Innovation And Ethics Are Key For AI In Law, Says Cyril Shroff At JGU Public Lecture

Emphasising India's commitment to self-reliance and constitutional principles, Mr. Shroff said the country has chosen the path of Atmanirbhar Bharat, rooted in its civilisational values and unwavering faith in the rule of law.

“India has the opportunity to stand apart through its continuous commitment to constitutional values, the rule of law, and principles that can withstand global turmoil,” he observed.

Role of Constitutional Institutions

Reflecting on the evolving global order, Mr. Shroff noted a growing decline in respect for constitutional institutions and international law across jurisdictions. He underlined the importance of domestic law and institutions in sustaining democracy.

“India is a true democracy. While imperfections may exist, it is a democracy that works. Our courts function, our institutions endure, and we remain a free society because of them,” he said.

He added that domestic institutions, anchored in the Constitution, form the foundation of India's standing in the world — not only diplomatically but also as a civilisation with a strong sense of identity.

“While the Constitution may be 77 years old, India is a 2,000-year-old civilisation built on enduring values. Despite centuries of foreign invasions, our national identity has remained intact,” he remarked.

Constitution, Rule of Law and Economic Freedom

Calling the Indian Constitution “one of the finest in the world,” Mr. Shroff recalled Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's words that it is not merely a lawyer's document but “a way of life.”

He noted that while India attained political freedom in 1947, true economic freedom came in 1991, and stressed the need to uphold key principles going forward.

“The first is the rule of law — a value lawyers must always protect. The second is resilience, which comes from economic strength and financial independence,” he said, adding that such resilience is essential for India to maintain sovereignty in a world increasingly divided into competing spheres of influence.

Highlighting the strategic importance of technology, sovereignty, and artificial intelligence, Mr. Shroff said these considerations motivated the establishment of the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law and Regulation.

AI, Innovation and Ethics in Legal Practice

Speaking on the future of the legal profession, Mr. Shroff said India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 requires a modern, innovative, and forward-looking legal ecosystem.

“AI is now being used as a tool that is transforming how law firms work. New legislation and evolving commercial realities demand constant innovation and adaptability,” he noted.

He identified ethics as a foundational pillar for the profession, stressing that insufficient attention is often given to ethical frameworks amid rapid technological adoption.

“Can technology help resolve disputes faster? Can we separate administrative inefficiencies from the justice delivery system? These are questions we must actively engage with,” he said.

He also highlighted the need to improve access to justice, observing that India's innovation gap persists due to limited alignment between academia, the private sector, and the state.

Reflections from JGU Leadership

Ms. Paridhi Adani, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, reflected on the vision behind the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation, highlighting the immense possibilities arising from meaningful collaborations. She described the Centre as timely and critical, given the urgent need for structured engagement at the intersection of law, technology, and regulation.

Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, welcomed Mr. Shroff and described him as a transformative figure in the Indian legal profession.

“We are privileged to host a legal luminary who has reshaped the corporate legal landscape in India. The enduring partnership between JGU and the Shroff family has resulted in a truly unique multidisciplinary initiative,” he said, adding that the Centre has grown significantly in the six months since its inception.

Call for Modernisation and Gender Equity

Mr. Shroff also addressed the need for greater gender balance within the legal profession, noting that more than two-thirds of employees at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas are women, with strong representation in leadership roles.

He urged young lawyers to modernise and disrupt traditional professional structures to prepare the legal sector for India's future as a leading global economy.

Key Takeaways from the Lecture

· The evolving interface between AI, law, and regulation amid rapid technological change

· The role of the Cyril Shroff Centre in shaping global discourse on AI governance

· The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to address ethical, legal, and societal challenges posed by AI

The lecture concluded with introductory remarks by Prof. Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean, Office of Academic Governance and Student Life, and an introduction to the Centre by Professor Sidharth Chauhan, Director, Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation.