India’s brightest legal luminaries, practitioners and experts from the field of Justice, Law and Policy are coming together to adorn the 2nd edition of SKOCH India Law Forum on 26th August 2023 at New Delhi. SKOCH India Law Forum is the only platform that deliberates and returns actionable recommendations on the burning issues of its times.
The Forum features India Law Awards independently instituted by SKOCH Group. This year SKOCH India Law Forum Lifetime Achievement Award is conferred on Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee, Former Chief Justice, Calcutta High Court. Additionally, eminent Judges and Lawyers are conferred SKOCH Award for Service to Justice and Service to Law respectively.
Justice M N Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India received the SKOCH Lifetime Achievement Award, 2022. A festschrift in his honour edited by Bibek Debroy and Sameer Kochhar entitled At the Intersection of Law & Life: Essays in Honour of Justice M N Venkatachaliah will be unveiled during SKOCH India Law Forum.
Har Ghar Tiranga
Opening Remarks: Mr Sameer Kochhar, Chairman, SKOCH Group
Summary: Mr Kochhar reflects on the profound intersection of law and life, using the Independence of India Act and the tragedy of Partition as a personal and national reference point. They caution against jingoism in both popular culture and public policy, particularly in emerging areas such as cryptocurrency, fintech, and gaming. Emphasising the need for space for dissent, the speaker highlights concerns around media-driven narratives influencing society. They call for a broader understanding of diversity beyond sexuality, advocating for a Diversity Commission to address discrimination, employment, and economic opportunity. The speaker also examines complex constitutional and policy questions around the Uniform Civil Code and federal jurisdiction over digital governance. Finally, they reaffirm the importance of institutional independence and democratic balance in a rapidly digitising India.*
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Lifetime Achievement Award & Film Premiere: Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee
Acceptance by Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee, Former Chief Justice, Calcutta & Bombay High Court
Summary: Justice Mukherjee was honored with the SKOCH India Law Firm Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary legal career and enduring legacy. Beginning his practice in 1953 at the Calcutta High Court, he was known for exceptional quality and volume of work, carrying nearly 3,000 briefs before his elevation to the Bench. His judgments were marked by clarity, precision, and the ability to cut through complexity to address core legal issues. As the first Chairman of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, he played a pivotal role in translating constitutional ideals into practical protection of rights. Accepting the award with humility in his 94th year, he attributed the praise to the generosity of others. He dedicated the honor to the memory of his ancestors and expressed deep respect for the judicial values and individuals who shaped his life.*
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Star of India Award to be Conferred on Late L M Singhvi
Acceptance by Mr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Eminent Jurist, Writer and Parliamentarian
Summary: The speaker accepts the SKOCH Star of India Award on behalf of his late father, Padma Bhushan L. M. Singhvi, reflecting on an era defined by ideas, grace, and intellectual breadth. He recalls formative professional experiences and landmark legal moments that shaped his own journey and the legal fraternity. Emphasising the Renaissance spirit of his father, the speaker highlights Singhvi’s contributions across law, Parliament, diplomacy, and literature. He recounts Singhvi’s role in conceptualising the Lokpal and Lokayukta, Law Day, and the foundations of India’s diaspora engagement. The address contrasts this legacy of camaraderie and vision with the growing pettiness of contemporary discourse. The speaker concludes by humbly accepting the award and commending the SKOCH Foundation’s commitment to thoughtful dialogue and public policy.*
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Challenger Award & Acceptance: Justice U U Lalit, Former Chief Justice of India
Summary: Justice U. U. Lalit described receiving the SKOCH Challenger Award as a deeply humbling and meaningful moment. He reflected on his four-decade-long journey in law, spanning advocacy, judicial service, and leadership as Chief Justice of India. He noted that the legal profession has given him immense personal and professional satisfaction. Justice Lalit emphasized that recognition from peers provides a special sense of encouragement beyond individual fulfillment. He shared that he continues to remain connected to the field through academic engagement. He concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the SKOCH Awards and the legal fraternity.*
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Ganesh Vandana
Book Release
Book Discussion: At the Intersection of Law & Life: Essays in Honour of Justice M N Venkatachaliah
