Your journey through law seems incredibly diverse and dynamic, spanning various roles and responsibilities. Can you walk us through your journey telling us what inspired you to do Law and what challenges you faced during your initial stage of your career?
Certainly! My journey through the legal field has indeed been diverse and dynamic, encompassing various roles and responsibilities. Let me share my story with you. My path in law was not meticulously planned; rather, I embraced opportunities as they presented themselves. I take pride in not adhering to conventional norms. Before venturing into independent practice, I accumulated a decade of experience, including working with different ministries of the Indian government and my days in litigation.
Law has fascinated me since my early childhood. Growing up in the traditional town of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, I pursued my B.A.LL.B from Aligarh Muslim University and later completed my LL.M from Dr. RMLNLU, Lucknow. The initial challenge for me was relocating from UP to New Delhi without a job offer in hand after completing my Masters in Law. Thankfully, my father and family supported my decision, and that’s where my journey truly began.
Remember, sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones less travelled.
Thursdays with Gauri has become quite the sensation on LinkedIn. What inspired you to start this initiative, and what do you hope participants take away from these sessions? Also can you tell us about a particularly thought-provoking discussion or insight that emerged from one of these sessions?
Thursdays with Gauri was a random thought while having a casual discussion with one of my friend Hamid Ahmed but later became a decision when it actually pushed me to contribute towards the linkedin community to read something which needs to be known. “Thursdays with Gauri” isn’t just about content—it’s about building bridges, sparking conversations, Little did I know that this seemingly random thought would evolve into a meaningful initiative within the LinkedIn community. Honestly, I embarked on this journey with zero expectations, fuelled by the intention to play my part.
Broadly this LinkedIn post gave me two things: invitation to connect from students to influential people and appreciation in my DMs which again converted into my network. I think the purpose has already been served due to the algorithms of LinkedIn and I am grateful for that.
As a legal content creator, your articles and thought pieces have sparked conversations and challenged norms within the legal community. How do you see your writing contributing to broader discussions about justice, equity, and the rule of law?
As a legal content creator, I’ve witnessed the impact of my articles and thought pieces within the legal community. My posts resonate because they delve into practical aspects of law—topics I’ve encountered first-hand. Whether it’s corporate law intricacies, complex agreements, or advisory content for loan seekers, I aim to provide actionable insights.
Legal discourse often clings to tradition and precedent. However, my writing encourages critical thinking. I write about new norms and practices and advocating for progressive approaches.
The rule of law is the bedrock of any just society. Whether discussing landmark cases or legal reforms, I strive to reinforce the rule of law as a safeguard against arbitrary power. In essence, my writing aims to bridge the gap between legal theory and practical application.
Your work spans across multiple sectors, including technology, fintech, and cybersecurity. What drew you to these specific areas of law, and what challenges have you encountered in navigating their complexities?
As a law enthusiast and corporate lawyer, my journey led me to explore specific areas of law that overlap with technology, fintech, and cybersecurity. I consider it my duty to stay informed about emerging legal issues related to technology, fintech, and cybersecurity. I realized that even a seemingly simple query from an individual could potentially transform them into a client.
When I started exploring international markets—both online and offline—I encountered challenges related to different legal processes and procedures. I realised that understanding the intricacies of US, UK, and European legal systems was essential. However, my journey took an enriching turn when I enrolled in courses offered by Lawsikho. Beyond study materials, what truly stood out was their personalized approach—their handholding support. It instilled confidence and efficiency in me. In essence, my work in these specialized areas isn’t just about legal technicalities; it’s about empowering clients.
Looking back on your career journey thus far, what advice would you give to aspiring lawyers, particularly those interested in pursuing a similarly diverse and multifaceted path in the legal field?
Reflecting on my career journey, in one sentence my advice would be “Don’t just believe what others say”. With all due respect and humility, the traditional ways are supreme but when time and technology change, so do the challenges in law and the complexities. In the present time when the Data protection bill has been passed and AI law is on the agenda of the government, you think the limited knowledge can help you stand out of the box and earn exponentially. Give it a thought. Stay informed about emerging laws (such as the Data Protection Bill) and understand their implications. According to me, Adaptability is the key.
Legal education doesn’t end with a degree. It starts from there. Learn to serve in addition to earning out of it.
Your career has seen you transition across various roles and sectors within the legal field, from corporate law to criminal litigation, and from law firms to government agencies. What motivated these transitions, and how have they contributed to your professional growth and expertise? And what valuable lessons have you learned from the unique challenges and experiences encountered in each position?
You are right, My career has indeed spanned diverse areas of law, including competition law, electricity and insolvency matters, NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies), and even criminal law. Indeed, it was my friend Syed Jafri who first introduced me to the realm of investment banking and encouraged me to consider it as a viable avenue to apply my legal expertise. Interestingly, I’ve never worked in a traditional law firm. Instead, my father, being an advocate, was my informal mentor. Our dining table discussions often revolved around legal concepts, both civil and criminal.
My motivation has always been a “go-getter” attitude. When opportunities arose, I seized them without hesitation. Each transition allowed me to explore new facets of law, broaden my perspective, and contribute meaningfully. My journey so far has given me friends for a lifetime and seniors like Mr. Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri, who in himself is an inspiration for many.
To my understanding, Legal issues don’t exist in isolation. It also needs an understanding of business, technology, and other inter-related legal issues. In essence, my journey so far isn’t just about legal roles; it’s about lifelong learning as well as meaningful connections.
You’ve been involved in drafting a wide range of agreements, from Co-founder Agreements to Software Development Agreements. Could you share a special technique or approach that you believe contributes to excellent drafting? Additionally, what do you think sets your drafting style apart and makes it particularly effective in ensuring clarity, fairness, and legal compliance?
Certainly! Drafting legal agreements is both an art and a science. I have inculcated a special technique I’ve found effective is that before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), I pause to understand the purpose behind the agreement. Why is this agreement necessary? What are the parties trying to achieve out of it? What risks need mitigation? By clarifying the purpose, I ensure that the agreement aligns with the client’s goals.
I always get on a call with the client to discuss their context, concerns, and objectives. This dialogue helps me tailor the agreement to their specific needs. Because it happens that the client being the non-legal person confused the franchise agreement with the service level agreements. They deserve such clarity by me as their lawyer.
In your experience advocating for clients before the Supreme Court of India, what strategies do you employ to ensure that their interests are effectively represented and understood by the judiciary?
Considering my little experience, one thing I have learnt about the Supreme Court litigation is that “it’s all about a team work” because an effective representation requires a collaborative approach. And I am grateful to Mr. Aditya Manubarwala for giving me an opportunity to work with him and his team on a couple of cases before the Apex Court. Before advising a client, extensive research is essential. We have to delve into legal precedents, statutes, and relevant case law to understand the nuances of the client’s situation which further allows us to provide informed recommendations to the client.
Case briefs, arguments, and submissions are the part and parcel in every case, especially when you get a very limited window to mark your appearances with your best arguments before the judges of the Supreme Court of India. To decide which point to be picked for arguments in order to provide relief to the client is the matter of utmost importance. Hence, Supreme Court advocacy is a blend of legal acumen, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
As an authorized representative for a European company, you extend legal representation services in Estonia and Finland. How do you navigate the nuances of international law and cultural differences to effectively advocate for your clients’ interests in diverse legal environments?
In my professional journey I have had the opportunity to represent my client who was from Estonia. That particular case involving a Gurgaon-based individual and an Estonian lady was unique in the sense that the absence of a formal agreement and the cross-border nature of the transaction posed challenges. I engaged in detailed discussions with the Estonian client to grasp the entire situation and her specific needs. Understanding the nuances of each jurisdiction was crucial. Estonia’s civil law system differs from India’s common law system. However, as an authorized representative, I initiated legal action against the individual.
Beyond your legal career, what are some of your personal hobbies or interests that you find enriching or rejuvenating?
Beyond my legal career, I find immense enrichment and rejuvenation in delving into religious texts. These non-fictional scriptures offer profound insights and guide me toward understanding the true purpose of my life. During my teenage years, I immersed myself in fundamental religious literature, often drawn to the extensive collection housed within my father’s library, where the titles of numerous books piqued my curiosity and prompted further exploration. I firmly believe that to read and to know are different concepts. Now, I’m drawn to delve into more advanced texts. These delve into unique teachings and mystical experiences. The pursuit of knowledge is both humbling and exhilarating. The insights I have gained from these scriptures shape my world view and influence my actions.
As someone deeply involved in consulting and advisory roles, what advice would you give to startups or established companies navigating complex legal landscapes for the first time?
“legal compliance isn’t a burden—it’s an investment in your company’s stability and growth” is precisely what I want to convey to all sincere start-ups. It is apparent that navigating the complex legal landscape can be daunting, especially for startups and established companies venturing into unfamiliar territory. Therefore, seeking professional advice from a seasoned lawyer who understands the nuances of your specific industry and jurisdiction is a must.
Diligence in selecting legal advisors pays off. Look for lawyers who specialize in your field—whether it’s technology, finance, or any other domain. They should avoid generic templates. Each business is unique. One has to customize the legal agreements, contracts, and policies in accordance to your specific needs. Also don’t forget to Maintain open channels of communication with your legal team. Transparency ensures that legal strategies align with your overall business strategy. Share your business goals, challenges, and concerns and let the lawyer find you a way.
I would like to request the given start-ups or companies to rely on someone who is experienced and in the market already. Be diligent in choosing your lawyers and try to keep pace with them.
Can you share with our listeners how your journey led you to the FinTech sector, and how you came to specialize in laws governing the FinTech?
Certainly! My journey within FinTech has been both exciting and fulfilling. It all began with a keen interest in technology and its transformative potential in financial inclusion.
During my early years as a lawyer, I observed the rapid growth and innovation in the FinTech space. I was fascinated by how startups were leveraging technology to create innovative solutions that addressed challenges in the financial industry. This led me to delve deeper into understanding the intricacies of FinTech law which continued to do a catch up behind technical innovation.
As I continued to work with startups, I realized that they face unique legal challenges that require specialized knowledge and expertise. From navigating complex regulatory landscapes to protecting intellectual property and ensuring compliance with evolving laws, startups in the FinTech sector need legal guidance tailored to their specific product offering and target audience.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with BankBazaar, KredX, Flipkart and Razorpay leading startups at various stages of their growth. This hands-on experience has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the industry’s nuances and the legal and compliance frameworks that govern it.
In addition to working directly with startups, I have also been actively involved in the broader FinTech community, attending closed group industry body forum discussions/ committees and seminars, and staying updated on the latest trends and developments in the industry. This continuous learning and engagement have been instrumental in honing my skills and staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving digital finance and payments industry.
You’ve had a diverse career path, ranging from law firm to in-house counsel. How have these different roles shaped your approach to legal advisory within the startup ecosystem?
Starting my career with a law firm provided me with a strong foundation in understanding the intricacies of legal practice and the importance of rigorous research, analysis, and advocacy. Working in a law firm environment exposed me to a wide range of clients and industries, allowing me to develop legal skills and the ability to adapt to different regulatory challenges and scenarios.
Transitioning to an in-house counsel role was a pivotal moment in my career. It offered me a unique perspective by immersing me directly into the operational and strategic aspects of a business. As an in-house counsel, I had the opportunity to work closely with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and cross-functional teams, gaining insights into the day-to-day challenges faced by startups and the broader business considerations that influence legal decisions.
This dual experience has enabled me to approach legal advisory within the startup ecosystem with a holistic and pragmatic mindset. I understand the importance of aligning legal strategies with business objectives, prioritizing risk mitigation while fostering innovation, and providing practical solutions that support startups in achieving their goals.
Moreover, having navigated both the law firm and in-house environments, I appreciate the value of collaboration and clear communication between legal counsel, business leaders, and cross functional stakeholders. I strive to build strong relationships based on trust, transparency, and open dialogue, ensuring that legal advice is not only legally sound but also actionable and tailored to the unique needs of the organization.
