Ethics Dilemma & Investigations - Role of In-House Counsel Understanding the Legal Aspects
14th Annual Legal Era India Conclave 2025 | Panel On Ethics Dilemma & Investigations - Role of In-House Counsel Understanding the Legal Aspects
The 14th Annual Legal Era Conclave explored the pivotal role of General Counsel (GCs) in navigating the complex intersection of ethics, internal investigations, and regulatory compliance within corporate environments. The discussion highlighted the expanding responsibilities of in-house legal teams, who must manage ethical dilemmas, legal mandates, and business priorities while conducting robust, fair, and legally defensible investigations.
Key Highlights:
- Evolving Role of GCs: From legal advisors to custodians of organizational trust, compliance culture builders, crisis managers, and strategic partners in enterprise risk and information security.
- Complex Regulatory Landscape: Amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, POSH Act, SEBI LODR regulations, and emerging data protection rules increase investigation complexity.
- Ethics and Compliance Culture: Fostering a “speak-up” environment empowers employees to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Legal and Ethical Frameworks: Investigations guided by natural justice, fairness, confidentiality, and legal privilege ensure credibility and withstand scrutiny.
- Strategic Communication: Clear, structured communication throughout the investigation phases supports clarity, fairness, and stakeholder confidence.
- Disclosure and Reporting: Judicious assessment determines whether findings should be disclosed to regulators or law enforcement, balancing legal compliance and reputational risk.
- Engagement of External Expertise: Leveraging external legal and technical experts enhances objectivity, process rigor, and privilege management.
- Ethical Courage and Governance Support: GCs play a critical role in educating audit committees and upholding ethical standards, even under pressure.
Featured Panelists:
- Attreyi Mukherjee, General Counsel, Tata Industries Ltd
- Kaizad Adi Hazari, Group General Counsel, TCG Global
- Parveen Mahtani, Chief Legal Officer, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd.
- Priyam Singhvi, General Counsel, and Compliance Officer - India and South Asia, Schindler India
- Smreeti Prakash, AGM Legal, Pernod Ricard India
Moderator:
- Sachin Mishra, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Tata Consulting Engineers Limited
Session Partner: Wowzers
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