Summary: The session paid tribute to Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah by reflecting on his enduring legacy as a jurist, institution-builder, and public intellectual, highlighting qualities such as gravitas, dignity, grace, integrity, and independence as the hallmarks of a great judge. Panelists recalled his erudite judgments, courteous courtroom conduct, encouragement of young lawyers, and commitment to fairness that inspired confidence in litigants and the Bar alike. His contributions to reducing judicial pendency, advancing ADR, embracing technology, and strengthening court administration were emphasized, along with his foresight in shaping legal principles that continue to guide Indian jurisprudence. Speakers also underscored his role in judicial education, human rights, and post-retirement public service, noting that his influence extended far beyond the bench. The discussion concluded by affirming that a judge’s most lasting impact lies not only in judgments, but in ideas, character, institutional integrity, and the visible assurance that justice is both done and seen to be done.*
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Address by Justice M N Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India
Summary: The speaker expressed deep humility and gratitude for the affection and recognition shown by the SKOCH forum and the panelists, emphasizing that the praise reflected their generosity rather than his own deserving. He warned of three major threats facing human societies today: the existential risks to human survival, the concentration of power and wealth driven by disruptive technologies, and the crisis of ethical leadership. He stressed that democracy cannot coexist with extreme concentration of economic power. Reflecting on law and justice, he highlighted the central role of courts and constitutions in protecting the weak against the strong and safeguarding unpopular minorities. He underscored that law cannot be separated from values, and that constitutional interpretation must give meaning to enduring principles in changing contexts. Concluding personally, he spoke with optimism despite his advanced age, reaffirming his lifelong devotion to duty and gratitude toward the legal fraternity.*
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Tarana
SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Justice: Justice Indira Banerjee, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
Summary: Justice Indira Banerjee expressed deep humility and gratitude on receiving the SKOCH ILF Award for Service to Justice. She reflected that her judicial career was guided by a sincere effort to perform her duties to the best of her ability and understanding of the law. Emphasizing integrity, she stated that she only sought to live up to the oath of office she had taken. She refrained from claiming personal merit, viewing the award as an act of generosity by the institution. The recognition, she noted, was both encouraging and meaningful. Her remarks underscored a lifelong commitment to duty, restraint, and service to justice.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Justice: Justice Najmi Waziri, Former Judge, Delhi High Court
Summary: Justice Najmi Waziri spoke with humility on receiving the award for Service to Justice, emphasizing that a judge’s primary role is to decide cases without fear or favor. He described adjudication as an effort to bring closure and smooth out disputes between parties, rather than a pursuit of recognition. He noted that the acknowledgment he received was incidental to the work of judging. Justice Waziri credited his journey to the collective efforts and support of many people. He concluded by reflecting that progress in life requires having a clear dream and purpose.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Law: Geeta Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Summary: Geeta Luthra, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India, expressed gratitude on receiving the SKOCH India ILF Award for Service to Justice. She addressed the debate on the Uniform Civil Code, noting concerns that it could be disruptive or divisive. She argued that if implemented carefully as a minimum civil code, it could strengthen and protect the rights of women. She emphasized that discussions framed around religious parameters risk deepening divisions. Stressing national unity, she stated that India must embrace and respect its cultural and social diversity. She concluded by thanking the SKOCH leadership and team for the honor and the event.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Law: Arshad Hidayatullah, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Summary: Arshad Hidayatullah, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India, expressed humility and gratitude on receiving the SKOCH India ILF Award for Service to Law. Reflecting on his 51-year legal career, he credited early mentorship during the Emergency for guiding him toward administrative law. He noted that challenges to high indirect tax rates also shaped his professional journey. Acknowledging being typecast through specialization, he shared that he had no regrets about that path. He expressed pride in joining a lineage of distinguished seniors who had received the same honor. He concluded by thanking the Indian Law Forum and expressing regret at not being able to attend in person due to health reasons.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Law: Bahram N Vakil, Co-Founder, AZB & Partners