What sparked your interest in the FinTech and financial sectors? Could you elaborate on some of the innovative strategies you’ve employed in your legal practice?
I have always been fascinated by how FinTech can break down barriers of reach, scale and physical paperwork, create new opportunities, and redefine the way we think about financial services.
In my legal practice, I adopt a proactive stance towards regulatory compliance. Rather than reacting to regulatory shifts, I work with stakeholders to foresee future trends and develop compliant strategies from the get-go. This approach allows me to navigate the regulatory landscape confidently and strategically.
Additionally, I believe in collaborative relationships between startups, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies. By fostering open dialogue and partnerships, we can create a more harmonious ecosystem that encourages innovation while maintaining regulatory compliance and consumer protection. It is important to have regular open discussions with the regulators and licensing authorities to understand their perspective and their take on risks and consumer protection.
Given your extensive experience in areas such as digital lending, payments, and data protection, how do you stay updated with the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape in the FinTech industry?
Staying updated with the rapidly changing rules and regulations in the FinTech industry is crucial. To maintain a comprehensive understanding, I employ a systematic approach to staying informed. This approach allows me to deepen my expertise, refine my analytical skills, and adapt to the evolving regulatory environment effectively.
Firstly, I regularly read industry news, updates, and legal articles about FinTech. This helps me keep track of new rules or changes that could affect the industry and understand emerging trends related to FinTech.
Secondly, I attend seminars, workshops, and conferences focused on FinTech regulations and compliance whenever possible and actively participate in industry forums. These events provide valuable opportunities to learn from experts, engage in discussions with peers, and explore important issues in the field. Participating in these events allows me to share ideas, learn new strategies, and gain different perspectives on how to address regulatory challenges effectively.
As a mentor and leader, you’ve curated a proficient team of lawyers. How do you foster an environment of responsibility and dedication within your team, especially in such dynamic industries?
A captain is only as good as their team! Creating an inclusive work environment and ensuring equal opportunity within the team has always been a top priority for me. Here’s how we collaboratively approach this as a team:
Clear and open communication is fundamental to our team’s success. By setting transparent expectations and outlining our collective goals, we as a team develop a roadmap that empowers each team member to take ownership of their roles. This clarity not only offers direction but also cultivates a sense of purpose and accountability among all team members.
In the fast-paced FinTech, the power of collective intelligence is invaluable. We foster an environment that encourages knowledge sharing, open dialogue, and teamwork. This collaborative spirit enables us to harness diverse perspectives, drive innovation, and adapt effectively to challenges.
Recognizing the importance of celebrating achievements and milestones, we make it a point to acknowledge each other’s hard work, innovation, and dedication. This approach not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture where excellence is both recognized and encouraged.
Throughout your career, you’ve provided guidance on contract management, regulatory compliance, and legal matters. Could you share a particularly challenging case or project you’ve worked on and how you navigated through it?
One of the exciting projects I have worked on involved advising BankBazaar, my previous employer, on expanding into new international markets. The main challenge was dealing with different rules and regulations in each country about financial services and technology. Each place had its own laws, making it hard to make sure we followed all the rules.
To tackle this, I led a team to study the rules in each country carefully. We looked at what the local regulations were for the FinTech industry and what risks we might face. Based on this research, we created a detailed plan to help us follow the rules in each country while still achieving the company’s goals.
Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give to fresh graduates aspiring to pursue a career in law, especially those interested in specializing in the FinTech sector?
Here’s some advice I’d give to fresh graduates aiming for a career in law, especially in the FinTech sector. First, focus on developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills will help you tackle complex legal issues and find innovative solutions, making you stand out as a valuable legal professional. Second, be resilient and adaptable. The world outside law school can be challenging, so having the perseverance to overcome setbacks will help you grow stronger in your career.
Next, stay updated with technology and legal advancements. The legal sector is constantly evolving, and being tech-savvy will help you work more efficiently. Also, practice negotiation skills. These abilities will be crucial when resolving deadlocks and securing positive outcomes for your clients. Additionally, seek out a mentor or guru in your field of interest. I was fortunate enough to find one who guided me through both professional and personal challenges, providing invaluable insights and support.
You’ve had a diverse and extensive career in law. Could you share with us how you ventured into the legal profession and what inspired you to specialize in litigation? Could you please walk us through your journey from your college days to where you are today?
As I was pursuing my high school in Bhavan’s Gandhi Vidyashram, Kodaikanal, like any other family, I was also asked to pursue my career in engineering. However, I was clear I wanted to be a lawyer and fancied those black gown and the band. Pursued my B.A.LL.B from Bangalore University and LL.M from Hidayatullah National Law University. I was placed in a law firm dealing with international trade. Despite the work being amazing, somehow it did not satisfy my desire for the band and those “My Lord” moments. I later on switched my job but finally I started with my career in litigation and since then there has never been a day that I have regretted my decision.
Shree & Associates is renowned for its expertise in Civil, Corporate, and Family Law among other areas. What motivated you to establish this boutique law firm, and how do you differentiate your services from larger firms?
When I started my career in litigation, I was overwhelmed by the work and pay disparity. And then while practicing I realized that only two things work:- Dedication and timely delivery of solutions to the client. Clients need to be satisfied and we being lawyers have to be very good listeners. I remember while dealing with matrimonial disputes, I have even acted and taken up a title as a marriage counselor. Just having knowledge of law will not suffice. One has to be lawyer with empathy and should also be ready to understand the agony of client. It has also taught me to be resilient.
While practicing in district court, one should be ready to face a high profile client and also a client from village who speaks only the local dialect. The spectrum of clientele is big and so is the paying capacity. Having a fixed fees does not work in lower courts and to start the career, fees should not be priority. Number of cases matters as you get to research and learn and present the best you can at that moment of time.
When I started practicing the big advantage I had was the knowledge of local language and the local history pertaining to land, So when somebody referred to a particular document I knew what exactly did he want to say. In Jharkhand a lot of old documents pertaining to land is written in “Kaithi” which is in devangiri script but tough to understand and read. So knowledge of that helped to gain a lot of civil matters. It is very surprising that even today in few district courts computer literacy of lawyers is quiet low.
Client nowadays need speedy disposal of their cases and if we are in a position to convince the parties to go for mediation or arbitration, it is a win win for all.
Shree & Associates is a boutique firm and the lawyers in the firm are very well versed with the local laws and also updated with technology and ready to work and settle the dispute by alternative methods.
Your involvement in Corporate Law, particularly with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority and the National Company Law Tribunal, suggests a broad scope of legal expertise. How do you manage to navigate such diverse legal landscapes effectively?
Firm assists clients in establishing sound corporate governance structures, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering ethical business practices. Our team is very closely knitted and takes care of needs and specific details of the client while dealing with the boards of directors and executive teams. We can relentlessly work to create a framework in a company to enhances transparency, accountability, and overall organizational effectiveness. We have been very fortunate to not have lost any matter in NCLT so far. NCLT
With the growth in Real estate sectors in form of apartments, even in small town, it has opened new avenues. Before RERA, matters were usually sorted out amicably wherein a lot of time the buyers were not very satisfied with the service provided by builders or the land owners, but with new laws in force, the scenario has changed and the buyers are now more vigilant pertaining to their rights. Real estate litigation is complex and involves multiple parties, extensive discovery, expert testimony, and specialized legal issues. It’s essential for parties involved in real estate disputes to seek experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of the legal process and protect their rights and interests. We at our firm have specialized team working specifically in this field to provide the best remedy and solutions to the client.
Our team has been very dedicated team of young energy and expertise of senior lawyers. Despite being a firm working at grassroot level and growing upwards, our sole moto of client satisfaction has also been taken care of.
In addition to your professional achievements, you’ve presented papers on Corporate Governance and participated in international conferences. How do you balance your legal practice with academic pursuits?
I am also a Guest Faculty in University Law College, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag, where I (when time permits) take classes on the practical application of procedural laws, usage of evidence act in trial and also in civil matters and the importance of Local land laws for proper understanding of roots of the civil dispute.
One must invest in continuing legal education and be updated with current development in laws. This will definitely give a niche above others.
Your bio indicates a passion for mediation and arbitration. How do you believe alternative dispute resolution methods contribute to the legal landscape, and what advantages do they offer over traditional litigation?
ADR is the present and also the future and the earlier we understand this, the chances of growth will be faster. ADR is not only efficient but also cost effective. In today’s time, nobody wants to get “tarikh pe tarikh”. One is ready to spend a little higher to get quick, easy and effective solutions to their problem. In such a situation, the best option is that of mediation and arbitration. Best part of ADR is that it can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the parties involved.
Given your vast experience in the legal profession, what do you believe the current generation of aspiring lawyers can do to carve out successful and fulfilling careers in law amidst evolving societal and technological landscapes?
I have also recently posted on my Linkedin profile regarding the same. There are a lot of pointers but the few are hard work, professional ethics, managing client expectations, being resilient, being updated with new laws and cases are important for learning and growing. The current generation are technologically way more advanced and this will help them to work smartly. Aspiring lawyers needs to have at least few pointers mentioned above to have a positive trajectory of growth in field of litigation.
You’ve been actively involved in legal practice across different regions of India. How do you adapt your approach to suit the unique legal environments and cultural contexts of each location?
I alongwith the team, travel a lot and appear in various courts all over India both physically and virtually. Every court has its own way of working and pace to resolve the cases. One important point is to always have a local team or a lawyer to understand the local scenario of courts and work culture, until we branch out to various places. It has also given our firm cases and matters which would not have been accessible otherwise.
Apart from your legal expertise, what are some personal hobbies or interests that you enjoy outside of work, and how do they contribute to your overall well-being and professional effectiveness?
I spend my time exploring new places, spending quality time with my kids and paint when ever I can. I love cooking as well so when ever I am not loaded with work I try allocating time and enjoy my fullest. It is more like setting a reset button. I love the work I do so there is no “job stress” and thus makes me little more efficient in the work I do.
Your educational journey has taken you to various parts of India, including Nepal. Could you share how these diverse experiences have shaped your perspective, and what factors led to your decision to settle in Jharkhand, establishing your practice there?
Well, my father was an employee in State Bank of India. I pursued my primary and middle school education in various small towns in Jharkhand. Later since my father was being transferred every 3 years, I was put in boarding School, Delhi Public School situated in Dharan, Nepal, where I completed my 10th std. While in 10th std. I came to know about Bhavan’s Gandhi Vidyashram located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu through a brochure given by my parents. I was very keen in joining for many reasons but one most important being my love for south Indian cuisine. Pursued my High School in Kodaikanal. Thereafter, since, I wanted to pursue B.A.LL.B, Bangalore was my first preference then. Got my degree from Bangalore Institute of Legal Studies, Bangalore.
I always had desire to earn a specialization in corporate and also have a masters degree, I applied for few Universities in United Kingdom. I got offer letters from Edinburgh University, Manchester University and also from Cardiff University. However, that was the year when CLAT(PG) had also started for the first time and I like any other law graduate aspiring for masters, appeared in the test. Got AIR 162 and got into Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur. Since I could not get a scholarship and the fees being high in Universities in U.K., I preferred joining HNLU, Raipur and I think it was a great decision. Got placed before completion of my course and since then I have never looked back.
While travelling to different places, I learned various languages and I am now proficient in Nepali, Tamil, Kannada and ofcourse my mother tounge, Maghi. Since I have travelled so much in India, it has expanded my horizon. Experiencing different ways of life and witnessing socio-economic disparities has lead to perspective shifts and introspection and these factors affect positively, while we deal with clients in the firm.
Since, Jharkhand is my home state, I wanted to establish my practice base in Jharkhand. Staying close to family and loving the work I do, is nothing less than bliss and I am filled with gratitude.
With your extensive experience and expertise, what qualities or characteristics do you typically look for in students who apply for internships or seek training opportunities at Shree & Associates? How do you nurture and mentor aspiring legal professionals to help them thrive in the field?
Well, the firm has been very open in getting interns every now and then. We have a selection process wherein we look into the academic background and schedule an interview via meet or if possible personally in the office. The most important aspect that we look is the desire to learn. A person has to have a desire to learn and grow and then ofcourse the mundane questions of reason for joining the firm etc.
The new members joining us as an associate, are firstly provided with clear objective as to what are motive and vision is and the work ethics and environment in the firm. Emphasis is given on continuous learning and by providing constructive feedback so that they can self assess and learn.
Beyond your primary areas of legal practice, such as Civil, Corporate, and Family Law, are there any specific niche areas or emerging legal domains that particularly pique your interest or passion? How do you see these areas evolving, and what draws you to explore them further?
With the advancement in technology and advent of Artificial Intelligence in law, Technology law along with AI and Robotics law is one evolving area which I would like to explore and have a dedicated team for this.
Can you walk us through your journey from starting as an in-house counsel at HUL to your current role as General Counsel & Company Secretary at Greaves Cotton Ltd? What pivotal moments or experiences shaped your career path along the way?
22 + years of experience as an inhouse counsel – both an amazing journey and also a humbling experience. Immediately from the campus joining HUL was like a dream come true for any freshman. I have thoroughly enjoyed and immersed myself into an amazing experience of managing litigation, marketing schemes, sales promotion, labour issues, crises management et al working with a group of highly intelligent legal species, some of them continue to be my mentor. Post HUL, I have enriched myself in some short but interesting stints in Abbott and Marico before joining Johnson & Johnson where I spent a good 4 plus years in partnering the consumer business to witness its enormous growth. Post J&J and after a small stint in Jyothi Laboratories, joined GSK Consumer where from supporting supply chain business, got into the acquisition of Novartis OTC business, which going forward paved the way for its new GSK Consumer business. After being in GSK for 4 odd years, had a short stint in Cipla before joining Greaves Cotton. All my experiences before Greaves seem to be sublime in comparison with Greaves. My learning curve keeps going true north with exposure in – acquisitions, divestments, corporate structuring, compliance, brand management, managing litigation, handling crisis situations, investigations and on and on.
Your profile highlights extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring. Could you share some insights into your approach to these strategic transactions and how they have contributed to the transformation of the businesses you’ve worked with?
Inorganic growth is the easy target of every organisation but at the same time it’s difficult to achieve for multiple reasons which can cover cultural fitment to financial aspirations of both the investor and investor. As an inhouse lawyer our responsibility extends beyond documentation, from the commencement of hunting the target till the completion of all the condition precedents, my role encompasses every dimension of the transaction. From structuring transactions to negotiation of the commercials, I have been able to successfully complete around 7 transactions in a span of the last 5 years in Greaves and counting. All these transactions have completely transformed the company over the years – from one engine B2B play to multi dimensional, fuel agnostic B2C company.
With your background in legal operations, including advisory, litigation, and contract management, how do you balance the need for legal compliance with the broader business objectives of the company?
To help the business to be compliant, one needs to be rooted in the business of the company very strongly and enforce the need to have a compliant framework in order to make the business growth sustainable. Compliance framework in order to be effective, need to be robust and look into not only the current state of affairs but should be able to capture the future business growth. It should also be able to detect and diagnose the problems early in order to take corrective actions before the system falls apart. Thus, an effective compliance framework should be futuristic and proactive.
You’ve been involved in numerous high-stakes litigations and dispute management scenarios throughout your career. Can you share a particularly challenging case you’ve encountered and how you navigated through it to achieve a favorable outcome for the company?
I have been fortunate enough to be part of numerous litigation which continues to be relevant. But I enjoyed the most litigation with the Government and one such litigation was challenging an order of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority under DPCO 2013 before the Delhi High Court through a writ petition. The stake was very high in the litigation, but some of our competitors decided to take the route of filing a revision application under DPCO, but we distinguished that no alternative remedy is available and filed a writ straightaway. While getting a stay immediately and ultimately it was disposed of in our favour. The impact of the judgement was very high not only for us but for the industry overall.
Your expertise extends to real estate matters, including land acquisitions and liquidations across India. What are some key considerations or challenges you face in these transactions, and how do you ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks effectively?
Any land transactions whether acquisition or disposition is highly complex in India because of applicability of various state laws as well as from retrieving documentation. I have faced various challenges including classification of land, claiming of ownership, trust land, mutation entries etc. In my view it is very important to ensure we have digitised the entire documentation of the land bank and tagging all the original documents for quick retrieval. Any missing documents, need to be restored to ensure we have a complete chain of title with respect to each of the land document. For any acquisition we need to ensure we have a complete traceability of title at least for a period of 50 years to avoid any future litigation. Another important aspect is the public notice which needs to be as comprehensive as possible and needs to be published by at least three to 4 newspapers with a decent coverage. Unfortunately whatever steps one take real estate continues to be a grey area and prone to litigation.
In terms of influencing the external environment, how do you engage with influencers and industry associations to advocate for your company’s interests while staying within legal boundaries?
Influencing the external environment is a very difficult job considering that there is always a conflict of interest. The way I approach it is to understand the areas of focus of the government and help the government in order to achieve its objectives either by helping them through CSR initiatives like skilling, engaging with them to create awareness in some of the initiatives we strongly believe in or even helping them through professional advice pro bono. To summarise, influencing the external environment is possible only by demonstrating a strong purpose benefiting the society at large including the organisation.
As both a General Counsel and Company Secretary, how do you assist the Board of Directors in understanding and navigating the complex landscape of corporate compliance and governance? What strategies do you employ to ensure effective decision-making at the highest level?
I think the most important area of focus is to have a robust corporate governance mechanism to ensure that the Board is transparently privy to all the relevant information which can help them to make a decision. At the same time to ensure that the Board should not get into the executive role. The balance is difficult to maintain but as the GC and Company Secretary that has always been my endeavour.
Drawing from your rich experience, what advice would you give to fresh graduates aspiring to pursue a career in law, particularly those interested in corporate law and company secretarial roles?
The freshers I have interacted with are very intelligent, promising and talented. One word of caution to them is not to get swayed away by external perception, they need to understand the business at the grass root level like any other management trainee joining in any other function, show perseverance and wait for the opportune moment to flourish and not to rush. I am confident that the next generation is going to take the in house counsel role to the next zenith.
Could you share with us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming the Head & DGM-Legal at Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA)? What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what challenges did you encounter along the way?
I am a first-generation lawyer born and brought up in West Champaran district of Bihar. After my B.A. (Hons.) from Faculty of Arts, BHU, I pursued LL.B. from Law School, B.H.U. and embarked my legal journey with challenges of not having the benefit of a well-trodden path or sage advice. My parents and my younger brother gave me their unwavering support in all my decisions. Guided by serendipity, I found myself at the BHU, Varanasi. I started practicing in Patna High Court and my erstwhile practice area involved a diversified spectrum of legal jurisprudence. After practicing for over three years in Patna, I moved to Mumbai, where I worked as Law officer of Transport Corporation of India Limited, Mumbai for handling all the legal affairs within the state of Maharashtra. Onwards I worked as Examiner of TradeMarks in the Trade Mark Registry Mumbai. After which I joined Videocon d2h Limited, Mumbai, wherein I was also part of the team for the execution of the India’s largest Media Sector merger of Brand Videocon d2h into Dish TV. After merger, I migrated to Dish TV India Limited, Noida and successfully handled litigation and contract management for both brands d2h and dish TV.
After years of experience in broadcasting and distribution related to the DTH Industry, I joined Hathway Digital Limited a multisystem operator of Reliance Jio Group as a Senior Manager -Legal in Delhi. In this role I managed Pan India Litigations before TDSAT, Trial Courts, High Courts, Consumer Forums and Supreme Court. Thereafter, I joined Micromax Group as head of Legal and finally joined as DGM-Legal in BIADA, Patna. During working with different organizations from a practising advocate, corporates and government sectors in different cities, I found that we need to adopt the work culture at earliest and you have to learn something from everyone as once my mentor has said everyone is your client except yourself. You have to create your own brand and for this you need to accept all the challenges with a smile.
You’ve had a diverse career journey, from practicing law in Patna to working with major corporations in Mumbai and Delhi. What motivated you to transition from the corporate sector to a government role at BIADA, and return to your home state of Bihar and take on a role with BIADA?
The diverse career journey had its perks but at the same time there was remorse in my mind that having reached the pinnacle of my career. I was never in a position to give it back to the society from where I belonged. Everyone has his or her perspective towards the way of contribution for a better and prosperous society, but from my spectrum of things this endeavour to join this government organization was to achieve a more industrialized and prosperous Bihar by removing the hurdles faced by entrepreneurs and streamlining the legal process attached to it.
As someone deeply rooted in Bihar’s history and culture, how do you envision the role of BIADA in contributing to the state’s development and economic growth? What initiatives or projects are you most excited about?
BIADA has been envisioned to promote and augment industrialization and create awareness about the Industrial Policy of the state as well as creating an environment for consistent growth of Industries in the state. The management finds it highly important to change the way these units operate for a few reasons, such as Changing priorities of units, Enhancing the effectiveness of organizations, initiating new schemes, there is an enormous scope of things which could be improved considering the Industrial growth, Bihar is growing. The role as DGM, Legal is quite dynamic and varied as one has to juggle a lot between Courts and Policy decisions. I endeavour for transparent policy formulation whereby policies are fair, simple and comprehensive. Also, such policies are required to be formulated for instilling faith upon Corporate and at the same time better execution of such for the organization. At present, investors are coming to Bihar and a number of Industrialist and Start up have been seeded there huge investment in State with a vision for development of Bihar. Therefore, by my small contribution I am participating in the development of my state by use of my legal, strategy and advisory skills.
With the recent influx of investors and industrialists into Bihar, what are some of the legal challenges and opportunities that BIADA faces in facilitating economic development while ensuring regulatory compliance and transparency?
The fragmented land-holding and lack of large pool of land is a reality in Bihar yet by undertaking various persuasions have been in a position to make sufficient land available for the Investors and Industrialists. The biggest huddle which we constantly face is to get back the large chunk of land which was not used for industrialization and to allot the same to the prospective investors. There are innumerable stakeholders and to take everyone on board for the furtherance of development of Bihar is quite a task. At present the government is providing better policies and support for establishment and revival of industries in the state.
As someone who has worked across different states and industries, what do you find most rewarding about working in the public sector, particularly in Bihar? How does it differ from your experiences in the private sector?
To be honest, in the last years or so with BIADA, I have evolved as a person who has made several required changes in the existing system based on prior experiences and current needs of the state. It was an enlightening experience to work within the multi-layered and complex structures learning nuances of executing and facilitating Industrialization in state. The perspective of being an outsider was a blessing in disguise as people believed that I had joined this organisation for a purpose and that it provided me with cooperation from everybody in the organization.
In your role as Head & DGM-Legal, what strategies do you employ to foster collaboration and synergy within your team of in-house legal professionals and panel advocates? How do you ensure effective communication and coordination?
Coordination between youth professionals and experienced minds to achieve better results is one of the mantras I work with. I am very privileged to have an in-house team consisting of law graduates from National law Universities and other reputed law colleges and as an icing on the cake there are experienced Advocates on our Panel and together we bring a diversified approach to the table for better and fast results. With such a big team, it becomes very important to have open and transparent communication. It is very important to promote team members irrespective of their position in the hierarchy of the organisation to brainstorm ideas and communicate their opinions in regard to every case. Fortunately, I am blessed with a dedicated team and together we discuss and prepare notes of argument and strategy in each case. I cherished the participative work culture of the organisation wherein everybody gets to contribute something.
Being from a corporate background, I tend to promote the modern work approach and use of technologies for better collaborations with cluster offices and our Panel Advocates in the High Court as well as in the Supreme Court.
With your experience in handling a wide range of legal matters, what are some common misconceptions about the legal profession that you would like to debunk for aspiring lawyers?
