An Indian delegation, led by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice, visited the United Kingdom from September 30 to October 2, 2024, to enhance legal cooperation between the two 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. Shri Vikram Doraiswami, India’s High Commissioner to the UK, and other senior officers also joined the discussions.
Meeting with UK’s Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
During the visit, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and the Indian delegation held a bilateral meeting with The Rt. Hon’ble Shabana Mahmood, the UK’s Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. The discussions were held in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere, focusing on strengthening legal ties between the two nations.
One of the key topics discussed was the simplification of laws and the use of plain language in legislative drafting. Both sides also exchanged best practices in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, particularly in arbitration and mediation, to make legal processes quicker and more accessible.
The Indian side highlighted the progress made in legal reforms aimed at quicker dispute resolution, which in turn boosts economic growth and encourages foreign investments. Both sides also discussed the advancements in allowing UK-qualified legal professionals and law firms to operate in India, which had been deliberated in earlier meetings between the Chairman of the Bar Council of India and the President of the Law Society of England and Wales.
Attending Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations in London
On October 2, 2024, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal was the Chief Guest at the Gandhi Jayanti function organized by the Indian High Commission at Tavistock Square, London. The event celebrated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and honored his contributions to peace and non-violence.
After the event, Shri Meghwal visited the London School of Economics (LSE) to pay tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, one of India’s greatest legal minds and social reformers. Shri Meghwal also visited other locations in London associated with Dr. Ambedkar and Swami Vivekananda, marking the significance of their time spent in the city.
Participation in the UK Legal Year Ceremony
On October 1, 2024, Shri Meghwal attended the opening of the UK Legal Year Ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London. This important event brought together Law and Justice Ministers and high-level representatives from countries like Italy, Germany, and the European Union. It was an opportunity to foster greater legal collaboration between nations and strengthen the global justice system.
Later in the day, Shri Meghwal also met with members of the Indian diaspora in the UK, reinforcing the strong ties between India and its citizens abroad.
Strengthening Bilateral Legal Ties
This visit marked another step toward strengthening legal cooperation between India and the UK. By focusing on simplifying laws, using plain language in legislation, and sharing best practices in arbitration and mediation, both countries are working to make their legal systems more efficient and accessible. The visit also emphasized the importance of facilitating UK legal professionals to practice in India, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between the two legal communities.
With future plans for greater cooperation in the fields of legal policy, dispute resolution, and governance reforms, this visit sets the stage for deeper bilateral engagement in the legal sector.
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