Summary: Behram Vakil, co-founder of AZB & Partners, expressed deep humility on receiving the award, noting the honor of sharing the platform with eminent judges and legal leaders. He thanked the SKOCH team for the recognition and emphasized gratitude as the core reason for his presence. He acknowledged the personal sacrifices of his wife and the inspiration drawn from his parents and children. Reflecting on his professional journey, he credited his formative years at Little & Company and the collective efforts of his AZB team. He highlighted the importance of grace, humility, and inclusiveness in a rapidly growing India. He concluded by stressing that true progress requires carrying all sections of society together.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Law: Jaideep Gupta, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Summary: Jaideep Gupta expressed gratitude and surprise on receiving the SKOCH ILF Award for Service to Law, thanking the organizers for welcoming him into the SKOCH family. He reflected on his legal journey shaped by senior judges before whom he practiced in the Calcutta High Court and later in the Supreme Court. Sharing personal anecdotes, he highlighted the prodigious intellect, openness, and humility of judicial leaders who welcomed critical legal argument. He recalled how juniors were encouraged to speak and learn courtroom craft under supportive judges. He emphasized the importance of intellectual curiosity and respect for legal principles in adjudication. He concluded by acknowledging the encouragement received from the judiciary in shaping his professional growth.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Law: Karuna Nundy, Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Summary: Karuna Nundy expressed heartfelt gratitude on receiving the award, reflecting on the challenges faced by first-generation litigators and the intense nature of courtroom practice. She highlighted the importance of judicial support and precedent in sustaining difficult causes, referencing key interventions in the Bhopal cases that advanced justice. She acknowledged the kindness, mentorship, and pro bono commitment of senior judges and lawyers who supported her work. Emphasizing solidarity, she spoke of the encouragement received from women judges and colleagues in the profession. She described her team as her “legal family,” valuing kindness alongside brilliance. She concluded by thanking her colleagues and mentors for lifting and supporting her throughout her journey.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Law: Nishith Desai, Founder, Nishith Desai Associates
Summary: Nishith Desai expressed gratitude and humility on receiving the award, thanking the SKOCH Group, his family, and colleagues for their support and inspiration. He emphasized the responsibility of shaping a “new world charm” by focusing on the future rather than the past. He highlighted how emerging technologies, business models, and social changes bring new legal, ethical, and policy challenges that require long-term foresight. He cautioned that technology, while enabling growth, can also concentrate power and raise serious ethical concerns, especially with AI. He stressed the need to integrate human rights with business, addressing issues such as modern-day slavery, climate refugees, and immigration. He concluded by calling for collective effort to deliver justice efficiently, without compromising fairness, through willpower, innovation, and collaboration.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Law: Rajeev Chopra, Managing Director - Legal, Accenture
Summary: Rajiv Chopra, Managing Director–Legal at Accenture, expressed humility and surprise on receiving the award, describing himself as an outlier among a distinguished legal gathering. He reflected on his 30-year career, noting that his role as in-house counsel focuses on preventing litigation rather than appearing in court. He emphasized that the recognition belongs as much to others as to him. Chopra acknowledged the unconditional support of his family as central to his professional journey. He credited his large Accenture legal and business teams in India, whom he represented on stage, for the impact they collectively create. He concluded by thanking his mentors and the SKOCH Group for the honor.*
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SKOCH ILF AWARD for Service to Law: V Lakshmikumaran, Managing Partner, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan
Summary: V. Lakshmi Kumaran spoke with deep humility on receiving the award, reflecting on his journey from an economically backward village in Tamil Nadu to the Supreme Court of India. He recalled questioning his own worthiness when he first argued before the Court and acknowledged the encouragement of the Attorney General in guiding him from bureaucracy to law. He emphasized that his purpose as a lawyer went beyond arguing cases, drawing inspiration from the Taittiriya Upanishad on the joy of giving and sharing. He identified his true contribution as mentoring and empowering young, often unseen law graduates. His focus has been on training them to become outstanding lawyers, even better than himself. He concluded that nurturing the next generation is his most meaningful service to the profession.*
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Opening Remarks: Mr Sameer Kochhar, Chairman, SKOCH Group
Policy: Is the Gaming Dice Loaded?
Rights: Diversity Commission - Equality for all