Immediate Release, New Delhi, – The ACoS Annual Meet and International Summit 2024 was successfully held at Hotel EROS, New Delhi. The summit, centered around the theme “Viksit Bharat @ 2047: The Role of the Legal Profession in Building a Developed Nation,” brought together over 150 legal professionals, including General Counsel of multinational companies, senior legal experts from top law firms, and key figures from India Inc. The event provided an in-depth look at the crucial role legal professionals will play in shaping India’s path towards development by 2047.
The event commenced with an insightful Inaugural Session, graced by distinguished
dignitaries: Mr. Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament; Justice Mr. Rakesh Tiwari, Former Acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court; Justice Ms. Sangita Dhingra Sehgal, President, DSCRDC, former Judge Delhi High Court; and Mr. Manoj Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice.
Mr. Arvind Nayyar, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, and Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Counsel at S&A Law Offices and Member of the Bar Council of Delhi, delivered special addresses, offering deep insights into the evolving role of legal professionals. Mr. Singh noted that development is not only about economic growth but encompasses social justice,
infrastructure development, women’s empowerment, quality education, robust healthcare, and a sustainable environment—all of which legal professionals are integral to achieving.
In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Parvesh Kheterpal, Founder of ACoS, emphasized that legal professionals, particularly In-House Counsel, play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a developed nation. He underscored their contributions to strengthening governance, ensuring
justice, ensuring 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.
Mr. Sameet Gambhir, Senior Vice President, Legal at UFlex Ltd., during his address, suggested that legal professionals should contribute through pro bono services, offering their expertise to help underserved communities and support social causes.
Each guest in the inaugural session shared their perspectives on how the legal profession is critical to India’s transformation:
- Justice Mr. Rakesh Tiwari highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the legal field and its role in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
- 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. Manoj Kumar presented the perspective on strengthening the legal framework to inspire investor trust and support India’s development.
Mr. Sasmit Patra emphasized that a strong legal framework is essential 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.
The summit featured four technical sessions on key topics:
- Making Bharat a Global Hub for Arbitration
- Global Deal Dynamics- Strategies for successful Cross Border Transactions
- Economic Offences- Compliances and risk mitigation strategies and
- ESG and Sustainability Goals for Viksit Bharat
These sessions were 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 Valedictory Session was graced by Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Member of Parliament and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Former Minister, Law and Justice. During his address, Mr. Prasad 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.
In a special segment during the Valedictory Session, Women in Law were felicitated for their exceptional contributions to the legal field. Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad congratulated and honored these remarkable women, underscoring the critical role they play in India’s legal and societal development.
Mr. Parvesh Kheterpal also initiated a discussion with the guests regarding the recognition of In-House Counsel as advocates under the Advocate Act, expressing the need for further
discussions on this issue to give them the recognition they deserve. ACoS plans to host an exclusive session on this topic in the near future to gain a holistic view of the matter.
The event concluded with heartfelt thanks from the ACoS Governing Council—Parvesh Kheterpal, Sameet Gambhir, Sampadaa Narang, Govind Vijay, Sachin Kalra, Pathik Arora, Lakshika Joshi, Ranju Goyal, and Deepak Sharma—to all the distinguished guests,
participants, and attendees. The council presented mementos to the Chief Guests and other dignitaries as a token of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the summit.
The ACoS Annual Meet and International Summit successfully demonstrated the integral role legal professionals will play in India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047, ensuring a harmonious blend of justice, innovation, and prosperity.
