Ma’am, you have extensive experience in litigation, arbitration, and white-collar crime. What initially drew you to law as a career? How has your approach evolved over the years?
I was drawn to law by a deep interest in how it shapes society and protects rights. From the start, I saw it as more than just statutes, it’s about people, justice, and creating real impact. Over the years, my approach has evolved from simply arguing cases to offering holistic solutions. Handling complex disputes in arbitration, construction, corporate matters, and white-collar crimes has taught me to blend legal strategy with commercial insight and human understanding. Today, I focus on resolving conflicts in a way that is not only legally sound but also practical and aligned with my clients’ broader goals.
Having completed your law degree, what motivated you to focus on arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, and how did your education shape your career trajectory?
My interest in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution grew during law school, but it truly took shape during an internship with BHEL, where I was first introduced to the practical side of arbitration. Seeing how complex commercial disputes could be resolved more efficiently and collaboratively outside traditional courts left a deep impression on me. This experience, combined with my Advanced Diploma in ADR from NALSAR, strengthened my resolve to pursue this field. It taught me to view disputes not merely as battles to be fought but as challenges to be resolved strategically, with solutions that balance legal precision and business realities. That foundation has shaped my career path, enabling me to build a strong practice in construction arbitration, commercial disputes, and complex contractual matters, where I focus on delivering outcomes that are both effective and commercially viable.
You founded your own practice, handling complex and high-stakes matters. Which early experiences laid the foundation for establishing your independent practice, and what challenges did you face in building it?
My early work in litigation and arbitration, particularly before High Courts, tribunals, and arbitral forums, laid a strong foundation for building my independent practice. A pivotal part of this journey was my longest professional association with H&A Associates, where I had the privilege of working under the guidance of Mr. S.W. Haider, one of the finest mentors one could have. His mentorship and insight shaped my understanding of complex legal strategy and advocacy at a very early stage. During this period, I gained vast experience handling high-stakes disputes, including those involving major government authorities such as Indian Railways, NHAI and CPWD. This experience gave me the confidence and capability to establish Law Chambers of Pooja Dua. Although building an independent practice came with challenges from creating a strong client base to managing multifaceted matters each milestone strengthened the firm’s foundation. Today, it stands as a multi-specialty practice known for handling intricate disputes with legal precision, strategic foresight, and client-centric advocacy.
Your practice spans both domestic and international arbitration, particularly in infrastructure, construction, and industrial projects. How do you navigate the strategic and procedural differences between domestic and international arbitration?
Domestic and international arbitrations may share the same foundation, but they demand very different approaches. In domestic matters, especially in infrastructure and construction disputes, the focus is on procedural efficiency and aligning with Indian laws and judicial precedents. International arbitration, on the other hand, brings in added layers different institutional rules, cross-border legal issues, cultural nuances, and enforcement across jurisdictions. My experience in both has taught me to adapt quickly and plan strategy from the outset, ensuring the process is not only legally sound but also practical and commercially effective for my clients.
Having handled a variety of cases, could you share a particularly challenging dispute or arbitration, and how you approached dealing with such a high stake matter?
One of the most challenging matters I handled was a multi-crore construction arbitration against a government authority, involving complex technical issues, strict contractual timelines, and significant financial exposure for my client. The stakes were extremely high both commercially and reputationally. My approach was to go beyond pure legal strategy: I collaborated closely with engineers and technical experts, dissected every contractual clause, and built a case theory that combined legal strength with technical clarity. Anticipating and countering the other side’s arguments well in advance proved crucial. Ultimately, our meticulous preparation and strategic advocacy led to a favourable award, reaffirming my belief that success in high-stakes disputes lies in deep preparation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
In an era of rapidly evolving commercial, technological, and regulatory landscapes, how do you stay ahead in advising clients on emerging legal challenges, and what trends do you foresee in dispute resolution and commercial law?
In today’s fast-changing commercial and regulatory environment, staying ahead means thinking beyond the present. I focus on continuous learning tracking legal developments, technological shifts, and global best practices and aligning that knowledge with my clients’ evolving business needs. The future of dispute resolution will be shaped by specialisation, digitisation, and stronger institutional frameworks. We’re moving toward faster, tech-enabled processes, AI-assisted case management, and a more collaborative approach to resolving cross-border disputes. I believe the next decade will redefine how law interacts with business and my goal is to help clients not just adapt to these changes but use them as an advantage, turning legal foresight into strategic strength.
For young lawyers aspiring to specialize in arbitration and corporate disputes, what key skills or experiences would you recommend prioritizing early in their careers?
For young lawyers aspiring to build a career in arbitration and corporate disputes, my biggest advice is to focus on the fundamentals, strong research, precise drafting, and clear communication but never lose sight of the bigger picture. This field is about more than just legal knowledge; it’s about strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and the courage to take ownership of complex problems. Seek out every opportunity to observe proceedings, assist in drafting, and work closely with mentors. Those experiences will shape you far more than textbooks. My own journey was deeply influenced by the mentors I learned from, and that guidance was invaluable. Most importantly, stay curious and resilient. Arbitration is a constantly evolving space, and those who keep learning and adapting will find themselves not just practising law, but shaping it.
Beyond your professional work, you are engaged in advisory roles with foundations, universities, and industry clients. How do you view the role of pro bono work and community engagement in a high-pressure legal career?
For me, law has always been more than a profession; it’s a way to create meaningful change. My involvement with NGO’s and various universities allows me to use my legal skills beyond the courtroom, whether it’s empowering women, raising awareness about rights, or mentoring young lawyers. I also remain closely connected to Amity Law School, Noida, my alma mater, by engaging with students and contributing to alumni initiatives, something that allows me to give back to the institution that laid the foundation for my career.
Alongside this, I work closely with real estate developers, industry leaders, and major brands on long-term retainers, advising them on projects that shape urban landscapes and impact lives at scale. Balancing high-stakes commercial mandates with community-focused initiatives keeps me grounded and reminds me why I chose this profession, to serve, to protect, and to make a difference. These diverse experiences not only add purpose and perspective to my work but also make me a more strategic and empathetic lawyer.
Looking back at your career so far, what key lessons or principles have guided your practice in complex litigation, arbitration, and white-collar crime, and how would you advise the next generation of lawyers to approach similar challenges?
Looking back, one of the most important lessons my career has taught me is that there are no shortcuts in law, success is built on unwavering commitment, deep preparation, and continuous learning. Whether dealing with complex litigation, high-stakes arbitration, or white-collar crime matters, I have always approached every case with integrity, precision, and perseverance. Equally crucial is the ability to look beyond statutes — to understand the human, commercial, and strategic dimensions that shape every dispute.
My journey, from working under the exceptional mentorship of Mr. S.W. Haider at H&A Associates collaborating with legal firms like Panda Law, and ultimately establishing Law Chambers of Pooja Dua, has reinforced the value of resilience, curiosity, and purpose at every stage. Each experience has contributed to the lawyer I am today and strengthened my belief in the transformative power of the law.
To the next generation of lawyers, my advice is simple: master the fundamentals, seek out mentors who challenge and guide you, stay curious, and always remember that the law’s ultimate purpose is to serve and deliver justice. Embrace challenges as opportunities, not obstacles, and let hard work and integrity be the cornerstones of your practice. If you do that, you won’t just succeed, you’ll help shape the future of the legal profession.
Your academic credentials span law, commerce, business, and company secretaryship, culminating in a Ph.D. in Law. How has this multidisciplinary education shaped your approach to legal practice, especially at the intersection of law, business, and corporate governance?
From the very first day of my law school, I carried a clear ambition to become a world-class corporate lawyer being inspired by Jim Carrey’s story, who wrote himself a $10 million check for “acting services rendered” and carried it as a reminder of his vision and by the mid-1990s fulfilled that vision through belief and intense hard-work. Motivated by this, I wrote my own paper slip in 2010 to myself; “Dr. Milap Chopra (Gold Medallist), B.Com., LL.B. (Hons), CS, MBA, LL.M., Ph.D.” and carried it in my wallet as a visualization and constant reminder of my ambition to become a world-class corporate lawyer. With that goal in mind, I carefully structured my academic and professional journey. Alongside my law degree, I pursued the Company Secretaryship (CS) course, completing both simultaneously to strengthen my understanding of corporate law and governance. I interned at India’s leading-top law firms including Amarchand, JSA, AZB, Anand & Anand, among others, gaining exposure to top-tier corporate practice across the metro cities. Throughout the academic journey of law school, I consistently maintained meritorious performance, ultimately graduating as the Gold Medallist and batch topper of Institute of Law, Nirma University.
Yet destiny had a different plan. During the last semester of law school, my father, himself a practicing lawyer at the Bikaner Sessions Court, was elected as the First Citizen of Bikaner i.e., the Mayor of the city. He encouraged me not to take up a corporate job or join a law firm, but to pursue litigation. Respecting his guidance, I set aside the offers of a job I had received and began practice at the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur, as an associate in the chambers of Shri Mahendra Singh Singhvi, Senior Advocate. That experience was not just training or learning; it was an immersion into the craft of litigation, teaching me the temperament, discipline, and holistic approach required for meaningful legal practice. I am deeply thankful to God for that turn of events, because it helped me realise that true legal practice requires temperament and an inbuilt nature — qualities essential for anyone who wishes to pursue litigation meaningfully. Law is not just a profession; it is a noble calling. It remains unique in its ability to serve the public interest at large, where one’s work can directly benefit society through precedents, judgments, and observations/outcomes.
After starting practice at the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur, I enrolled for Masters in Law at the prestigious Government Law College, Bikaner. This required remarkable dedication as in the first year, I travelled overnight every Tuesday from Jodhpur to Bikaner to give my six exams of the first year on every Wednesday; however, destiny had other pivotal moments as well, a life-threatening road-accident during that period became a blessing in disguise which forced me to pause and reflect, doctors advised me to pursue a desk job, and for a short while, my unfulfilled corporate dream seemed to materialize and I got the opportunity to work with the PwC at Gurugram, one of the world’s Big Four Consultancy firms wherein I soon realised I was not made for the corporate world. My temperament fit litigation, not a corporate desk. During my PwC days, I also pursued an MBA, completing it under tough circumstances, often writing three back-to-back exams of three hours each on weekends, as leave was nearly impossible in corporate life. That job experience further strengthened my resolve to practice at Jodhpur and added yet another dimension to my academic journey.
Through it all, one firm belief and that paper slip has always guided me that extra qualifications add extra dimensions to one’s legal career. That conviction drove me to explore law, commerce, business, and company secretaryship, before finally pursuing a Ph.D. in Law. Today, this multidisciplinary foundation allows me to approach issues at the intersection of law, business, and corporate governance with a rare balance- offering solutions that are legally sound, commercially viable, & ethically responsible. And, finally, in July 2024, after 15 long years of academic and career journey, I added the “Dr.” prefix to my name, completing the journey I had envisioned on that first day of law school on a slip of paper. Through belief, conviction, hard work, and the courage to dream, every challenge i.e., exams, travel, job, courtroom battles, became part of the story. That slip was never just a piece of paper; it was a promise to myself, a compass that guided me to become the well-qualified lawyer I aspired to be, and a reminder that dreams nurtured with patience and perseverance truly come alive and I hope that anyone who reads this feels inspired to keep their own slips of hope alive.
Pursuing CS and Law simultaneously is both ambitious and demanding. What advice would you offer to students who are considering this path? Are there any specific strategies or resources that helped you manage both effectively and could benefit others looking to do the same?
Pursuing Company Secretaryship alongside a law degree is ambitious and demanding, but immensely rewarding if approached with purpose and discipline. From the very start of my law school, I aligned every step i.e., internships, academics, and extra qualifications with my goal of becoming a world-class corporate lawyer.
My advice would be to treat both the programs as complementary, not competing. Law builds your legal reasoning and litigation skills; CS gives deep insight into corporate governance, compliance, and business operations. Today, modern litigation often involves complex corporate matters, and understanding both legal and corporate dimensions allows a lawyer to craft strategic, holistic solutions.
Ultimately, my journey shows that combining CS and law not only prepares you for corporate practice but also enriches litigation skills. A modern litigating lawyer increasingly needs to understand business structures, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements to provide nuanced advice, anticipate challenges, and craft effective legal strategies. For students willing to embrace the challenge, the payoff is a multidisciplinary foundation that sets them apart and equips them to thrive in both courtroom and corporate boardroom settings.
In your role as Deputy Government Counsel for Rajasthan, you’ve managed cases across diverse departments like Transport, Tourism, and Water Resources. Could you share a particularly challenging case or policy issue you handled, and how you approached its legal complexities?
As Deputy Government Counsel for Rajasthan, one of the most challenging aspects has been handling cases that cut across diverse departments, from Transport and Tourism to Water Resources, Higher and Medical Education. Each case brings its own legal complexity, but the real challenge often lies in creating a channel of cooperation among multiple officers in charge of different departments and ensuring that a timely, coherent reply is filed before the Hon’ble Court. Unlike private practice, here you appear from the respondent’s side, where the responsibility is not only to defend but also to uphold the policies and decisions of the State.
In matters like appointments, recruitments, examinations, policy changes, or large bunch-transfer cases, the pressure can be immense because of the far-reaching implications for both the government and the public at large. That is why I believe success depends on three things: having a good team of associates, valuing the effectiveness of court clerks or munshi’s, and maintaining proper updation of files and continuous monitoring of case status. These seemingly small practices are actually the backbone of timely and effective representation before the Court.
My multidisciplinary background in law, commerce, business, & corporate governance has helped me approach these issues with a structured, solution-oriented mindset. Rather than being daunted by the complexity, I focus on building cooperation, managing deadlines under pressure, and ensuring that the State’s position is presented in a legally sound, precise, and persuasive manner. In many ways, these challenges mirror the lessons I’ve carried since law school that discipline, teamwork, and a holistic outlook are key to navigating the most demanding cases.
What inspired you to establish Law Compass LLP? What were some of the early challenges you faced in building the firm, and what long-term vision do you hold for its role in the Indian legal ecosystem?
The inspiration to establish Law Compass LLP came from my belief that the legal profession is not only about advocacy but about navigating people toward the best possible solutions. That’s why our firm carries the tagline: “Navigating you to the best possible legal solution.” As a co-founder, along with my Jaipur-based partner, Pranjal Singh, and our Delhi-based partner Siddharth Acharya, Advocate-on-Record, we envisioned a practice that offers clients both litigation and non-litigation expertise under one roof. Our diverse backgrounds allowed us to position Law Compass LLP as a one-stop solution for multifaceted client needs.
The early challenges were the ones most young firms face i.e., building trust, managing resources, and delivering consistent results while ensuring timely compliance. But my multidisciplinary journey, coupled with our team’s strength in corporate law, governance, and litigation, gave us the foundation to bridge gaps effectively. We worked consciously on building a system that valued teamwork, proper updation of files, responsiveness, and a client-first approach, even under the extreme pressures that litigation often brings.
What sets us apart is our functioning model. We focus not just on winning cases but on ensuring effective, time-bound relief, transparent communication, and value-driven fee structures. Like the big law firms in India, we are building a culture of professionalism, research-oriented strategy, and holistic solutions, but our boutique size allows us to remain nimble, personalized, and accessible. In this way, we hope to complement the Indian legal system by reducing delays, improving efficiency, and delivering justice in a way that clients find both approachable and dependable.
Our long-term vision is to make a meaningful difference in the Indian legal ecosystem by providing solutions that are legally sound, commercially practical, and socially responsible. We aspire for Law Compass LLP to grow into a boutique firm that is known not only for legal excellence but also for its role in strengthening trust in the system itself — making the law work better for those it is meant to serve.
You’ve represented a wide range of clients from banks and PSUs to co-operative societies and educational institutions. When handling government-related matters, what unique challenges arise, and how do you tailor your strategy to ensure effective and compliant representation?
When it comes to government-related matters, the challenges are very different from private representation. The most unique difficulty lies in the volume of cases and the strict timelines within which replies and arguments must be prepared. The pendency of cases directly impacts the smooth functioning of governance, so the responsibility of a government counsel is not only professional but also systemic.
To handle this, I firmly believe in the strength of a structured ecosystem which includes an effective court clerk/munshi, a reliable team of associates, regular updation of files, complete coordination with the OIC’s and constant monitoring of case status. Every stage i.e., from gathering factual reports, to preparing replies, to filing in the registry, to finally arguing with a well-prepared note ensuring that no matter goes unheard before the Hon’ble Court. For this, the cause list has to be noted with precision every single day, and it is the duty of a government counsel to make sure that not a single case is missed being represented. Even one lapse can have serious consequences for governance and public interest. Without that structure, government litigation can easily get derailed under its own weight.
Fortunately, under the able leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma ji, the State of Rajasthan has made government-side litigation comparatively smoother and more systematic. We regularly hold meetings with the Officers-in-Charge (OICs) to review pendencies, address bottlenecks, and ensure that the State’s representation before the Hon’ble Rajasthan High Court is effective and timely. This cooperation between counsel and departments allows us to tailor our strategy in a way that is both compliant and efficient, ensuring that justice is not delayed for the people we ultimately serve.
With such a strong academic foundation, do you believe that continuous scholarly engagement should be a part of every legal professional’s journey? How has your own academic work enriched your practice?
Absolutely. On the very first day of my law school orientation, Senior Advocate Shri P.M. Thakkar told us that “a lawyer is always a student” that one must remain in constant learning mode, curious to know the “why” and committed to finding solutions through knowledge. That message struck me deeply. Inspired also by Jim Carrey’s story, I wrote on that slip of paper (which I have carried since my first semester) that I would remain a learner till the last day of my life.
That conviction has shaped my journey. Even after completing my Ph.D. in Law, I regularly enroll in online courses, workshops, and other academic engagements. Today, my scholarly pursuits have come full circle, I now travel across institutions to deliver lectures, judge moot court competitions, and being a government counsel participate in government meetings and each of these experiences further refines my practice.
For me, scholarship and practice are not separate but complementary. Continuous learning sharpens my arguments, broadens my perspective, and keeps me adaptable in a fast-changing legal landscape. In essence, my academic work has not only enriched my practice but also kept me aligned with the belief that law is a living discipline and to practice it meaningfully, one must always be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn.
Balancing a high-pressure legal practice with deep engagement in social leadership roles such as Founding Trustee of BEST Foundation Trust, Vice Chairman of JITO Youth Wing etc. is no small feat. How do you manage this balance, and what continues to motivate your commitment to social transformation alongside your legal career?
Balancing law with social leadership has never felt like a burden; it has always been a calling. Two incidents, in particular, have shaped this approach for me.
The first comes from my political legacy. My father, a deeply honest politician, always taught us that if society has given us everything, we must find ways to give back. That value has been a guiding principle in my life. With this conviction, I founded the BEST Foundation Trust “Better Education for Social Transformation”. Through this initiative, we work to make education accessible and meaningful by paying the school fees of underprivileged students, providing scholarships to meritorious ones, and creating opportunities for educational growth etc.
The second defining moment was far more personal. During a life-threatening road accident, I was in a coma for 67 hours, and I lost a dear friend in that tragedy. That experience shook me and instilled a deep realization that we only have one life and the only way to honor it is by living with purpose & making a positive difference in society.
So, even while managing the pressures of a legal practice, I consciously dedicate time and energy to social causes, supported by an effective team. What keeps me motivated is the belief that law and leadership must go hand in hand, one upholds justice in the courtroom, the other nurtures transformation in the community.
You’ve been actively involved in initiatives focused on youth empowerment and educational access. What advice would you offer to aspiring legal professionals who wish to follow a path like yours? What mindset and resources do you believe are essential for building a meaningful legal career today?
My advice to aspiring legal professionals is simple yet profound; always stay curious, always stay disciplined, and never forget to ask yourself the basic question: “Why Me?”
Whether you are arguing before My Lords, preparing for a job interview, or even praying to God to fulfill your dreams, just pause and ask, why should this relief, this opportunity, or this blessing come to me? If you can honestly satisfy yourself with an answer, if you have worked hard enough to justify it, then trust me — it will be you.
In my own journey, this mindset has been a compass. From managing rigorous studies in law, CS, MBA, LL.M. and Ph.D., to working with top firms, to practicing in court, to representing the State of Rajasthan as Government Counsel and even balancing social leadership, the “Why Me?” principle has kept me grounded and accountable. It pushes you to prepare better, to think deeper, and to act with integrity.
So, to young professionals — build your career not just on ambition, but on clarity of purpose, a commitment to continuous learning, and the courage to answer that “Why Me?” every single day. That’s what transforms a legal career into a meaningful journey.
Finally, what guiding motto or philosophy has carried you through your legal journey? And looking back, what inspired you to pursue a career in law in the first place?
My guiding philosophy has always been that law is not merely a profession, but a noble calling; a lifelong duty to the Constitution and to society at large. A lawyer is entrusted with the privilege of defending rights, upholding justice, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails over fear, power, or influence.
The inspiration to pursue this path came at a defining moment in my eleventh standard, when I had to choose my stream of study. At that time, the choices were clear — science for engineers, biology for doctors, commerce for accountants. Unsure of where I belonged, I asked my father what I should pursue. His answer changed the course of my life. Looking at my extrovert nature, my speaking skills, my temperament, and the qualities he believed reflected a good lawyer, he said to me:
“You should become an Advocate and prepare for CLAT which has only recently been introduced. And then he said something that stayed with me forever: A lawyer is not just a professional, he is the guardian of rights and the defender of the Constitution. Law is supreme; it bows before no one, and neither can a true lawyer ever be bowed or broken. To be a lawyer is to fight for justice, to stand for truth, and to give strength to those who cannot fight for themselves. If you truly wish to live a life of meaning and difference, become a good lawyer because a good lawyer can never be silenced, never be tamed.”
Those words struck me to the core. They gave me a vision of law as a higher calling, a life of service through justice. And from that day onwards, I knew this was the journey I was meant for. As a strong believer in karma, destiny, and God, I have also realized that one must remain calm, patient, and consistent. If your deeds are sincere and your conviction unwavering, everything else eventually falls into place. Life has its own rhythm, and faith in that process gives you the strength to persevere even through the toughest trials.
Looking back now, every academic pursuit, every courtroom battle, every social initiative I have undertaken has been guided by that conviction. For me, the practice of law is not just about winning cases — it is about carrying forward a legacy of courage, compassion, and constitutional duty. That is the motto that continues to carry me forward.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in public service, what inspired you to chart a different path as a first-generation advocate, and how has your family’s background in public service influenced your perspective as a lawyer?
Since childhood I had seen my parents being posted at different places in the State of U.P. I soon also realized how demanding their work was. There were times when both parents found it difficult to even make it for school events like parent teacher meetings or the Annual Founder’s Day Programme. As I grew older and came close to choosing a career, I was certain that I did not want to join the administrative services as I found them to be very demanding, unpredictable and not free from external pressures.
I chose to study the law because I knew with it, I would be empowered, independent and in a position to make a meaningful difference. Initially like most joining an NLU I too had dreams of working in a law firm but that was extremely short lived and after having interned in Courts and seen advocates make submissions, I found litigation quite attractive. I still remember as a young intern having seen Late Mr. Fali Nariman argue a matter before the Supreme Court for an entire day- though I understood little of it then but it left a lasting impact on me which only got further cemented during the course of my subsequent litigation internships.
My family’s background in public service has significantly influenced my perspective of the law. Having heard accounts from my father of his experiences from the times when he was a City Magistrate in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) till he retired as a Special Secretary, and incidents from the time of my grandfather, who was the first Director General of Police U.P., I expected and continue to expect officers to have high standards in administration and in the discharge of their functions. Often these expectations have not been and are not met. I firmly believe in the separation of powers and the fact that the executive is primarily there to ensure the welfare of the people as per the law of the land and it should never exceed its jurisdiction or arrogate to itself powers which the law otherwise does not confer on it.
In the early phases of your career, what were the defining instances that shaped your understanding of the law, and which experiences do you still hold close to your heart today?
Law as we learn it in the classrooms is very different from how it is applied in Courts. Also, litigation is not just contingent upon the understanding of the law but in my opinion, it also has got to do with understanding of the process of the law or in other words how it unfurls in the courtroom and ultimately applies to real life situations in the form of an order or a decision. The proverb ‘There’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip’applies best to litigation. Often it happens that one comes across a brief and after perusing it thinks that it is simple enough in the sense that the law applicable is clear and there could be only one way it could be decided. However, often to one’s surprise the decision might be the exact opposite. The Court may have proceeded on a consideration which was not only not anticipated by the counsel but perhaps seemed least relevant.
An interesting incident happened with me early on in my practice. We had filed an application for recalling an ex-parte order of transferring the case from one district to another in favour of the wife. After a long and heated hearing the application for recall was dismissed and to my dismay without dealing with the main argument which I thought was the sheet anchor. However, the Hon’ble Judge was kind enough to tell me later that one can never get an order by fighting with the Court, no matter how meritorious one might think his/her case is, and the secret lay in calmly but repeatedly urging the Court to accept your point of view. What I also realized later was that it was always better to get a rough idea of the Judge’s view on the subject matter before one goes for the hearing, one should be prepared to the hilt and anticipate anything and everything and one should always while putting one’s case across be in a position to provide a plausible solution to the Court.
You have been empaneled with the Allahabad High Court Legal Services Sub-Committee. What are the different challenges involved in this role, and what responsibilities does it bring with it?
My work with the Allahabad High Court Legal Services Sub-Committee has essentially revolved around filing and appearing in matters, mostly criminal appeals and bails, of convicts and under-trials who have not been able to engage a counsel independently by their own means. The fact that this work not only directly affects the life and liberty of the litigants but also requires representation of underprivileged litigants makes it extremely sensitive. I always try to ensure that this work is done on a priority basis and is given equal if not more importance than other regular matters of the chamber.
What has been the most memorable or challenging case in your litigation career, and how did it shape your approach to handling complex legal disputes?
The most memorable case that I have worked on till now was a writ petition that we had filed before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court at the behest of the informant, in an FIR, challenging the transfer of the investigation from the State Police to the CBI.
In most cases it is the informant who seeks transfer of the case from the local police to the CBI and approaches the Court for such directions. However, in this case what we wanted was the exact opposite. The informant had lodged an FIR under the prevention of Corruption Act against an extremely high-ranking and resourceful individual involved in the administration of a State University. The State police had made significant progress and was at the verge of filing a chargesheet against the accused, though they had not been able to arrest the primary accused, and all of a sudden notifications were issued by the State and Central Government transferring the investigation to the CBI.
This transfer was not at the request of the informant.
The informant then preferred a petition before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court praying for quashing of these notifications amongst other reliefs as he wanted the State police to complete the investigation which was anyway at its last leg. The petition, as drafted, addressed questions of Constitutional law ranging from Federalism to exercise of powers by the President and the Governor, the necessity for such action, its procedural and substantive limitations and internal procedures that had to be followed by the Ministries and Departments concerned.
