By Sangeeta Sharma
New Delhi, May 21 (LAB) The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), the apex body representing more than 130 premier law firms across India, has announced a series of austerity measures in view of the prevailing global geopolitical situation arising from the Russo-Ukrainian War and tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, SILF President Dr. Lalit Bhasin said that while the situation is being effectively handled by the Government of India under the leadership and active monitoring of Narendra Modi, citizens, especially the enlightened sections of society, should also contribute by adopting austerity measures and conserving fuel resources.
As part of the initiative, SILF members have unanimously resolved not to undertake foreign leisure travel during the current summer vacation period. SILF stated that while lawyers and law firm staff deserve a well-earned vacation, national interest presently requires avoiding expenditure on foreign travel.
The organisation has also urged member firms to promote a “Work From Home” culture to minimise vehicle usage and contribute to fuel conservation.
Dr. Bhasin further stated that SILF members remain committed to supporting present and future initiatives of the Government of India aimed at addressing global challenges and emerging concerns.
The Society of Indian Law Firms is the apex representative body of law firms in India with over 130 premier member firms and works towards strengthening the professional and infrastructural standards of Indian legal practice.
The office bearers of SILF include President Dr. Lalit Bhasin; Associate President Shardul Shroff of Amarchand Mangaldas; Senior Vice-President Ravi Nath of Rajinder Narain & Co.; Vice Presidents Rajiv Luthra of Luthra & Luthra, C.R. Dua of Dua Associates, Zia Modi of AZB & Partners, Som Mandal of FoxMandal Little, and Jyoti Sagar of J. Sagar Associates. Rohit Kochhar of Kochhar & Co. serves as General Secretary.
The Associate Vice-Presidents nominated by the President include R.N. Karanjawala of Karanjawala & Co., Advocates, Anand Pathak of P&A Law Offices, Anand Desai of DSK Legal, Diljeet Titus of Titus & Co., Praveen Anand of Anand & Anand, Advocates, V. Lakshmikumaran of Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Anil Harish of D.M. Harish & Co., Ajay Bahl of AZB & Partners, Suman Khaitan of Khaitan & Partners, and Vandana Shroff of Amarchand Mangaldas.
The Joint General Secretaries are Mona Bhide of Dave & Girish & Co. and Amar Kainth of Dr. Kainth & Associates, while Assistant General Secretaries include Sudhir Kumar of India International Jurists, Gaurang Kanth of Kanth & Associates, and Manoj Kumar of Hammurabi & Solomon. Anand Prasad of Trilegal serves as Treasurer and Ajay Bhargava of Khaitan & Co. is Assistant Treasurer.
Members of the Executive Committee include Gurvinder Suri of Suri & Company, Gautam Khaitan of O.P. Khaitan & Co., Pallavi Shroff of Amarchand Mangaldas, Priti Suri of PSA Legal Counsellors, H. Jayesh of Juris Corp, Sumesh Dewan of K.R. Chawla & Co., and Rajiv Tuli of Mars & Partners.
SILF also has regional chapters across the country. The Bombay Chapter is headed by Chair Cyril Shroff of Amarchand Mangaldas, Co-Chair Nishith Desai of Nishith Desai Associates, and Convenor Poorvi Chothani of Law Quest, with committee members including Sameer Tapia, Vishal Gandhi, Ameet Hariani, Naheed Carrimjee, Hiroo Advani, and Paresh Shah.
The Calcutta and North East Chapter is led by Chair Ram N. Jhunjhunwala of Khaitan & Co., Co-Chair Krishna Sarma of Corporate Law Group, and Convenor Pradeep Sancheti of I.C. Sancheti & Co.
The Delhi Chapter is headed by Chair V.S. Yadav of Udwadia, Udeshi & Co., Co-Chair Nina Gupta Bhasin of Bhasin & Co., Advocates, and Convenor Amir Pasrich of International Law Affiliates, with committee members including Rajendra Kumar, Badri Nath, Ramni Taneja, Dinkar Goswami, Hemant Sahai, Manjula Chawla, Atul Dua, Poonam Bisht, R.K. Sanghi, Akshoy Rekhi, and Girija Varma.
The Bengaluru Chapter is chaired by B.C. Thiruvengadam of Thiru & Thiru, Advocates, with Sajan Poovayya of Poovayya & Co. serving as Convenor. The Hyderabad Chapter is led by Chair Shirin Sethna Baria of Udwadia, Udeshi & Co. and Convenor Harish Kumar.
Other state chapters include Sudhir Gupta as Chair for Jaipur, Vinod Surana of Surana & Surana heading Tamil Nadu, and the Gujarat Chapter led by Chair Devang Nanavati of Nanavati & Nanavati Advocates with Sandeep Singhi of Singhi & Co. serving as Convenor.
The latest resolution reflects the legal fraternity’s call for voluntary austerity measures and responsible use of resources in the national interest amid ongoing international developments./ LAB/ SNG