1. Event Overview
- Event Name: Webinar on “Impact of Elections 2024 and the New Government on Lawyers in India”
- Event Location: Virtual
- Event Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZsZQgHJwcU
- Event Date & Time: 15th June 2024 at 11 AM.
- Event Purpose / Objective: The purpose of this webinar is to explore the potential implications of the 2024 election outcomes on the legal profession in India. It aims to analyze anticipated legal and judicial reforms and examine the evolving role of lawyers and the Bar. The discussion will offer insights into the future landscape of legal practice and governance.
2. Speakers
Speaker – 1
- Full Name: Akshat Pande
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- Designation: Corporate Lawyer, Managing Partner
- Organization: Alpha Partners
- Topic Presented: The speaker addressed the questions by emphasizing the critical role of lawyers in defending constitutional values and holding the government accountable. They discussed how political shifts could influence judicial appointments and warned that changes in government policy on personal laws, civil liberties, and human rights may significantly reshape India’s legal landscape.
Speaker – 2
- Full Name: Sumes Dewan
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- Designation: Managing Partner
- Organization: – Lex Favios
- Topic Presented: During the webinar, the speaker responded to the questions by highlighting how evolving political dynamics could affect the independence and transparency of judicial appointments. They stressed the need for urgent reforms in judicial infrastructure, case management, and institutional autonomy, while also pointing out challenges such as political interference, resource constraints, and systemic delays in implementing these reforms.
Speaker – 3
- Full Name: Ojasvita Srivastava
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- Designation: General Counsel
- Organization: AMEA- Africa, Middle East & Asia Pacific
- Topic Presented: The speaker addressed the questions by noting that the new government may revisit regulations concerning foreign lawyers and law firms, potentially opening up the legal market. They emphasized the need for reforms focused on judicial efficiency, transparency, and infrastructure. The speaker also underlined the crucial role of lawyers and bar associations in safeguarding judicial independence and actively advocating for a stronger legal system.
Speaker – 4
- Full Name: Vasundhara Shankar
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- Designation : Managing Partner
- Organization: Verum Legal
- Topic Presented: During the webinar, the speaker discussed the points, noting that a narrow election victory and reliance on coalition partners may slow or dilute legislative reforms affecting the legal profession. They emphasized the urgent need for judicial reforms focused on efficiency, transparency, and infrastructure. The speaker also highlighted the vital role of lawyers and bar associations in advocating for judicial independence and upholding the integrity of the legal system amidst evolving political dynamics.
Speaker – 5
- Full Name: Nikhil Kumar Mehta
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- Designation: Lawyer
- Organization: Court of Jharkhand & Counsel of Ashiana Housing Ltd.
- Topic Presented: During the webinar, the speaker discussed the points by stressing the need for the legal community to actively advocate for marginalized groups through strategic litigation, public interest initiatives, and policy engagement. They emphasized that the legal profession should remain agile, adapting to policy shifts and influencing reforms to ensure a just legal framework that upholds fairness and equality for all.
Speaker – 6
- Full Name: Rachana Rautray
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- Designation: Principal Tech & M&A Lawyer
- Organization: Anagram Partners
- Topic Presented: The speaker discussed how a narrow election victory and coalition support might result in slower or more cautious legislative reforms affecting the legal profession. They also highlighted the possibility of changes in rules governing foreign lawyers and law firms, potentially opening up the market under the new government. The speaker further discussed how shifts in government policy regarding personal laws, civil liberties, and human rights could reshape India’s legal landscape, potentially impacting the protection of fundamental right.
Speaker – 7
- Full Name: Kulwant Kaur
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- Designation: Manager Legal
- Organization: Tempus Law Associates
- Topic Presented: the speaker emphasized the need for the new government to prioritize judicial reforms focused on reducing case backlogs, enhancing accountability, and improving infrastructure. They also underscored the legal community’s role in protecting marginalized groups and ensuring access to justice, while cautioning that shifting political dynamics could affect the independence of judicial appointments.
Speaker – 8
- Full Name: Jay Nene
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- Designation: Senior Legal Advisor
- Organization: Legal Logic
- Topic Presented: The speaker discussed key reforms the new government should prioritize, such as improving judicial efficiency, reducing case pendency, and enhancing accountability. They highlighted challenges in implementing these reforms, including political resistance and resource constraints. The speaker also explored how the government’s approach to personal laws, civil liberties, and human rights could significantly impact the legal landscape in India, potentially altering legal protections and practices.
Speaker – 9
- Full Name: Ferry Dhiman
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- Designation: Corporate Lawyer & Chief Counsel
- Organization: Ferry Dhiman & Co.
- Topic Presented: During the webinar, the speaker discussed the impact of the 2024 election outcomes on the legal profession in India, addressing potential changes in legal practice and governance. he also explored the need for legal and judicial reforms and emphasized the evolving role of lawyers and the Bar in upholding democratic values and legal integrity
3. Host & Moderator
- Full Name: Navneet Chugh
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- Designation: Chairman, ILA & Managing Partner
- Organization: Chugh LLP
- Mr. Navneet hosted the webinar and served as the moderator.
he initiated discussion on key topics such as the impact of the 2024 election on the legal profession, legal and judicial reforms, and the role of lawyers and the Bar. He posed insightful questions to a panel of distinguished lawyers. Their responses set the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking session.
4. Event Conclusion / Key Outcomes
- Summary of Key Highlights or Achievements:
The webinar concluded with a consensus on the urgent need for judicial reforms, enhanced transparency in appointments, and greater accountability within the legal system. Speakers emphasized the critical role of lawyers in safeguarding constitutional values and adapting to political shifts to uphold justice and protect the rights of marginalized communities.
