General Counsels’ Association of India Meets Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal for Legal Recognition

The General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) met with Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to submit a representation seeking statutory recognition for general counsels and in-house counsels as legal practitioners.

Importance of Recognition

General counsels are qualified lawyers employed by corporations for legal work but are not allowed to practice as ‘Advocates’ or hold membership in the Bar Council during such employment. GCAI President Dr. Sanjeev Gemawat highlighted the need for regulation and recognition of over 500,000 practicing general counsels in India.

Proposed Amendments

The GCAI suggested amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules, 1975, to provide due regulation and recognition to general counsels. Dr. Gemawat emphasized that this change would benefit the corporate sector and enhance the availability of legal services to society.

Support from Law Minister

Dr. Gemawat shared that Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal appreciated the contribution of in-house counsels to India’s economy and assured positive consideration of the proposal. The GCAI believes that these amendments align with recent progressive steps by the Bar Council of India, such as allowing foreign law firms and lawyers to practice in India.

Gratitude to Stakeholders

GCAI expressed gratitude to its stakeholders, especially its founders, for their support in this initiative. The founders include Amar Kumar Sundram, Dr. Akhil Prasad, Dr. Sanjeev Gemawat, Lubinisha Saha, Manjaree Chowdhary, Neera Sharma, Raghu CV, Shukla Wassan, and Tejal Patel.