One of the common misconceptions about the legal profession is that there are limited prospects in the legal sectors. However, in this modern world, everyone needs the application of legal minds which opens a plethora of opportunities before the law students. In the era of globalization, even cross-border opportunities open up for the youths. Another misconception lies that law is not for women but here I would like to take this opportunity and say the legal field is gender neutral and 50% of my team members are female and they demonstrate relicense, time management and good analytical skills.
Apart from your professional endeavors, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies that you enjoy outside of work? How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your role at BAIADA?
For work life balance, I would like to thank my soul mate Sarika who wholeheartedly takes care of my two lovely daughters and family. The preoccupation in my current role doesn’t allow me to spare much time for personal interests or hobbies limited to watching news and outings beyond my work but quality time with my family instills me with strength, love, affection and peace.
Given your experience in both the corporate and government sectors, what advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to build a successful career in law, especially in the context of navigating different work environments?
I firmly believe in the famous quote that “there is no substitute for hard work”. Both corporate and public sectors have their own pros and cons, however it is important to set one’s priority straight why making a pick and one should not shy away from giving their best in whichever sector they choose. This brings out best performance helping the individual to excel in his/her career
💡 Reflecting on your journey, what inspired you to choose law as a career, and could you share about your journey, challenges you faced during your academic and professional pursuits, as well as how you overcame them?
Choosing law as a career was a natural progression for me, deeply ingrained in my family’s legacy. Growing up surrounded by legal discussions, court visits, and a lineage of esteemed lawyers and judges, I developed an innate passion for the field from a young age. Witnessing my parents’ dedication to justice and advocacy instilled in me a profound sense of purpose to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the legal profession.
However, embarking on this path was not without its challenges. Throughout my academic journey, I encountered rigorous academic demands and navigated through complex legal concepts. Balancing academic commitments with extracurricular activities and personal responsibilities posed its own set of challenges. Additionally, as a young woman entering a predominantly male-dominated profession, I encountered skepticism and occasional resistance.
Yet, every challenge became an opportunity for growth. I embraced each obstacle as a chance to learn and evolve. I sought guidance from mentors, drew strength from my family’s support, and remained steadfast in my determination. Perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence became my guiding principles. Through dedication and hard work, I overcame academic hurdles, excelled in my studies, and honed my legal acumen. Each milestone, whether securing prestigious awards, representing clients in landmark cases, or contributing to legal education and advocacy, reinforced my passion for the law and reaffirmed my purpose.
Moreover, I recognized the importance of championing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. I seized opportunities to advocate for gender equality, promote access to justice, and challenge systemic barriers. By leveraging my voice and platform, I endeavored to pave the way for future generations of aspiring lawyers, especially women, to thrive in the legal arena. In essence, my journey embodies the transformative power of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to one’s passion. Every challenge I faced served as a stepping stone towards personal and professional growth, reinforcing my conviction to make a meaningful difference in the legal landscape.
💡 Your family has a strong legal background, with your grandfather serving as the Judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court. How has this legacy influenced your journey in law, and what values do you carry forward from this lineage?
Growing up in a family with a profound legal legacy has been both a privilege and a source of inspiration for me. The influence of my grandfather, who served as the Judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court, and my parents, who are accomplished lawyers, has been profound in shaping my journey in law.
From a young age, I was immersed in an environment where discussions on legal principles, courtroom strategies, and the pursuit of justice were commonplace. Witnessing their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, advocating for the marginalized, and fostering integrity and ethics in legal practice instilled in me a deep sense of reverence for the profession.
The values instilled by my family’s legacy serve as guiding principles in my own legal journey. Integrity, honesty, and professionalism are non-negotiables in my practice. I carry forward the legacy of upholding the principles of fairness, justice, and equity in every case I undertake.
Moreover, the legacy of my family has instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to use my legal knowledge and skills to serve society. I strive to emulate their dedication to public service and make a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
Overall, my family’s legal background has not only shaped my career but also imbued me with a deep appreciation for the law’s transformative power and the importance of using it as a tool for social justice and change. Their legacy continues to inspire me to strive for excellence and uphold the highest standards of legal practice.
💡 As a partner at “S N KALRA & CO.,” you’ve been actively involved in handling diverse cases, from civil and recovery matters to corporate and criminal issues. Could you elaborate on the challenges and rewards of managing such a varied caseload, and how do you approach ensuring the best outcomes for your clients across these different legal domains?
Managing a diverse caseload spanning civil, corporate, and criminal matters indeed presents both challenges and rewards. The spectrum of legal issues demands a multifaceted approach, requiring adaptability, diligence, and a deep understanding of each client’s unique needs and circumstances.
One of the primary challenges lies in navigating the complexities inherent in each area of law. From intricate corporate transactions to high-stakes criminal defense cases, each matter requires meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of relevant legal frameworks. Moreover, staying abreast of evolving laws and precedents across multiple domains necessitates continuous learning and professional development.
However, it is precisely this diversity that makes the practice of law so rewarding. Each case presents a new opportunity to apply legal expertise creatively, strategize effectively, and advocate zealously on behalf of our clients. Whether it’s securing a favorable judgment in a civil dispute, crafting innovative solutions to complex corporate challenges, or safeguarding our clients’ rights in criminal proceedings, the satisfaction of achieving successful outcomes is unparalleled.
To ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients across these diverse legal domains, we adopt a client-centric approach rooted in collaboration, communication, and proactive problem-solving. We begin by gaining a comprehensive understanding of our clients’ objectives, concerns, and constraints. By forging strong client relationships built on trust and transparency, we can tailor our legal strategies to align with their goals effectively. Moreover, our firm’s interdisciplinary team comprising legal experts from various practice areas enables us to leverage collective knowledge and resources to address multifaceted legal issues comprehensively. We prioritize open communication and regular updates to keep our clients informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
Furthermore, our commitment to excellence drives us to continuously refine our skills, stay updated on emerging legal trends, and leverage innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance our legal services. By embracing a holistic approach that integrates legal expertise with practical insights and a deep understanding of our clients’ industries, we strive to deliver superior outcomes and exceed our clients’ expectations consistently.
In essence, while managing a diverse caseload presents its share of challenges, the rewards of making a positive impact in our clients’ lives and contributing to the administration of justice far outweigh the obstacles. By approaching each case with dedication, professionalism, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, we endeavor to achieve optimal results and uphold the trust placed in us by our clients.
💡In addition to your legal practice, you actively engage in public activism, championing gender equality, and fighting for students’ rights. Could you share a bit about the causes you’re passionate about and the role you believe lawyers play in societal change?
Certainly. Beyond my legal practice, my engagement in public activism stems from a deep-seated commitment to advocating for social justice and equality. Gender equality, in particular, holds a special significance for me, given the persistent disparities and injustices faced by women and marginalized communities.
As a female advocate in a profession historically dominated by men, I recognize the importance of amplifying the voices of women and advocating for equal opportunities and rights. Whether it’s challenging discriminatory practices in the workplace, advocating for gender-sensitive legal reforms, or promoting women’s empowerment through education and economic opportunities, gender equality remains a central tenet of my activism. Moreover, my advocacy extends to championing students’ rights, recognizing the pivotal role education plays in shaping future generations and fostering societal progress. From advocating for inclusive education policies to addressing systemic issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination within educational institutions, I strive to create a conducive learning environment where every student can thrive and fulfill their potential.
As lawyers, we occupy a unique position of influence and responsibility in society. Beyond our role as legal practitioners, we serve as advocates for justice, agents of change, and guardians of the rule of law. Our expertise in navigating legal frameworks, understanding complex issues, and advocating for the rights of individuals and communities equips us with the tools to effect meaningful societal change. Lawyers play a critical role in shaping public discourse, influencing policy decisions, and holding institutions and individuals accountable for their actions. By leveraging our legal knowledge, skills, and platforms, we can drive positive change across diverse spheres, whether it’s advancing human rights, promoting environmental sustainability, or combating systemic injustices.
Furthermore, lawyers have a duty to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and access to justice. By providing legal assistance to marginalized communities, representing underserved populations pro bono, and advocating for systemic reforms to address structural inequalities, we can contribute to building a more just and equitable society.
In essence, lawyers have a profound obligation to use their legal expertise and advocacy skills to advance the common good and promote positive societal change. By embracing our role as catalysts for progress, we can harness the power of law to create a more inclusive, equitable, and just world for all.
💡You’ve filed a PIL against Live Surgery Broadcast by Doctors. What prompted you to take on this specific issue, and what do you hope to achieve through this legal action?
The decision to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the broadcast of live surgeries by doctors was driven by a profound concern for patient welfare, medical ethics, and the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship. The practice of live surgery broadcasts, while ostensibly intended for educational purposes, raises significant ethical and legal concerns regarding patient consent, privacy rights, and professional conduct.
First and foremost, live surgery broadcasts entail inherent risks to patient privacy and confidentiality. Broadcasting surgical procedures without adequate consent not only violates patients’ right to privacy but also undermines their dignity and autonomy. Moreover, the potential for exploitation or sensationalization of vulnerable patients for entertainment or commercial purposes further compounds the ethical dilemmas associated with this practice.
Furthermore, live surgery broadcasts raise serious questions regarding medical ethics and professional conduct. Physicians have a duty of care towards their patients, which includes respecting their privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and prioritizing their well-being above all else. Broadcasting surgeries without explicit consent not only breaches these ethical obligations but also undermines public trust in the medical profession.
Additionally, the potential for medical errors or complications during live surgeries poses risks to patient safety and quality of care. The pressure to perform flawlessly in front of a live audience may incentivize surgeons to prioritize spectacle over patient welfare, leading to suboptimal outcomes or adverse events. Through this legal action, my aim is to challenge the legality and ethical implications of live surgery broadcasts and advocate for stricter regulations and guidelines governing this practice. I hope to raise awareness about the potential risks and consequences associated with broadcasting surgeries without adequate safeguards in place.
Ultimately, I seek to uphold the principles of medical ethics, protect patient rights, and safeguard the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship. By holding accountable those who engage in unethical or exploitative practices, I aim to promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and patient-centered care within the medical community.
In essence, this PIL represents a commitment to advancing the interests of patients, upholding ethical standards in healthcare, and ensuring that medical practices prioritize patient welfare above all else. Through legal advocacy and public awareness, I hope to effect meaningful change and contribute to a healthcare system that is grounded in principles of integrity, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
💡 As the Chairperson of the Legal Wing at NCDWDC, what initiatives or projects are you currently focusing on to promote legal awareness and women’s rights?
As the Chairperson of the Legal Wing at NCDWDC (National Child and Women Development Council), my primary focus is on implementing initiatives and projects aimed at promoting legal awareness and advancing women’s rights, particularly for differently-abled women.
One of the key initiatives we are currently focusing on is legal literacy and empowerment programs tailored specifically for differently-abled women. These programs aim to educate women about their rights under various laws, including those related to disability rights, gender equality, protection against discrimination, and access to justice. Through workshops, seminars, and outreach activities, we seek to empower differently-abled women with the knowledge and tools to assert their rights and navigate the legal system effectively.
Additionally, we are actively engaged in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by differently-abled women and advocate for policy reforms to address their needs. This includes advocating for the implementation of inclusive policies and programs that promote equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and social services for differently-abled women. Furthermore, we are working to establish support networks and resource centers specifically for differently-abled women, where they can access legal assistance, counselling services, and other forms of support tailored to their needs. These centers serve as safe spaces where women can seek guidance, connect with peers, and access resources to address their legal and socio-economic challenges.
Moreover, we are collaborating with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to mainstream disability rights and gender equality considerations into existing policies and programs. By fostering partnerships and collective action, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society where differently-abled women can fully participate and thrive.
Overall, our efforts at NCDWDC’s Legal Wing are guided by a commitment to promoting legal awareness, protecting the rights of differently-abled women, and advancing gender equality and social justice for all. Through our initiatives and advocacy, we strive to create a more inclusive and empowering environment where every woman, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, autonomy, and respect for her rights.
