An Indian delegation, led by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Law and Justice, visited the UK from September 30-October 2, 2024, to bolster legal cooperation between the 2 countries.
The delegation included Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department, and Shri Dhruva Kumar Singh, Chief Controller of Accounts in the Department of Legal Affairs.
They were joined by Shri Vikram Doraiswami, India’s High Commissioner to the UK, along with other senior officials.
During the visit, Shri Meghwal and his team engaged in a bilateral meeting with The Rt. Hon’ble Shabana Mahmood, the UK’s Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. The discussions were conducted in a friendly atmosphere, emphasizing the strengthening of legal ties between India and the UK.
A key focus of the talks was the simplification of laws and the promotion of plain language in legislative drafting. The 2 sides exchanged best practices in Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, particularly in arbitration and mediation, with the aim of making legal processes more efficient and accessible.
The Indian delegation highlighted ongoing legal reforms aimed at expediting dispute resolution, which are essential for enhancing economic growth and attracting foreign investments. Additionally, they discussed advancements in allowing UK-qualified legal professionals and firms to operate in India, a topic previously addressed in meetings between the Chairman of the Bar Council of India and the President of the Law Society of England and Wales.
Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations
On October 2, 2024, Shri Meghwal served as the Chief Guest at the Gandhi Jayanti function organized by the Indian High Commission at Tavistock Square, London. The event celebrated Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and honored his legacy of peace and non-violence. Following this, Shri Meghwal visited the London School of Economics (LSE) to pay tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, a prominent legal scholar and social reformer, and explored other locations in London connected to Dr. Ambedkar and Swami Vivekananda.
UK Legal Year Ceremony
On October 1, 2024, Shri Meghwal attended the opening of the UK Legal Year Ceremony at Westminster Abbey, an event that gathered Law and Justice Ministers from various countries, including Italy, Germany, and representatives from the European Union. This ceremony provided a platform to enhance legal collaboration and strengthen the global justice system.
Later that day, Shri Meghwal met with members of the Indian diaspora in the UK, reinforcing the strong bonds between India and its citizens abroad.
Strengthening Bilateral Legal Ties
This visit signifies a crucial step in fortifying legal cooperation between India and the UK. By prioritizing the simplification of laws and sharing best practices in dispute resolution, both nations are working toward more efficient and accessible legal systems.
The discussions also underscored the importance of facilitating the practice of UK legal professionals in India, reflecting a commitment to ongoing collaboration between the two legal communities.
With future plans for deeper cooperation in legal policy, dispute resolution, and governance reforms, this visit lays the groundwork for enhanced bilateral engagement in the legal sector.