It was a task to keep the petition getting listed and taken up on different dates because it was a race against time as the investigation had already been transferred to the CBI. This matter not only exposed me to engaging aspects of Constitutional law but also gave a glimpse of ingenious and crucial strategies advocates from both sides employ to anticipate the next move and to finally win. I became aware of several tricks of the profession which otherwise I was unbeknownst of. The petition was ultimately dismissed by the High Court and so was the SLP. Thereafter an interesting event occurred. Some months after the dismissal of the petition, the informant was arrested by a Central Government investigating agency in relation to some offence pertaining to marksheets of students of another State University. I believe the informant is still in jail and the matter in which he is now an accused is sub-judice.
I would say that in handling complex legal disputes my approach still remains mostly the same. One is required to research thoroughly, draft well, observe the benches and put one’s best foot forward. One however, in high stake matters, has to be weary and mindful, for the purposes of strategy, of what is happening around the matter especially if the matter is of a political nature or concerns important people. In such cases information and the timing of the information is extremely crucial and can make or break situations.
There is a lot of information and also misinformation and sometimes things seem to be pulling you in all directions and you really don’t know how to plan ahead. What is therefore required is to keep a level head, a fearless and extremely professional attitude towards things and perhaps the guidance of someone trustworthy who has more years than you behind him in the profession. One must always give one’s best with the resources at one’s disposal and not worry about the result.
The last and most important thing that I took away from this matter was that one should never take things personally and not have an emotional reaction to things. With this particular matter I was extremely fortunate to have the guidance and wisdom of my seniors from the bar at Lucknow and Allahabad. They guided me through what I think was a difficult terrain of dilemmas and decisions.
In your experience appearing before various courts and tribunals, what strategies or principles have you found most effective in managing high-stakes litigation?
In my opinion in high stake litigation, one has to be extremely mindful of time. Since these matters are extremely sensitive often due to the imminent threat and irreparable consequences. Even a few hours of delay can have disastrous consequences. Take the demolition of a property for example. There have been instances of petitions being heard while the local administration is already at the doorstep with bulldozers. One should be in a position to multi-task and move with lightning speed and take chances even if the odds don’t seem favourable.
I recall a matter in which a part of the house of a litigant was being demolished for the operationalization of an airport and the matter had been listed on some other future date. By the time that date would’ve come the authorities would have very easily and conveniently demolished the property. Given the immediate nature of the threat, after a short discussion with a colleague who was also a co-counsel in the matter, we decided to mention the matter before the Court and make a request for the hearing to be advanced to that very day and for it to be taken up.
We thought that the chances of success were rather slim and the Court would turn down the request but we still wanted to give it a shot. To our surprise the Court accepted the mention and summoned the file. What followed was a quick trip to the office of the Registrar and the section, written intimations to other counsels culminating in a stay order against the demolition.
Another important strategy in high stake matters, especially with voluminous paperwork, is to simplify the matter as much as one can for the convenience of the Court. Most Courts are burdened with work and often do not find time to go through hundreds of pages unless the matter is at the stage of final hearing. For the purposes of interim relief, I think it’s best to very succinctly put across the illegality in the impugned action at the start of the submission and then follow up with facts as and when they are needed. The strongest point which hits the core of illegality should be put across earliest, avoiding verbiage. Obviously, what that point is and how it has to be put across is a thing to be learnt over time. Hitting the nail on the head is crucial and arguments have to be honed and distilled for this purpose. I have had seniors tell me that if a petition has too many grounds then it essentially means that there are no grounds worth taking. I think the same applies to submissions.
I have also found that in some important matters the responding side may want to delay the interim relief on some pretext or the other. Delay often results in denial for all practical purposes. Therefore, one has to be vigilant and tie up as many loose ends as one can. Serving of advance notices wherever possible, getting matters listed early or peremptorily on the board or getting a time fixed for hearing on a given day, making mentions and in the odd event getting proactive directions from superior courts are some measures one can adopt to ensure effective prosecution of one’s case.
Having appeared before multiple forums, High Courts, Arbitral Tribunals, Consumer Forums, and Industrial Tribunals what strategies do you adopt to adapt your advocacy style depending on the forum?
Sun Tzu in the Art of War has said that “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles….”. Court hearings are obviously not like battles and the Judge is never an enemy but it never harms one to know what one is going to be faced with. Therefore, I believe it is imperative to know and understand the turf before one gets onto it. Different forums have different ways of functioning and adopt different procedures of doing the same thing. It is therefore crucial that one understands the procedures of the place where one is appearing.
The second aspect would be to understand the manner of functioning of the Judge or what people call reading the judge or reading the bench. Some Judges are more inclined towards equity while some prefer the dead cold letter of the law and apply it as it is. Some prefer long drawn arguments while some prefer that one straightaway comes to the main point. One therefore has to mould the manner of argument as per the nature of the Judge. Understanding the nature of the Judge helps you structure not only the arguments but also the manner in which you would want your case to proceed and avoid possible pitfalls.
With over a decade of diverse practice and multiple empanelments, what professional values have guided you throughout your journey, and what advice would you give young aspirants on building a career like yours while balancing professional commitments with personal life?