💡 You’ve recently completed your PhD in Law, focusing on the Harmonization of Indian arbitration with UNCITRAL. What inspired you to embark on this academic journey, and how do you envision this research contributing to your career and the legal landscape in India?
Embarking on a PhD in Law, with a focus on the Harmonization of Indian arbitration with UNCITRAL (United Nations Commission on International Trade Law), represents a natural extension of my passion for law and my commitment to advancing the field of arbitration in India.
The inspiration for this academic journey stems from a recognition of the critical importance of arbitration as a mechanism for dispute resolution in the globalised world. As India continues to emerge as a hub for international commerce and investment, it is imperative that our arbitration framework is aligned with international best practices and standards. UNCITRAL, being a leading authority in the development of international trade law and arbitration rules, serves as a benchmark for effective dispute resolution mechanisms.
By focusing my research on the harmonisation of Indian arbitration with UNCITRAL, I aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on arbitration reform in India and promote the adoption of internationally recognized arbitration principles and procedures. This research is particularly timely given the recent amendments to India’s arbitration laws and the country’s efforts to position itself as a preferred destination for international arbitration.
Furthermore, I envision this research contributing to my career by enhancing my expertise in arbitration law and positioning me as a thought leader in this field. As a practicing advocate, specializing in commercial and corporate disputes, a deep understanding of arbitration principles and procedures is essential for effectively representing my clients’ interests and advocating for fair and efficient dispute resolution.
Moreover, this research has broader implications for the legal landscape in India. By advocating for the harmonization of Indian arbitration with UNCITRAL, I hope to promote transparency, efficiency, and enforceability in arbitration proceedings, thereby enhancing investor confidence and facilitating the resolution of cross-border disputes. Ultimately, my research endeavors to contribute to the development of a robust and internationally competitive arbitration framework in India, which is essential for fostering economic growth, promoting investment, and ensuring access to justice for all stakeholders.
In summary, my pursuit of a PhD in Law, focusing on the harmonization of Indian arbitration with UNCITRAL, is driven by a desire to contribute to the advancement of arbitration law in India, enhance my professional expertise, and promote the interests of my clients and the broader legal community. Through rigorous academic research and engagement with key stakeholders, I aim to make a meaningful impact on the legal landscape and contribute to the realisation of a fair, efficient, and globally competitive arbitration regime in India.
💡Your mission emphasizes the importance of women’s entrepreneurship in the legal field. How do you envision fostering a more inclusive landscape for women in law, especially in leadership roles?
Fostering a more inclusive landscape for women in law, particularly in leadership roles, requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses systemic barriers, promotes mentorship and support networks, and advocates for policy reforms to create a level playing field for women in the legal profession.
First and foremost, it is essential to address the structural inequalities and biases that inhibit women’s advancement in the legal field. This includes challenging gender stereotypes, promoting equal opportunities for career advancement, and eliminating discriminatory practices in hiring, promotion, and compensation.
Moreover, fostering a culture of mentorship and support is crucial for empowering women to pursue leadership roles in law. Providing mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and professional development initiatives tailored to the needs of women lawyers can help cultivate the next generation of female leaders and provide them with the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
Additionally, advocating for policy reforms and institutional changes is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable legal landscape. This includes implementing measures to promote work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements and parental leave policies, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion in leadership appointments and decision-making processes.
Furthermore, raising awareness about the importance of women’s entrepreneurship in the legal field and highlighting the contributions of women leaders can help challenge stereotypes and inspire other women to pursue leadership roles. By showcasing diverse role models and success stories, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment where women feel empowered to excel and lead.
Ultimately, fostering a more inclusive landscape for women in law requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including law firms, legal organizations, government agencies, and individual practitioners. By working together to address systemic barriers, promote mentorship and support, advocate for policy reforms, and celebrate the achievements of women leaders, we can create a more equitable and inclusive legal profession where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
💡In addition to your legal pursuits, what are your personal hobbies or interests that you turn to for relaxation and rejuvenation outside the courtroom?
Outside the courtroom, I cherish moments of relaxation and rejuvenation by indulging in a variety of personal hobbies and interests that nourish my mind, body, and soul.
One of my favorite pastimes is immersing myself in the world of literature. Whether it’s curling up with a captivating novel, exploring thought-provoking non-fiction, or delving into poetry that stirs the soul, I find solace and inspiration in the written word. Reading not only transports me to different realms of imagination but also broadens my perspectives and enriches my understanding of the world around me.
In addition to reading, I have a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly music and painting. I find joy in attending concerts, exploring diverse genres of music, and discovering new artists whose melodies resonate with my spirit.
Nature serves as a source of solace and serenity for me, and I often seek refuge in outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or simply taking leisurely walks amidst natural landscapes. Connecting with the beauty of the natural world rejuvenates my spirit and instills a sense of peace and harmony within me.
Moreover, I am passionate about wellness and holistic health practices that promote balance and vitality. Whether it’s practicing yoga to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace, indulging in spa treatments to pamper myself, or savoring nutritious meals that nourish my body, I prioritize self-care and well-being as essential components of my lifestyle.
Finally, spending quality time with loved ones, whether it’s engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing laughter and joy, or creating cherished memories together, brings me immense happiness and fulfillment. Cultivating strong relationships and fostering a sense of connection with others is an integral part of my personal journey. In essence, my personal hobbies and interests encompass a diverse array of activities that nourish my mind, body, and soul, allowing me to find balance, relaxation, and rejuvenation outside the demands of the courtroom. These pursuits not only bring me joy and fulfillment but also contribute to my overall well-being and resilience in navigating life’s challenges with grace and gratitude.
💡Being one of the youngest female practicing advocates on record at the Supreme Court, what advice do you have for the current generation aspiring to make a mark in the legal field?
As one of the youngest female practicing advocates on record at the Supreme Court, I find myself often reflecting on the journey that brought me to this point and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. To those who aspire to make a mark in the legal field, I offer insights gleaned from my own experiences and observations.
My first piece of advice is to pursue your passion with unwavering dedication. The legal profession is vast and multifaceted, offering myriad opportunities for specialization. Whether your interests lie in corporate law, human rights advocacy, environmental law, or any other area, follow your heart and commit yourself wholeheartedly to your chosen path.
However, the road to success in the legal profession is rarely smooth or straightforward. It is marked by challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. In the face of adversity, resilience and perseverance become invaluable assets. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, and never lose sight of your goals, no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem.
Furthermore, success in the legal profession is not solely determined by individual talent or expertise but also by the strength of your professional relationships and networks. Invest time and effort in building strong connections with peers, mentors, clients, and other stakeholders in the legal community. These relationships can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship relationships that can accelerate your career growth and development.
Moreover, diversity and inclusion are fundamental principles that should guide your journey in the legal profession. Embrace diversity of thought, perspective, and background, recognizing the value of different experiences and viewpoints in shaping a more equitable and just legal system. Advocate for diversity and inclusion within your workplace and the broader legal community, and strive to create environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Throughout your career, stay true to your core values, principles, and ethics. Uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all your professional interactions and decision-making. Let your values be your guiding light, even in the face of difficult choices or ethical dilemmas.
Lastly, remain adaptable and open-minded in your approach to problem-solving and decision-making. The legal profession is dynamic and constantly evolving, requiring practitioners to embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Be willing to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies that can enhance your effectiveness as a legal professional and position you for success in an ever-changing world
Your career trajectory took a fascinating turn from working in operations management at an Air Hostess Academy to pursuing law. What inspired or motivated this shift in your professional focus, and was there a specific event or realization that sparked your interest in this field?
My shift in professional focus from operations management to law was motivated by a desire for intellectual challenge and a deeper engagement with the legal system. The decision to pursue law was not precipitated by a single event, but rather a gradual realization of my passion for justice, advocacy, and the complexities of the legal framework. However, my fascination with legal principles and their diverse applications burgeoned during my involvement with Lawrato, where I partnered with Mr. Rohan Mahajan in managing backend legal operations. It was during this time that the decision to pursue a career in law crystallized for me. I delved deeper into understanding the legal landscape, I found myself drawn to its intricacies and the potential to make a meaningful impact through legal practice.
Ultimately, the transition to law represented a natural evolution of my career aspirations, aligning with my values of fairness, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. I am excited about the opportunities that the field of law presents for personal and professional growth, and I am eager to contribute my skills and experiences to this dynamic and rewarding profession.
Your initiative, WizCyber, aims to promote cyber safety and awareness globally. What inspired you to establish this platform, and what impact do you hope to achieve?
The inspiration behind establishing WizCyber stemmed from witnessing the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and the profound impact they have on individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. Collaboration with Col. Sanjeev Relia (Retd.) in this initiative we recognized the critical need for proactive measures to address these challenges, I felt compelled to take action and contribute to the collective effort in safeguarding digital environments.
As technology continues to advance rapidly, so do the tactics employed by cyber criminals, making it essential for individuals and organizations to stay informed and equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect themselves. WizCyber was founded with the vision of empowering people with practical cybersecurity guidance, resources, and educational content to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently.
After been appointed as Empaneled Faculty with Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, Government of India, driven by a passion for mentoring and guiding students and aspiring professionals, conducting campaigns in Various schools and corporates globally. Our primary goal is to make a tangible impact by raising awareness about cybersecurity best practices, providing actionable insights to mitigate risks, and fostering a culture of cyber resilience across diverse communities worldwide. Through collaborative partnerships, educational initiatives and advocacy efforts, we aspire to create a safer online ecosystem where individuals and organizations can thrive securely.
We believe that by fostering a proactive approach to cybersecurity and empowering individuals with the right knowledge and skills, we can significantly reduce the incidence of cyber threats and their associated impacts. Our ultimate aim is to contribute to a safer and more secure digital future for all.
With your experience in handling various cases on cybercrime, could you shed light on some common misconceptions people have about cyber threats?
One prevalent misconception is that only large corporations or high-profile individuals are targeted by cybercriminals. In reality, cyber threats do not discriminate based on size or status; individuals, small businesses, and organizations of all types are vulnerable to attacks. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in software, weak passwords, or unsuspecting users to gain unauthorized access to personal or sensitive information.
Another misconception is that antivirus software provides complete protection against all cyber threats. While antivirus software is an essential component of cybersecurity, it is not a foolproof solution. Cyber threats continue to evolve, with sophisticated malware and social engineering tactics bypassing traditional antivirus measures. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals and organizations to implement a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, including regular software updates, strong password management, and user awareness training.
Additionally, there is a misconception that cybersecurity is solely a technical issue and not a human one. While technology plays a significant role in mitigating cyber threats, human behaviour also contributes to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Factors such as phishing scams, social engineering tactics, and careless handling of sensitive information can pose significant risks. Therefore, raising awareness and educating users about cybersecurity best practices is essential in minimizing these human-related risks.
Lastly, some people believe that cyber threats are isolated incidents and not a continuous, ongoing threat. However, cyber threats are persistent and constantly evolving, with cybercriminals adapting their tactics to exploit new vulnerabilities and technologies. Therefore, cybersecurity should be approached as an ongoing process rather than a one-time solution, with regular assessments, updates, and training to stay ahead of emerging threats.
By addressing these common misconceptions and promoting a better understanding of cyber threats, we can empower individuals and organizations to take proactive steps towards enhancing their cybersecurity posture and reducing their risk exposure.
As a mentor to students and professionals, what advice would you give to the current generation aspiring to pursue a career in cyber law or cybersecurity?
For those considering a career in cyber law or cybersecurity, I would offer the following advice:
Educate Yourself: Begin by building a solid foundation of knowledge in both law and cybersecurity. Pursue relevant educational opportunities, such as degree programs, certifications, and workshops, to develop expertise in these areas.
Stay Updated: The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, with new threats and technologies emerging regularly. Stay informed about the latest developments, trends, and best practices through continuous learning and professional development.
