
Sat Mar 22 17:54:07 UTC 2025: ## Law Must Adapt to Rapidly Changing Business Landscape, Experts Say at Chennai Conclave
**Chennai, March 23, 2025** – Legal experts stressed the urgent need for laws to keep pace with evolving business practices and emerging technologies at the “Justice Unplugged: Shaping the Future of Law” conclave held in Chennai on Saturday. The event, organized by VIT School of Law and The Hindu, featured a panel discussion on corporate law and business ethics.
Speakers highlighted the challenges posed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, emphasizing the delicate balance between protecting individual privacy and utilizing data for economic benefit. N.L. Rajah, a senior advocate, noted the immense power of global corporations, whose budgets often surpass those of individual governments, underscoring the need for robust regulation.
Deepika Murali, also a Madras High Court advocate, criticized the dormant Whistleblower Protection Act, advocating for stronger audit mechanisms and improved systems. She cited the Sanjay Dutt vs State of Haryana case to illustrate the limitations of holding directors vicariously liable for corporate actions without establishing direct involvement.
R. Kesavamoorthy, a law professor, discussed the legacy of colonial laws in India’s commercial and corporate legal frameworks, highlighting the loss of indigenous legal traditions. He also pointed out the influence of Western regulations, particularly within SEBI, in facilitating international trade.
The panel also addressed the responsibilities of company directors, including financial reporting, board processes, and compliance with various laws. Experts emphasized the importance of strong corporate governance to mitigate potential liabilities. The discussion also touched upon the complexities of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, illustrating how directors can face legal consequences even without direct involvement in fraudulent activities.
The conclave concluded with a call for students to actively track legislative changes, especially concerning data protection. The panelists stressed the difficulty of effectively implementing legislation, even when laws are passed. The emerging challenges surrounding the Data Protection Act, in particular, were highlighted as a crucial area requiring close attention.