I have always endeavoured to maintain my integrity and be honest with the Court. I have always advised litigants to adopt ethical means in the process of adjudication before the Courts and I don’t hesitate from saying that that has cost me work. I believe that at the end of the day it is a person’s integrity and reputation that matters most and as long as his/her conscience is clear nothing else really matters. Apart from joining a good chamber my advice to young aspirants would be to maintain a strong work ethic and to always keep their eyes and ears open as one learns most through observation. One must always keep the company of colleagues and seniors who are similarly aligned in their objectives and hold similar if not the same value system and imbibe not only knowledge and wisdom but also desired professional values. A good part of the initial years should be spent in learning and thereafter the focus should be on procurement of work. Since the journey of a litigating lawyer is long and arduous one should, as a matter of habit, definitely take out time for family, friends and oneself as work never ends.
Looking back, what motivated you to pursue law as a career? Did you have a particular vision for yourself when you first started, and were there any formative incidents or mentors who significantly shaped your path?
Law discovered me rather than the reverse. During my formative years, I found myself deeply absorbed in poetry and literature—disciplines that demand precision in interpretation, sensitivity to nuance, and the ability to wield language as both artistic expression and analytical instrument. Law emerged as the natural culmination of these inclinations, a field where critical reasoning and linguistic precision determine outcomes of profound consequence.
As a first-generation lawyer, I navigated without inherited wisdom. My education came through careful observation and, ultimately, through the extraordinary fortune of mentorship. During law school, I joined the chambers of the late T.R. Andhyarujina as an intern, spending afternoons and evenings there while attending classes. After graduation, I transitioned to full-time practice under his guidance. His influence proved transformational.
Mr. Andhyarujina embodied a particular philosophy: that sustainable excellence emerges not from momentary brilliance but from disciplined preparation. His observation—”What a brilliant mind accomplishes in twenty minutes, a methodical mind achieves in thirty, provided it commits to the work”—became foundational to my approach.
I began without grand design, yet my early immersion in constitutional law revealed something compelling: a practice that could simultaneously satisfy intellectual rigor and serve consequential social purpose. That understanding continues to inform my work today.
Your LL.M. at Central European University offered a deeply comparative and international perspective on constitutional law. How did this global exposure influence your understanding of Indian jurisprudence?
My constitutional law foundation was established during my Supreme Court years, working on landmark cases that revealed the sophistication of Indian jurisprudence—particularly our Basic Structure Doctrine, which represents one of India’s most profound contributions to global constitutional thought. When I decided to pursue advanced study, I received offers from several prestigious institutions but chose Central European University, which offered me a scholarship and possessed an unparalleled focus on comparative constitutional analysis.
The academic experience was transformative. My thesis examined how the Basic Structure Doctrine operates across India, Colombia, and Benin—three democracies grappling with similar challenges of constitutional preservation against majoritarian excess. What emerged was striking: Indian constitutional jurisprudence commands extraordinary international respect. Our Supreme Court’s reasoning isn’t merely cited abroad—it actively shapes constitutional interpretation in courts from Bogotá to Johannesburg.
This revelation fundamentally altered my understanding of constitutional practice. Indian constitutional law isn’t an isolated national phenomenon but part of a global conversation about democracy, rights, and institutional design. The comparative methodology I learned—analyzing how similar constitutional challenges are resolved across different legal traditions—has become central to how I approach constitutional interpretation. It revealed that while constitutional texts may be national, constitutional principles increasingly transcend borders.
Working under T.R. Andhyarujina exposed you to landmark constitutional cases. How did that experience shape your litigation philosophy, particularly in handling complex constitutional matters?
Mr. Andhyarujina approached constitutional interpretation with scientific rigor. He demonstrated that constitutional adjudication represents not rhetorical exercise but systematic methodology—testing state action against established principles while defining the proper relationship between governmental authority and individual liberty.
The cases themselves were instructive. Yakub Memon v. State of Maharashtra engaged fundamental questions of due process in death penalty jurisprudence, particularly the safeguards surrounding curative and mercy petitions at the final stage. Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India tested the constitutional validity of criminal defamation, requiring the Court to balance free expression with the reputational rights protected under Article 21, and ultimately upholding criminal defamation as a reasonable restriction. State of Karnataka v. Selvi J. Jayalalitha reaffirmed that even a sitting Chief Minister enjoys no immunity from prosecution, emphasizing constitutional accountability. RBI v. Jayantilal N. Mistryadvanced transparency under the RTI Act, holding that the RBI, as a public regulator, cannot shield information behind claims of fiduciary duty. Union of India v. V. Sriharan clarified the distribution of remission powers, underscoring Union primacy in matters implicating terrorism or CBI investigation. Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker addressed the Governor’s discretionary powers in state politics, reaffirming that—save in narrow constitutional exceptions—Governors cannot act independently of ministerial advice, thereby strengthening federalism and the principle of separation of powers.
Each matter reinforced constitutional law’s practical consequences. Whether protecting individual liberty, defending democratic discourse, ensuring governmental accountability, or preserving federal balance, our arguments carried implications extending far beyond immediate parties. That methodology—meticulous preparation, analytical precision, unwavering constitutional fidelity—continues to guide my approach to complex constitutional matters today.
After completing your master’s degree, you returned to India and chose to start practice independently. What motivated you to take that path, and what were the major challenges you faced in building your practice?
I had always aspired to establish my own independent practice. In my view, every lawyer, sooner or later, has to build their own chamber to truly establish themselves in the profession. Having already gained valuable experience at the Supreme Court and various High Courts, I felt it was the right time to take on greater responsibility. When you practice independently, you are directly accountable to your client—successes and failures alike rest on your shoulders. Unlike in a traditional chamber, where you are guided step by step in filing, drafting, or tracking matters, going independent compels you to learn these processes innately while carrying the full weight of client expectations.