Gain Practical Experience: Seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions. Practical experience will not only enhance your skills but also provide valuable insights into real-world challenges and solutions.
Network: Connect with professionals in the field of cyber law and cybersecurity through networking events, industry conferences, and online communities. Building relationships with experienced professionals can provide mentorship, guidance, and potential career opportunities.
Develop Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, cultivate soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for success in both cyber law and cybersecurity roles, particularly when interacting with diverse stakeholders.
Ethical Considerations: Aspiring professionals in cyber law and cybersecurity must also consider ethical implications and responsibilities. Uphold ethical standards, respect privacy rights, and prioritize the ethical use of technology in your work.
By following these pieces of advice and remaining dedicated to continuous learning and growth, aspiring individuals can position themselves for success in the dynamic and rewarding field of cyber law and cybersecurity.
Given your extensive experience, could you share some key trends or emerging challenges in cyber law that professionals should be aware of?
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, several trends and challenges are shaping the practice of cyber law and requiring the attention of legal professionals:
Cybersecurity Incident Response: As cyber threats become more sophisticated and prevalent, organizations are increasingly experiencing cybersecurity incidents such as data breaches and ransomware attacks. Cyber law professionals must be well-versed in incident response protocols, breach notification requirements, and legal obligations to mitigate the impact of cyber incidents on their clients.
Cybercrime Prosecution: The rise of cybercrime poses significant challenges for law enforcement and legal professionals. From cyber fraud and identity theft to cyber espionage and online harassment, prosecuting cybercriminals requires specialized knowledge of digital forensics, jurisdictional issues, and international cooperation frameworks.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies presents both opportunities and challenges in the realm of cyber law. Legal professionals must grapple with complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding AI algorithms, autonomous systems, and liability for AI-driven decisions.
Regulation of Emerging Technologies: Emerging technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and cryptocurrency present novel legal issues and regulatory challenges. Cyber law professionals need to anticipate regulatory developments, advise clients on compliance strategies, and navigate legal uncertainties associated with these technologies.
By staying informed about these key trends and emerging challenges, legal professionals can effectively navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of cyber law and provide valuable guidance to their clients.
Apart from your work in cyber law, you’ve also assisted various startups. How do you think entrepreneurship intersects with cybersecurity, especially for new ventures?
Entrepreneurship and cybersecurity are closely intertwined, especially for new ventures that are navigating the complexities of the digital landscape. As startups innovate and develop new products or services, they must also prioritize cybersecurity to protect their assets, data, and reputation. Here are some key points to consider:
Risk Management: Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of risk management for startups. New ventures often have limited resources and may be particularly vulnerable to cyber threats due to their innovative technologies or lack of robust security measures. Therefore, entrepreneurs must proactively identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks to safeguard their business operations and intellectual property.
Investor Confidence: Investors and stakeholders increasingly consider cybersecurity readiness as a factor when evaluating startup opportunities. Demonstrating a proactive approach to cybersecurity can enhance investor confidence and differentiate a startup in a competitive market landscape.
Customer Trust: Building and maintaining customer trust is paramount for startups. Strong cybersecurity practices reassure customers that their data is protected, fostering long-term relationships and loyalty. Conversely, a data breach or security incident can severely damage a startup’s reputation and credibility.
Cybersecurity Culture: Cultivating a culture of cybersecurity awareness and responsibility is vital for startups. Employees should be educated about cybersecurity best practices, trained to recognize and respond to potential threats, and encouraged to report security incidents promptly.
Partnerships and Collaboration: Startups can benefit from partnerships and collaborations with cybersecurity experts, industry associations, and government agencies. Engaging with the broader cybersecurity community can provide access to resources, expertise, and support to strengthen cybersecurity posture.
Overall, entrepreneurship and cybersecurity are complementary aspects of building a successful startup in today’s digital economy. By integrating cybersecurity into their business strategies and operations, entrepreneurs can mitigate risks, enhance trust, and position their ventures for sustainable growth and success.
Despite your extensive experience and accomplishments in the field, what inspired you to pursue a Ph.D. in Cyber Protection Management at this stage of your career?
The decision to pursue a Ph.D. in Cyber Protection Management stems from a combination of factors, including a deep-seated passion for advancing knowledge in cybersecurity, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a desire to make a significant contribution to the field.
Despite my years of experience and achievements, I recognize that cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving and multifaceted domain, continually presenting new challenges and opportunities for innovation. A Ph.D. program offers a structured environment to delve deeper into specialized areas of cybersecurity, conduct original research, and develop expertise that can contribute to addressing pressing cybersecurity issues.
Moreover, pursuing a Ph.D. aligns with my long-term career goals of becoming a thought leader and subject matter expert in cybersecurity. By engaging in rigorous academic inquiry and scholarly discourse, I aim to broaden my understanding of complex cybersecurity concepts, refine my analytical skills, and develop innovative solutions to real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Additionally, earning a Ph.D. opens doors to opportunities for teaching, mentoring, and disseminating knowledge to future generations of cybersecurity professionals. I am passionate about sharing my insights and experiences with aspiring cybersecurity practitioners and contributing to the education and training of the next wave of cybersecurity leaders.
Ultimately, pursuing a Ph.D. in Cyber Protection Management represents a natural progression in my career journey, allowing me to deepen my expertise, expand my professional network, and make a meaningful impact on the field of cybersecurity.
With such a dynamic and demanding career, how do you unwind and recharge outside of your professional endeavors? Could you share some of your favorite hobbies or relaxation techniques that help you maintain balance amidst your busy schedule?
Balancing work and personal life is essential for maintaining overall well-being and productivity. Here are some of my favorite hobbies and relaxation techniques that help me achieve balance amidst my busy schedule. Spending time outdoors with my kids and pet allows me to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, cycling along scenic trails, or simply taking a leisurely walk in the park, being outdoors helps me clear my mind and rejuvenate my spirit.
Reading: Reading is one of my favorite pastimes and a great way to unwind after a long day. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or professional literature related to my field, immersing myself in a good book helps me relax, gain new perspectives, and expand my knowledge.
Exercise and Fitness: Physical activity is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s hitting the gym, practicing yoga, or going for a run, regular exercise helps me relieve stress, boost my mood, and increase my energy levels.
Quality Time with Loved Ones: Being a mother of twins I love spending time with my children and my pet, it is invaluable for maintaining work-life balance. Whether it’s sharing a meal, watching a movie, or simply having meaningful conversations, connecting with loved ones helps me recharge and cultivate a sense of belonging and support.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques helps me cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and improve focus and clarity of mind. Taking a few moments each day to practice mindfulness allows me to center myself and approach challenges with a calm and balanced perspective.
By incorporating these hobbies and relaxation techniques into my routine, I am able to maintain a sense of balance and well-being amidst the demands of my professional career.
As a cyber law expert deeply involved in cyber safety initiatives, could you share some practical tips for our readers on how they can protect themselves from cyber threats or cybercrime in their daily lives?
Here are some practical tips for protecting oneself from cyber threats or cybercrime in daily life:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create complex passwords for your accounts, using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or pet names. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, antivirus software, and other applications to patch security vulnerabilities and protect against known threats. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure timely protection.
Be Wary of Suspicious Emails and Links: Exercise caution when opening emails or clicking on links from unknown or suspicious sources. Be vigilant for phishing attempts, where attackers impersonate legitimate entities to trick you into revealing personal information or downloading malware.
Secure Your Devices: Use encryption and security features such as device passcodes, biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or face recognition), and remote wipe capabilities to protect your smartphones, tablets, and computers from unauthorized access.
Practice Safe Browsing Habits: Be cautious when accessing websites, especially those that require you to enter personal or financial information. Look for HTTPS encryption and reputable security seals. Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, as they may contain malware.
Protect Your Personal Information: Limit the amount of personal information you share online, especially on social media platforms. Be mindful of the privacy settings on your accounts and consider what information you make publicly available.
Monitor Financial Accounts Regularly: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately.
Backup Your Data: Regularly backup important files and data to a secure external hard drive, cloud storage service, or backup solution. This ensures that you can recover your information in the event of data loss or ransomware attacks.
Stay Informed and Educated: Keep yourself updated on the latest cyber threats, scams, and best practices for cybersecurity. Attend cybersecurity awareness training, read reputable cybersecurity blogs or news sources, and share knowledge with friends and family.
By following these practical tips and adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, you can better protect yourself from cyber threats and minimize the risk of falling victim to cybercrime in your daily life.
You’ve had an extensive career spanning over 13 years in law. What initially drew you to this profession, and how has your journey been so far?
Law was not my first choice, I always dreamt to become a doctor. But there was no way I could have made it to a medical college, as I was not good in maths and science. 20 years back professions like law, engineering, and medicine were highly respected and prestigious, the level of respect they receive can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. So, I decided to pursue law to serve the community. Just as doctors work to heal and improve the health of individuals, lawyers work to uphold justice, protect rights, and ensure fairness within the legal system.
What inspired you to specialize in divorce law, service matters, civil, and criminal law?
At my law school I intended to become a corporate lawyer or work for corporates during my internships I discovered a passion for litigation.
As a junior I worked in the chamber of prominent lawyers such as Advocate Neelima Tripathi( now senior advocate) , Advocate Gurang Kanth( now Justice Guarang Kanth), Advocate Suparna Srivastava wherein each day was a learning experience, with victories and setbacks alike serving as fuel for my determination to continuously improve.
Working in the chamber of my seniors I wealth of knowledge in field of civil law and property law which enabled me to lay a strong foundation in the civil law and property law.
Why I became a family lawyer?
This is a question I, admittedly never actually asked myself before, that is until in 2015 when I started considering for opting an additional specialization. I sat down and actually asked myself … well , why did you want to become a family lawyer in the first place?
The answer I discovered was quite simple?
I am an empathic person, who likes to help people, I love to listen to people’s problems and help guide them through sometimes the most difficult time in their lives. When you’re going through a divorce, there’s a lot on the line. From your finances to your home and even the time that you spend with your children, it will all be a part of your pending divorce. Being a good Family Lawyer is to be understanding and empathetic, without becoming emotionally involved in your client’s life.
Family Law is a difficult area of law, it is emotional for clients as they are often at their most vulnerable, people are frustrated with delays and costs (both of which are increasing each year), and no-one ever really wins. But at the end of the day, I would say in nearly every case I have advised or acted for someone I can look back and say I helped that person (even if it was only in a small way) and that is what matters to me and what makes it all worth it.
You’ve been practicing independently for quite some time now. What motivated you to establish your own firm, RAY & ASSOCIATES?
Establishing my own firm, RAY & ASSOCIATES, was a decision driven by a combination of ambition, capability, and a desire for autonomy. After gaining valuable experience practicing independently, I felt compelled to create a platform where I could orchestrate operations according to my vision and values. The motivation stemmed from a deep-seated belief in my abilities and the conviction that I could lead a team to success. Founding my own firm allowed me to cultivate an environment where I and my associates could work collaboratively, pooling our strengths and expertise to achieve common goals. Moreover, the opportunity to work on my own terms, setting the pace and direction of our endeavour’s, was immensely empowering. By establishing RAY & ASSOCIATES, I aimed to create not just a business, but a supportive and inspiring workplace where every team member feels valued and motivated to excel. This journey has been fueled by a relentless determination to innovate, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the legal landscape, driving us forward with passion and purpose.
We understand that you specialize in matrimonial disputes among other legal areas. Can you share some insights or experience from one of your cases where the lady paid alimony to her husband? How do you approach such cases, and what factors might lead to such outcomes in matrimonial disputes?
There have been a plethora of memorable cases mostly in the field of family law but a exceptional case I handled was where a wife paid a certain amount to husband to get divorce. Certainly, in matrimonial disputes, the payment of amount by the wife to her husband is relatively uncommon but not unheard of.
