"The General Counsels Are Now The Conscience Of The Company"

C.V. RAGHU, President and Founding Member of the General Counsels' Association of India, on how General Counsels are evolving into strategic, ethical leaders shaping corporate culture, risk frameworks, and tech-driven governance

- Tarannum Manjul

What are the most pressing governance or ethical challenges Indian businesses face today, and how are General Counsels (GCs) uniquely positioned to address them?

In 2025, Indian businesses face rising challenges in data protection, ESG compliance, and ethical AI use. As regulations tighten, General Counsels must lead with integrity—balancing risk and innovation, aligning ethics with strategy, and bridging law with business goals to drive sustainable, responsible growth.

How has the role of General Counsel evolved in the past decade?

Over the last decade, the General Counsel's role has shifted from legal gatekeeper to strategic leader. GCs now drive corporate culture, embedding ethics, transparency, and accountability into the organisation's core. In times of crisis or change, they act as conscience-keepers, ensuring growth aligns with values—not just regulations. This evolution has expanded their influence beyond compliance, positioning them as key voices in the boardroom, HR discussions, and ESG leadership.