A delegation of American judges and jurists recently embarked on a tour of India to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s legal system. Led by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, the delegation visited New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kochi as part of a week-long trip.
During their visit, the American delegation engaged in discussions at renowned universities and law schools, met with senior judges and chief justices of high courts, held meetings with law and industry ministers, and connected with practicing advocates and corporate lawyers. The purpose of these interactions was to provide the delegation with a comprehensive overview of the legal framework and jurisprudence in India, as well as to gain insights into the challenges and changes impacting the practice of law in the country.
The distinguished judges from the United States discussed various subjects influencing the practice of law in the modern age, including the impact of technology such as artificial intelligence, the preservation of the rule of law, and the promotion of access to justice. One of the highlights of the visit was a judicial symposium on the role of the judiciary in sustaining the rule of law and democracy, held at O.P. Jindal Global University.
The delegation also had the opportunity to meet with prominent figures in the Indian legal system. In Mumbai, they engaged in discussions with Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, a leading Indian law firm, as well as former Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Mr. Justice U.U. Lalit, and former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Swantanter Kumar. In Chennai, they participated in the India – U.S. Law and Justice Forum and met with the Chief Guest, Shri S. Regupathy, Hon’ble Minister of Law of Tamil Nadu.
In Bengaluru, the delegation collaborated with R.V. University and attended a session hosted by the Advocates Association of Bengaluru. The visit to Kochi included interactions with the judges of the Kerala High Court and a meeting with Hon’ble Mr. P. Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law, and Coir of the Government of Kerala.
Throughout the tour, the American judges and jurists had the opportunity to discuss legal matters and engage with experts from various fields. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the legal communities of the United States and India, exchange knowledge and best practices, and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s legal systems.
The tour concluded with a special reception hosted by the India Committee of the American Bar Association and a dinner hosted by Mr. Naveen Jindal and Mrs. Shallu Jindal, the benefactors and Founding Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University.
The visit of the American judges and jurists to India not only provided them with valuable insights into the Indian legal system but also facilitated meaningful exchanges and discussions that will contribute to the advancement of the practice of law in both countries. This tour marked an important step towards strengthening the rule of law, promoting access to justice, and fostering international collaboration in the legal field.