I recollect that the client X ( Name not disclosed for privacy) entered by office and presented the brief. He said Mam I am a victim of false cases . I want compensation and alimony. I laughed on him and remarked “ You have gone crazy and this has never happened to my knowledge . My client was adamant and persistence to seek alimony from his wife.
Family law is patience and perseverance. This client of mine cooperated in all legal proceedings and mediation. The man was ready to face the trial without fearing for consequences.
In today’s time, there are increasing reports of men being victims of false allegations in matrimonial cases. What advice or insights would you offer to individuals who find themselves in such challenging situations and may not know how to navigate the legal complexities effectively?
Navigating false allegations in matrimonial cases can be an incredibly daunting and emotionally draining experience for anyone, regardless of gender. For individuals facing such challenging situations, it’s essential to approach the matter with composure and strategic thinking.
Firstly, seek legal counsel from a qualified and experienced lawyer specializing in family law. They can provide invaluable guidance and support, helping you understand your rights, obligations, and legal options.
If a wife files a false case, then the few advise which I can provide.
Stay Truthful and Transparent: Being honest and transparent with your lawyer is crucial. Provide them with all relevant information and facts pertaining to the case to enable them to represent you effectively.
Consider Mediation or Settlement: In some cases, opting for mediation or settlement negotiations can be a viable option to resolve the dispute amicably and avoid prolonged legal battles. However, this should be done under the guidance of your lawyer and with careful consideration of your best interests.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about your legal rights and obligations. Ask questions and seek clarification from your lawyer whenever necessary to ensure that you fully understand the legal proceedings and implications of various decisions.
Maintain Support Networks: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who can provide emotional support during this challenging time. Seeking counseling or therapy can also be beneficial in coping with the stress and anxiety associated with false allegations.
Trust the Legal System: Have faith in the legal system and trust that truth and justice will prevail. While the process may be daunting, having a skilled legal advocate by your side can significantly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.
By following these advice and insights and working closely with a knowledgeable lawyer, individuals facing false allegations in matrimonial cases can effectively navigate the legal complexities and protect their rights and interests.
Documenting any evidence that disproves the allegations or supports your case is crucial. This could include text messages, emails, witness statements, or any other relevant documentation. Additionally, maintain open communication with your attorney and follow their advice diligently throughout the legal process. It’s also important to prioritize self-care and seek emotional support from trusted friends, family members, or counselling professionals to help cope with the stress and uncertainty of the situation. Remember, false allegations can be disproven with patience, perseverance, and the right legal representation.
Looking back at your journey from law school to becoming a partner at VantaLegal, what are some pivotal lessons you’ve learned along the way that you would like to share with our readers aspiring to make their mark in the legal field?
In reflecting on my trajectory from law school to achieving the status of partner at VantaLegal, I have garnered pivotal insights that I deem invaluable for aspiring legal practitioners seeking to carve their niche in the legal realm. Through this journey, I have underscored the paramount importance of perpetual learning, which serves as a linchpin for professional advancement in the dynamic legal milieu. Specializing in a distinct area of legal expertise has proven to be transformative, allowing me to distinguish myself and furnish exceptional value to our esteemed clientele at VantaLegal. Cultivating robust professional relationships has been foundational to my career trajectory, enabling me to unlock new vistas of opportunity and glean insights from peers and mentors. Upholding an unwavering work ethic and demonstrating perseverance are cardinal virtues in the legal profession, qualities that have been pivotal to my ascension to partnership within VantaLegal. Finally, I accentuate the indispensable nature of ethical standards in the legal domain, advocating for the steadfast adherence to integrity, honesty, and ethical precepts as non-negotiable tenets that engender trust and credibility with clients and peers alike. In culmination, I proffer guidance for aspiring legal professionals to embrace continuous learning, cultivate specialized expertise, prioritize relationship-building, uphold a strong work ethic and perseverance, and maintain unwavering ethical standards, as a blueprint for success and impactful contributions within the legal arena.
Throughout your career, you’ve handled cases independently and provided legal consultancy services. Can you share a memorable case that taught you something profound about the legal profession or human nature?
Every case provides a unique opportunity for learning and growth, both professionally and personally in family law. I recollect a case which is quite dear to my heart which was child custody. Cases involving child custody can be emotionally challenging, especially when there is acrimony between the parties involved.
The parties had acrimonious relationship, due to dispute between parents affected child custody arrangement. The father was unable to meet the child for 2 years which had emotional and psychological consequences on both father and the child involved. In this case, the court’s decision to grant the father custody during the summer vacation demonstrates the court’s recognition of the importance of the father-son relationship and the need to ensure the child’s access to both parents. This decision not only provided the father with the opportunity to spend quality time with his son but also helped to restore and strengthen their bond after a prolonged period of separation.
This order enabled me to realize that moments like these, where the legal system can facilitate positive outcomes for families, that highlight the significance of the work done in family law courts.
Especially in child custody it is imperative to provide a forum for resolving disputes and making decisions in the best interests of children, being the officer of courts, we lawyer play a crucial role in promoting the well-being and stability of families.
Amidst the demands of a thriving legal career, how do you unwind and recharge? Could you share some of your favourite ways to relax and rejuvenate outside of the courtroom?
Balancing the demands of a busy legal career is crucial, and finding time to unwind and recharge is essential for maintaining productivity and well-being. Outside of the courtroom, I prioritize activities that promote relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Spending quality time with my pets, family and friends are incredibly rejuvenating. I practice mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, helps me to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I believe that fostering a sense of humanity and camaraderie within our profession is essential for long-term success and fulfilment.
Collaboration seems to be a key aspect of your work, whether it’s negotiating agreements or providing legal support. How do you cultivate effective collaborations with clients and colleagues?
In my legal practice, fostering effective collaboration is fundamental, whether engaging in negotiations or providing legal support. This entails a comprehensive approach grounded in clear communication, cooperation, and trust. I prioritize transparent communication channels, ensuring clients and colleagues are consistently updated and engaged, fostering a sense of accountability and mutual understanding. Additionally, I actively listen to and empathize with stakeholders’ perspectives, tailoring legal strategies to align with their goals. Collaboration is further enhanced through teamwork and cooperation, leveraging diverse expertise to achieve shared objectives efficiently. Moreover, I uphold principles of professionalism and integrity, cultivating an environment of trust where all parties feel empowered to collaborate openly and confidently. By adhering to these principles, I facilitate robust collaborations that drive successful outcomes in legal matters.
Your journey from being a research scientist to a partner at United Trademark & Patent Services is quite diverse. Can you share a bit about your journey & how you transitioned from a technical role to one in intellectual property law?
I began my career as a research scientist right after finishing my engineering degree. Within a year, I realized that many legal experts didn’t grasp the technical side of things, which got me thinking about the exciting possibilities in Intellectual Property law, which required both science and legal acumen. This area of law is all about helping inventors/creators safeguard their creations, like patents, designs, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. During that time, Intellectual Property law wasn’t as widely known as it is today. Before deciding to transition from my stable job to pursue law in the UK, I had to field some questions. But ultimately you pursue what you strongly believe in. And I was blessed to materialize that passion.
As the head of the patent and design department, you’ve overseen the prosecution of over 15,000 IP rights worldwide. What are some of the most memorable or challenging cases you’ve worked on during your time at United Trademark & Patent Services?
I consistently emphasize to my team members that each case is distinct, with its narrative—a culmination of years of research resulting in a tangible invention/creation. Like any profession, each day presents its own set of challenges. One particularly unique aspect of our work is navigating multiple time zones and jurisdictions simultaneously, often spanning at least five time zones and over seven jurisdictions daily. This dynamic introduces a blend of excitement and hurdles, particularly when faced with evolving legal frameworks, diverse cultures, and varying weekends and holidays across these countries.
During the pandemic, I assisted multiple clients in navigating disrupted Patent Office operations, guiding them through the patenting process with agility and adaptability. By maintaining open communication and staying informed about evolving regulations, we strategized effectively to meet deadlines despite logistical challenges. Our collaborative efforts successfully secured intellectual property protection for our clients’ innovations, empowering them to navigate the pandemic with confidence.
Apart from the regular deadlines, whenever we successfully fulfill last-minute instructions with a deadline of less than 12 hours and deliver exceptional service to the client with a high level of professionalism, it gives me [and of course the team] an adequate surge of dopamine.
Your experience as a tutor for Mobtakir, educating entrepreneurs on intellectual property, is noteworthy. What inspired you to take on this role, and what key principles do you emphasize in your teachings?
The reason I embraced this role is driven by my aspiration to empower entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and resources needed to safeguard their innovations. Throughout my teaching, I prioritize crucial principles, highlighting the significance of comprehending diverse forms of intellectual property like patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. I emphasize the importance of conducting thorough research, maintaining proper documentation, and implementing proactive strategies to protect intellectual property rights. Ultimately, my aim is to equip entrepreneurs with the expertise required to effectively navigate the intricate terrain of intellectual property and optimize the value of their innovations.
In your role as a partner and patent attorney, you’ve likely encountered various misconceptions about intellectual property. What is one common myth or misunderstanding that you frequently come across, and how do you go about debunking or clarifying it for your clients and colleagues?
In my experience as a partner and patent attorney, I’ve encountered prevalent misconceptions surrounding intellectual property, including the belief that once an idea is conceived, it automatically gains protection, and that patent filing is possible even after public disclosure. To clarify these misunderstandings, I stress the importance of recognizing that intellectual property rights necessitate formal registration or documentation. I actively educate my clients and colleagues on the proactive steps required, such as filing for patents, trademarks, or copyrights, to secure legal protection for their innovations. By dispelling these myths and offering clear guidance on the proper procedures for intellectual property protection, I ensure that their rights are effectively safeguarded in today’s competitive marketplace.
Being involved in various committees of international organizations like AIPPI, INTA, FICPI, APAA and AIPLA, how do you balance your time and commitments effectively, both professionally and personally?
I wish this would have been a straightforward answer from my practical experience. But I am still a work in progress. I try to adhere to a structured schedule, allocating quality time for family, relaxation, and personal interests. I make a conscious effort to rise early and retire early.
Balancing my participation in various committees of international organizations alongside my professional and personal obligations requires meticulous time management and prioritization. Professionally, I carve out dedicated time slots for committee work, ensuring it doesn’t conflict with client commitments. While achieving this balance isn’t always straightforward, I employ these strategies to ensure a harmonious blend of professional growth and personal well-being, allowing me to contribute meaningfully.
Your role as an IP consultant in the UK involved protecting and exploiting intellectual property assets. How did this international experience shape your perspective on intellectual property, and what were some key learnings from working in a different legal landscape?
My experience as an IP consultant in the UK has afforded me invaluable perspectives on the global dynamics surrounding the protection and utilization of intellectual property (IP).
The international experience sharpened my strategic thinking abilities by necessitating a comprehensive understanding of competitive landscapes, market trends, and emerging technologies. It highlighted the importance of proactive planning and foresight in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities while mitigating potential threats to IP assets.
My time as an IP consultant in the UK expanded my outlook on intellectual property, enriched my comprehension of global markets, and provided me with the capabilities and insights essential for navigating the intricacies of IP protection and utilization within an increasingly interconnected global landscape
With your involvement in the Young AIPPI Committee, what initiatives or programs do you believe are essential for nurturing the next generation of intellectual property professionals?
I advocate for empowering the next generation by offering them the chance to shoulder responsibility and own their work. Key initiatives are to prioritize mentorship, skill-building workshops, networking events, and opportunities for practical experience like internships or externships. Furthermore, educational programs tailored to the evolving landscape of IP law and technology will significantly aid aspiring professionals.
Beyond your professional pursuits, we understand you love to “disconnect and reflect” in your spare time. Could you share a bit about how you unwind and rejuvenate away from the world of patents and trademarks?
Absolutely! Disconnecting and reflecting hold significant importance in my life beyond my professional commitments. I find solace and rejuvenation in nurturing my spiritual dimension during these moments.
Engaging in activities like drawing, painting, or playing music isn’t just about expressing myself—it also helps me connect with my inner self and spirituality. These creative pursuits lift me above everyday worries, recharge my batteries, and give me a fresh outlook on my work.
