14TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LAW & POLICY (PANEL DISCUSSIONS)

Panel 1: Cross- Border Mediation: Legal Recognition And Enforcement Challenges

Mrs. Veena Ralli, Mediator, Delhi High Court Mediation & Conciliation Centre moderate the session, and the other panellists were Mr. Amar Kumar Sundram, GC- Senior VP Legal & Chief Compliance Officer at NEC-Corporation India, Dr. Deevanshu Shrivastava, Former Founding Dean & Professor of GL Bajaj Institute of Law, Mr. Mayank Grover Partner at Singhania & Partners, Mr. Anubhav Gupta Partner at Khurana & Khurana and Ms. Swati Sharma Counsel at AZB & Partners. Mrs. Veena Ralli emphasized the importance of mediation in reducing the burden on the judicial system. She highlighted how mediation focuses on the present and future of parties, unlike the traditional legal system. She encouraged the adoption of mediation as an appropriate dispute resolution mechanism, citing its growing popularity and effectiveness.

Panel 2: The Challenges And Opportunities Of International Trade Law In The Era Of Globalization

The panel, moderated by Mr. K Satish Kumar, Group Chief Legal Officer at Intellect Design Arena, brought together Mr. Akash Gupta, Associate Professor and Assistant Director at Jindal Global Law School, Mr. Rajat Bose, Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., Mr. Gauhar Mirza, Partner at Saraf & Partners, and Mr. Satwik Shekhar, Consultant (Legal) and Assistant Professor at CTIL. The session examined how globalization is reshaping international trade law, highlighting tensions such as geopolitical shifts, digital trade barriers, and evolving WTO reforms, while also spotlighting opportunities like tech‑driven trade facilitation, ESG integration, and emerging trade agreements. Mr. Satish Kumar set the stage by underscoring the need for adaptive legal frameworks. Mr. Akash Gupta discussed gaps in academic curricula and research for preparing lawyers to handle cross‑border digital commerce. Mr. Rajat Bose analysed recent WTO dispute trends and the surge of regional trade pacts. Mr. Gauhar Mirza focused on sustainability and ESG clauses in contracts, and Mr. Satwik Shekhar highlighted arbitration and mediation mechanisms for efficient dispute resolution. A lively Q&A followed, offering participants a nuanced view of balancing regulatory compliance with business agility in a rapidly shifting global landscape. 

Panel 3: Legal Challenges Of International Business Transactions And Cross-Border Disputes

The panel was moderated by Mr. Harsh Purohit, Professor & Dean at Banasthali Vidhyapith, and featured Mr. Shujath Bin Ali, Chief Legal Officer at Fourth Partner Energy, Mr. Ketan Mukhija, Senior Partner and Head – Corporate at Burgeon Law, Mr. Preet Singh Oberoi, Founder & Managing Director at CPSO Law Office, Mr. Achint Singh Gyani, Managing Partner at ADG Legal, Advocates & Consultants, and Mr. Siddharth Raja, Senior Partner at Vertices Partners. The session examined the complexities of cross‑border M&A, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution mechanisms (including arbitration and mediation), jurisdictional challenges, and the impact of divergent data‑privacy and sanctions regimes on international transactions. Mr. Purohit set the context by highlighting the growing need for harmonised frameworks, while the panellists’ shared insights from energy contracts, corporate structuring, emerging market risks, and innovative dispute‑resolution strategies. The discussion underscored the importance of proactive risk mapping, robust due diligence, and agile legal counsel to navigate geopolitical shifts and digital transformation. A vibrant Q&A followed, offering attendees practical tools to mitigate cross‑border legal exposure and enhance transactional efficiency.

Panel 4: Artificial Intelligence And Intellectual Property: Ownership And Liability In AI-Generated Works

The fourth panel discussion was moderated by Rishabh Gandhi, Founder of Rishabh Gandhi and Advocates, and featured Mr. Zameer Nathani, Global General Counsel at DNEG, Mr. Dhruv Kaushal, Associate Director at Deloitte, Mr. Arunav Guha Roy, Partner at Talwar Thakore & Associates, and Dr. Chirag Balyan, Associate Professor at DY Patil School of Law. The session explored the pressing questions of copyright ownership when works are created by AI, liability for infringement, and the adequacy of existing IP frameworks to address emerging technologies. Rishabh Gandhi set the stage by outlining the rapid rise of generative AI tools and the resulting legal grey areas. Zameer Nathani discussed industry perspectives on contractual allocation of rights in media and entertainment, while Dhruv Kaushal highlighted risk‑assessment frameworks used by consulting firms. Arunav Guha Roy examined recent judicial trends and statutory gaps in India and abroad, and Dr. Chirag Balyan provided an academic lens on policy recommendations and curriculum integration. The panel underscored the need for collaborative, cross‑disciplinary approaches to shape future regulation. A lively Q&A addressed practical steps for businesses, the role of data sets in IP ownership, and potential legislative reforms.     

Panel 5: The Role Of International Criminal Law In Addressing War Crimes And Crimes Against Humanity

 The final panel, moderated by Mrs. Juhi Arora, Founder of Juhi Arora & Associates, brought together Mr. Milan Laskar, Standing Counsel for the Ministry of Education, Mr. Pawan Kumar, National Head – Legal at PNB Housing, and Mr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Additional Standing Counsel (DDA and Northern Railway Counsel). The session examined how international criminal law frameworks, including the ICC and ad‑hoc tribunals, enforce accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the challenges of jurisdiction, evidence gathering, and state cooperation, as well as India’s domestic obligations under treaties and emerging norms. Mrs. Arora set the context by highlighting the growing relevance of universal jurisdiction, while the panelists shared insights on the interplay between national litigation and international tribunals, the role of legal counsel in advising governments and corporations on risk mitigation, and practical hurdles in prosecuting complex conflict‑related cases. The discussion also covered the impact of digital evidence, victim participation, and the need for capacity building in developing jurisdictions. A robust Q&A addressed avenues for strengthening compliance mechanisms and fostering global solidarity in pursuit of justice.