At a distinguished public lecture at O.P. Jindal Global University in Sonipat, Haryana, Mr. Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, emphasized India’s commitment to self-reliance and constitutional values. Speaking on January 29, 2026, he articulated the challenges facing constitutional institutions globally and underscored the importance of domestic law and institutions in maintaining India’s democratic framework. “India is a true democracy. You may always find some imperfections in it, but at the end of the day, it is a democracy that works,” Shroff stated, highlighting the role of courts and the political process in safeguarding civil liberties.
Shroff pointed out that while India’s Constitution is 77 years old, the nation stands on a foundation of 2,000 years of civilization rooted in enduring values. “We’ve been through many foreign invasions, but we still essentially continue as a nation with a sense of identity,” he noted. He praised India’s Constitution, describing it as “probably the best constitution in the world,” and emphasized its significance as not merely a legal document but a “way of life,” echoing sentiments from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
During his address, Shroff reflected on India’s journey since gaining political freedom in 1947 and achieving economic liberalization in 1991. He urged legal professionals to adhere to foundational principles such as the rule of law and economic resilience, which he believes are vital for maintaining India’s position as a truly independent nation amid shifting global dynamics. “Technology, sovereignty, and AI capability will play a key role,” he remarked, stating that these elements inspired the establishment of the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law and Regulation.
Shroff highlighted the need for a modern legal profession that aligns with India’s aspirations to become a developed country by 2047. He noted his firm was the first to create a career track that allowed individuals outside the founder family to attain partnerships. “AI is used in firms as a tool that is changing the way we work,” he explained, advocating for innovative approaches to legal education and practice.
On the topic of ethics, Shroff stressed the necessity of incorporating ethical considerations into legal practice, particularly as technology transforms dispute resolution and access to justice. He expressed concern that India’s capacity for innovation in this area suffers from a lack of alignment between academia, the private sector, and the state.
Ms. Paridhi Adani, a partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, echoed Shroff’s sentiments about the potential for collaboration in shaping India’s legal landscape. She remarked on the timely establishment of the Centre, which aims to facilitate engagement at the intersection of technology, law, and regulation. Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, praised Shroff’s contributions to the corporate legal profession and expressed gratitude for the partnership that led to the Centre’s creation.
During the lecture, Shroff also addressed the pressing need for greater gender balance within the legal profession. He highlighted his firm’s commitment to gender equality, noting that over two-thirds of its employees are women, many of whom occupy leadership roles. He encouraged young lawyers to embrace modernization and innovation to prepare the profession for India’s evolving economic landscape.
The discussion underscored several key themes: the intersection between AI, law, and regulation; the Centre’s role in shaping global discourse on AI governance; and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in tackling the complex legal and ethical challenges posed by advancing technologies.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the insights provided by Shroff and his colleagues at the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law and Regulation indicate a commitment to not only adapting to change but also leading it, positioning India as a significant player on the global stage.
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