Moreover, I cherish moments spent in the company of loved ones, whether we’re sharing a meal, engaging in meaningful conversations, or simply basking in each other’s presence. These connections serve as anchors to my spiritual and emotional well-being, reinforcing the importance of relationships and the profound essence of life beyond professional pursuits. In essence, disconnecting and reflecting in my spare time constitute a spiritual practice that allows me to realign with my core values, gain profound insights, and return to my professional undertakings with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. This holistic approach enables me to navigate life’s complexities with grace and resilience.
In your role as a member of the Executive Board of the UAE Chapter of AIPPI, what you found particularly rewarding or impactful for the intellectual property community in the region?
Serving as a founding member of the Executive Board of the APPI UAE Chapter is both fulfilling and demanding. It involves significant dedication and effort. Notably, this initiative marked the inception of the first professional IP organization in the country, tailored for practicing IP agents.
Our chapter has provided a platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among professionals in the field of intellectual property. Through various events, workshops, and seminars, we’ve facilitated meaningful exchanges of insights, best practices, and emerging trends, thereby enhancing the collective expertise of our community.
Our advocacy efforts have contributed to raising awareness about the importance of intellectual property rights and their role in driving innovation, creativity, and economic growth. By engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public, we’ve advocated for policies and regulations that promote a robust intellectual property framework conducive to both local and international stakeholders. Additionally, this chapter has played a pivotal role in promoting professional development and education in the field of intellectual property.
In general, being a part of the Executive Board of the UAE Chapter of AIPPI has been deeply fulfilling, particularly due to the opportunity to collaborate closely with seasoned intellectual property experts across the country.
Can you share with us the pivotal moments or influences in your life that led you to pursue a career in law, especially considering your background in commerce?
I finished my CS and Law in the same year and started my career as a Company Secretary in Delhi. Soon after that I realized that a CS was potentially working (and reporting) to either a CFO or a GC. Since I already had a degree in law, I wanted to clearly pursue that path. However, it was only after I was really mentored by the Senior Counsels in GE that I could really see that world as to what their day was like. I tried my hands on small assignments, thanks to my mentors in GE, which were given to me with no formal change in my role, but I was quite happy to see that dimension of profile additionally. This motivated me to then take a step further and eventually move from core CS role to Legal Counsel role in my career.
You’ve navigated through various sectors, from real estate with Emaar to transportation with Bombardier and now at Alstom. What drew you to specialize in legal affairs within these industries, and how do you adapt your expertise across different sectors?
In Emaar, I worked as a company secretary where I reported to Head – Legal and CS. I could see how busy but passionate he was in delivering all the assignments making sure that Emaar was progressing well on its growth path in India. It was my first job, so I was handling whatever came my way, which by the way was unbelievably exciting for someone who had just started the career. Apart from litigation management, I believe I was exposed to almost all major corporate transactions during my tenure.
In GE, again joined as a corporate governance person but with a very small team. Thankfully, I had my previous experience and so managing compliances for a substantially lesser number of companies was quite relaxing. However, here I developed and delivered our solutions on the parameters of cost, speed, and quality. This very concept made me independent in terms of taking my own decisions and selling the ideas to bosses and eventually to other businesses that we were supporting. I also started informally working with senior counsel in GE on legal agreements. I could see how a lawyer / governance person can impact the business and the board of directors do listen to them!
Bombardier (and now Alstom) has been an entirely different journey. Just after joining, in 4 months I was heading the function which continues till date. This demanded from me that I not only understand the business as a whole or the issue but derive the solution and own it. Whether it is public procurement, competition law, contract laws, numerous agreements, litigation, IPR, investigations, mergers, de-mergers, negotiations with suppliers / joint venture partners / customers, setting up an entire function, developing teams, simplification, supporting other regions beyond India, handling an international team…thanks to this profile I have done it all and still find every day as exciting as it was my first day.
Your journey encompasses experiences in both burgeoning companies like Emaar and established giants like General Electric. How have these contrasting environments shaped your approach to legal affairs and leadership?
A Company like Emaar which was so well established in Dubai was entering into India and at the time when real estate was booking (prior to 2008 financial crises in the US). I witnessed aggressive growth, numerous due diligence exercises, and finally preparing for one of the biggest IPOs in real estate (although didn’t get successful). Within a year we were working with investment bankers independently while tremendously supported by our managers. Everything was a ‘first’ that we did there and brought a unique experience. My core learning has been speedy delivery and workload management here.
GE on the other exposed me to apply my learnings but in a more organized manner. There we specialised how simplification even in a Governance function can enable the businesses. It was great learning how a governance function can focus on cost, speed and quality and support business.
Bombardier (now acquired by Alstom) has been an entirely different world where I have seen business very closely. In order to adapt in a company like Alstom (and Bombardier) which works with government for building the railway transportation in the country, the biggest pillars of my profile are enabling the business by anticipating the risk while giving approval; and then immediately after winning the business, making sure that in the project execution we make sound progress by addressing all contingencies and surprises. By far, this very role where I am working in all dimensions (bids, projects, legal affairs, governance and compliance) has taken me to simply great heights in terms of analysing the problem and carving out strategy for resolving the issue for the company.
Even after working in these different companies and environments, my learning underscores the paramount importance of integrity and a genuine concern for individuals.
As someone who has managed complex legal matters across multiple regions, what are some of the key challenges you’ve faced in ensuring compliance and effective contract management, especially in diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes?
Culture plays a very important role not just in doing business or solving legal issues, but also managing the teams. At one point I had the privilege of handling 7 lawyers from 7 nationalities, and this has been a surreal experience.
From customers and partners standpoint, it is extremely important which are the areas that are most important for them as part of their brand equity or their culture. That area may not be relevant in other regions or strangely enough, in fact customers in one country may definitely want you to provide a better solution compared to the country you are coming from. This is very sensitive and must be handled very carefully. Negotiation, resultantly, becomes extremely crucial as to how we can still put forward our proposal.
I still remember, I was in South Korea doing one negotiation and the potential local partner asked me a question. I said “yes, agreed”. And then he continuously asked me the same question. I said “yes” again and again. My European colleague who was a business development director then intervened and said, “which part of Y-e-s is not clear”? and then we all laughed.
My learning is that all the efforts must first go into developing trust with a diverse and cross-cultural environment. This is non-negotiable and anyone can sense it beyond the boundaries of language.
On Compliance, it is extremely important that the message is understood in the same way it was delivered. A simple training like dawn raid may not be fully understood by a team of engineers sitting in another country who have no relation with such matters and yet you want that everyone must understand it well as you can’t be present in that premises personally. This is my personal experience when I did a compliance tour in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. I thought I could repeat the slides which I have done many times, but the fact that I was going to engage with entirely different nationalities made a huge difference. In India, for e.g. for a competition law training, I can bring the BCCI case and cricket. Not possible for countries which have no relation or craze for cricket for instance.
Your role involves leading multidimensional teams comprising lawyers, company secretaries, and engineers. How do you foster collaboration and ensure alignment towards common goals within such diverse teams?
It is a natural reflection of people that probably they are working with their different objectives and have no connection whatsoever with other team members in different profiles. Yet somehow, they must report to one manager. This mindset requires change otherwise function can’t deliver.
My endeavour is to first of all make them understand in an open meeting what every sub-function is doing and how they contribute to organizational goals. At the same time, they are informed that a decision on a particular matter requires concurrence of these functions together. Beyond the individual objective setting cycle, I don’t shy away from sharing country level larger objectives to practically tell them how they will be achieved by way of collective working.
Cross alignment is also ensured with one function taking a lead and inputs from other functions are obtained. For instance, when we are doing a new business review (bids), then legal counsel will take all the lead and work on the risk profile, however, he/she is expected to take the lessons learnt from current projects from a contract manager who happens to be an engineer. Likewise, a contract manager, while addressing a key item to a customer which can become a potential issue later, must be supported by a lawyer to set the tone, language, intent and evidential value.
Lastly, there are team motivational ideas which we work on in which all the heads of these 3 sub-functions make a cross functional team and engage with all the members. This has turned out to be a very good tool for us for having camaraderie among the team members.
With your interest in astrophysics and metaphysics, how do you integrate these seemingly disparate interests into your professional life, and do they influence your approach to legal strategy or problem-solving?
Both these topics provide a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the world around us.
I have personally become a better listener after paying attention to these topics. Inclusiveness requires you to open your mind first and destroy the ‘I’ factor. I don’t think there can be any better tool than learning about the Universe and metaphysics for this.
These topics also touch upon ethical considerations and understanding these concepts can help us make decisions that align with right values.
It also involves complex and abstract thinking which can improve the problem-solving skills.
I truly believe that this unlimited and never-ending knowledge of Universe and metaphysics can lead to personal growth and development. This can improve self-awareness and emotional intelligence which are important factors in decision making.
You’ve been recognized for your contributions to the legal field, receiving awards such as the Asia Law Business Award for Best Transportation Legal Team. Could you share some insights into the strategies or initiatives that have contributed to such recognitions?
LEGAL: With an astounding amount of around 1 lakh crores of tenders submitted during 2023, the legal teams comprising just 3 members have supported the business with more than 30 tenders during the year. The tenders span across railway stock, railway signalling, and railway services segment with multiple customers in Central and State Governments. The terms and conditions of such tenders are influenced by international funding agencies in addition to Govt of India Public Procurement guidelines, ‘Make in India’ orders and Restriction orders related to land borders; amidst all other legal nuances. The team also has been engaged in strategic partnership discussion where they play a pivotal role in supporting the business teams. While the team delivers on this key task, their focus continues to remain on adopting legal tech and automation.
CONTRACT MMANGEMENT: The average project lifecycle is 7 years for urban rail transportation projects and more than 30 years for mainline railways including long term maintenance contracts. With a team size of 20, the contract management team has been successfully executing as many as 50+ large railway contracts with various government customers for delivering the backlog. Their key deliverable during last year has been successful cost avoidance, cost claim, variation orders, cash negotiations, liquidated damages avoidance.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: With 6 industrial sites, 2 major engineering centers, 3 legal entities including 1 Joint Venture with Indian Railways, Employee trusts, multiple committees, around 14 Directors across entities and 1 Branch Office of foreign associate in India, the company not only caters to domestic project needs, but also delivers for international projects. Corporate Governance in such a scenario becomes extremely important and at the same time crucial for meeting the compliances for the company. Our CS team during last year, has completed a strategic merger, strategic dividing in joint venture, capital repatriation going beyond the routine compliances.
While we focused and achieved these strategic deliverables, I am very happy and proud to share that our teams have taken special initiatives in process automation, data analytics for risk management, legal tech solutions and developing KPI metrics for themselves.
Considering your extensive experience and achievements, what advice would you offer to law graduates aspiring to embark on a successful career in the legal field, particularly in the dynamic landscape of corporate law and compliance?
I would recommend the following to my young friends:
Education was a ticket through which you have (or will have) entered into an organization. The company hired you for your excellent education but also had expectations in mind that you are capable of picking up what they would like you to do. They know that you will take time to learn and grow. That’s what you must prove.
Be inquisitive. Start asking questions as soon as you enter an organization. This is extremely important for a lawyer and business counsel. Understanding the business model is extremely important at first than understanding the issue at hand.
Learn the cash cycle of the company / your client as to how a company earns its own money. Always remember that any decisions that you will take as a GC / Practising Advocate eventually will impact the business of the company. Moreover, even if you are preparing to work as a Compliance Manager, this will really help you.
In the initial learning years, unless absolutely necessary, don’t be in a hurry to say “no, this is not my job”. This is one of the most important things that has helped me personally. I have understood the entire business just by helping someone in his problems whether it required a legal opinion or not.
You are a good lawyer if you can derive a solution which helps your company and client. But you are on a path to become a better lawyer if someone has trust in you with his personal issues. Develop that trust!
