India’s Legal Future: A Study in Optimism
During the London International Disputes Week 2026, esteemed legal scholar Philip Wood praised India’s legal landscape for its inherent optimism, which he believes will significantly influence its global path. Responding to a discussion on the attributes of business-friendly jurisdictions, Wood remarked, “Your country (India) is a legal powerhouse… in the battle of whether you think that we are miracles or beasts, you think that we are miracles. And it is that kind of hope which transforms what you’re doing and which transforms the directions I believe this country will take.”
This insight was shared as part of a session titled “Building the Legal Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat 2047: Governance, Inclusion & Institutional Innovation”, organized by the General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) and hosted by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) in London. Moderated by Nusrat Hassan, Managing Partner at Dentons Link Legal, the panel included prominent figures such as Senior Advocate Pinky Anand, Vice-President of the Indian Council of Arbitration Geeta Luthra, and distinguished legal scholar Philip Wood, among others.
Corporate Governance and Dispute Resolution
Pinky Anand highlighted the ongoing challenge of dispute resolution despite reforms like the decriminalization of corporate laws and the Insolvency Code. “Wherever the corporate world is there… you will continue to have disputes,” she stated. Anand emphasized the distinction between governance policies and implementation strategies in resolving commercial disputes.
Wood provided a broader perspective, asserting that legal systems worldwide are comprehensive codes of conduct vital for societal survival and growth. He argued that governance reflects national priorities in balancing regulation and progress.
Reforming India’s Arbitration Landscape
Arbitration and dispute resolution were central to the discussion. Anand criticized the inefficiencies in arbitration, noting the importance of speed in commercial disputes. “The maximum requirement in a commercial dispute is the fact that we need speed… But what do you do with delay?” she questioned, pointing to procedural overlaps that transform arbitration into a form of litigation.
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Divyam Agrawal highlighted contradictions in India’s arbitration policy, citing mixed signals from government directives. “There has to be consistency, clarity, and certainty,” he stressed, advocating for alignment with international practices to enhance trade relations.
The Role of Mediation and Technology
On mediation, Iris Sauvagnac discussed its potential to resolve investor-state disputes efficiently. “Arbitration is costly… it can take anywhere up to three to four years to get an award,” she noted, suggesting mediation as a cost-effective alternative.
In terms of technology, Geeta Luthra acknowledged the progress made through digitization, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but cautioned against uneven access and the lack of comprehensive digital records. “We want people to be on VC but they may not have good internet…” she noted, highlighting the necessity of inclusivity and transparency.
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Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice
AI’s role in legal practice sparked intense debate. Kartik Singh acknowledged AI’s utility but questioned its reliability. Pinky Anand expressed concerns that AI could undermine independent thinking, stating, “Today I find AI is an answer to laziness… nobody knows what it means. Meaning is lost.”
Geeta Luthra raised issues regarding electronic evidence, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards to prevent manipulation and fraud. “Electronic evidence can actually be extremely manipulated,” she warned, underscoring the importance of robust legal infrastructure.
As India continues to refine its legal system, the consensus among speakers was that its credibility will hinge on addressing structural challenges effectively. Philip Wood concluded that the country’s legal development will depend on its underlying confidence and institutional vision.
