legal landscape, and indeed the broader legal profession. Our enduring bond with the Shroff family and their globally recognized law firm will be a significant chapter in JGU's history. This partnership has resulted in the unique, multidisciplinary initiative known as the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law and Regulation, which has flourished since its inception six months ago. We are grateful for his wisdom and inspiring leadership.”

Cyril Shroff also highlighted the necessity for improved gender balance within the legal field, mentioning that his firm is committed to gender equality, with over two-thirds of employees being women, many of whom occupy leadership roles. He urged young lawyers to modernize and disrupt the profession to prepare for the future, as India aspires to become one of the world’s leading economies. Key themes from the distinguished public lecture included:

• The intersection of AI, law, and regulation—where swift technological advancement meets evolving legal frameworks.
• The role of the Cyril Shroff Centre in shaping international discussions, research, and policy on AI governance that surpasses national borders and academic disciplines.
• The necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration to address complex legal, ethical, and societal challenges stemming from the growing influence of AI.

Professor Sidharth Chauhan, Director of the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation, introduced the Centre, with introductory remarks provided by Prof Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of Academic Governance and Student Life at O.P. Jindal Global University.