Referring to the expanding Indian economy and its

integration with the global economy, Singh urged the legal fraternity to brace itself to face new challenges in the form of cases with international dimensions. "Our legal luminaries require a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of an interdependent and global economy. The emergence of a multilateral legal and judicial architecture, having a bearing on the domestic laws of the country and vice versa, necessitates an in-depth understanding of the principles of public and private international laws," he said. He said with globalisation, there are new types of cases that lawyers have to deal with in the area of conflict resolution. "I would urge all members of the Bar to equip themselves with the expertise necessary to handle all these new types of cases in emerging areas," the Prime Minister said. Singh also urged members of the legal fraternity to keep in view the larger objective of advancement of public morality, truth and justice in their wider connotation and said they should become active participants and facilitators in the implementation of schemes intended to empower the marginalised people. On the issue of legal education, Singh said it has assumed considerable significance especially in the current context of globalisation. "The need for trained law personnel in the field of academics, litigation, corporate practice, government and civil society has increased significantly over the past years. This demand is expected to rise even more rapidly in the years to come. I am happy that the Bar Council is actively working to promote the highest standards in legal education, comparable to the best in the world," he said. The Prime Minister also assured the members of the BCI that the government will work for the welfare of the legal fraternity.