I went on to establish offices at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, primarily at the Gwalior and Indore Benches, while continuing my work in Delhi. Over the years, I have also been entrusted with significant responsibilities. I was appointed as Additional Advocate for the State of Maharashtra in the Krishna River water dispute following the formation of Telangana. I have been empanelled as Counsel for the State of Madhya Pradesh, and I also regularly represent institutions and industry bodies, including the Indian Association of Hallmarking Centres and other organisations connected with hallmarking regulation. Each of these experiences has enriched my practice and strengthened my resolve to continue balancing litigation with advisory work across diverse forums.
After building a successful independent practice, what led you to join Clavius Legal? How do you envision the firm’s role in India’s evolving legal landscape?
After years building independent practice—including state government representations and my appointment as Additional Advocate for Maharashtra in the Krishna River dispute—I reached a threshold where the matters I was handling demanded institutional sophistication commensurate with their complexity and global dimensions.
Clavius Legal represented something distinctive in the Indian legal market: a boutique firm with genuinely international standards and integrated practice architecture. Aside from a very busy arbitration and white-collar crime practice that is marked by both scale and the magnitude of mandates we handle, we are building a public law, regulatory, and policy practice that increasingly intersects with our dispute resolution work. As India becomes increasingly central to the global economy, legal challenges no longer respect traditional practice boundaries. Modern disputes involving sovereign asset recovery actions, multinational enforcement investigations, or cross-border regulatory matters require teams capable of seamlessly integrating constitutional law, dispute resolution, regulatory expertise, and international legal cooperation.
The firm’s vision aligns perfectly with contemporary realities. Today’s complex transnational matters—whether involving sovereign states, multinational corporations, or international arbitration—demand scale and sophistication that isolated practitioners simply cannot provide. Working as part of global teams on complex transnational cases has become the norm rather than exception. Our integrated model reflects this understanding: constitutional principles inform commercial disputes; regulatory compliance intersects with international law; dispute resolution increasingly involves multiple jurisdictions and enforcement mechanisms.
As Practice Co-Chair for both Dispute Resolution and Public Law, Regulatory & Policy, my role involves ensuring that these different practice areas work seamlessly together. When we’re handling a cross-border investigation, for instance, it might simultaneously involve regulatory compliance issues, dispute resolution, and constitutional questions about procedural fairness.
Alongside litigation, you have maintained an active presence in writing, teaching, and research. How do these engagements complement your courtroom practice?
In my early years, I often read columns by eminent lawyers who could distill complex legal issues into short, sharp pieces. When I first attempted to write during my college days, I realized how difficult it actually was. Over time, and after several failed attempts, I began publishing articles in newspapers. That discipline of concise writing has greatly helped me in practice, especially in drafting synopses for the High Court and Supreme Court, where the ability to present arguments briefly and persuasively is crucial.
I have always believed that writing, research, and teaching are integral to legal practice. They keep one updated on developments in the law while also strengthening analytical clarity. Even today, I remain engaged in such work—most recently with the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Centre, where we are working on a series of publications to mark 75 years of the Indian Constitution. Academic engagement and international conferences also provide opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from colleagues worldwide, which in turn enriches my courtroom advocacy.
Teaching forces intellectual discipline—you cannot explain constitutional principles clearly unless you have mastered them yourself. Writing requires precision of expression. Both skills prove indispensable in advocacy, where clarity is paramount and time is often scarce.
How does your international engagement, particularly through the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, enhance your practice?
My role as Co-Chair of the Young Commonwealth Lawyers Organisation provided invaluable exposure to legal challenges across fifty-four jurisdictions while building networks essential for contemporary practice. The position involved creating platforms for professional dialogue, organizing training programs, and facilitating knowledge exchange.
The collaboration opportunities proved particularly meaningful. Meeting the President of the Gambian Bar at our Goa conference led to involvement in constitutional amendment projects and subsequently to representing the Bar against Maiden Pharmaceuticals after contaminated cough syrup exports tragically caused over seventy children’s deaths in Gambia. These experiences underscore how international engagement enriches domestic practice while building capabilities essential for cross-border matters.
This global perspective has become indispensable in modern practice. Matters routinely involve multiple legal systems—whether handling sovereign asset recovery actions, managing international arbitrations, or coordinating transnational enforcement proceedings. Working as part of global legal teams requires a deep understanding of how constitutional principles, due process requirements, and legal procedures translate across jurisdictions.
Your practice spans constitutional law, criminal law, arbitration, and regulatory disputes. How does your constitutional grounding influence your approach across these varied areas?
For me, the Constitution is not confined to writ petitions—it is the foundation that underpins every area of law. Whether I am arguing a criminal matter, an arbitration, or a regulatory dispute, I see the Constitution as the lens through which questions of fairness, due process, and accountability are assessed.
In criminal cases, constitutional protections—like liberty, dignity, and safeguards against abuse of process—guide how I build defenses. Due process requirements are particularly crucial when representing individuals in white-collar investigations or enforcement proceedings, where constitutional safeguards must be rigorously protected against arbitrary state action. In arbitration and regulatory disputes, constitutional values inform arguments about equality, reasonableness, or the limits of executive power when regulatory aspects are involved.
Even highly technical cases, such as hallmarking compliance or river water disputes, ultimately return to constitutional principles: how authority is exercised, whether discretion is checked, and whether justice is delivered consistently with rule of law.
This constitutional grounding provides a unifying framework across diverse practice areas. Modern legal challenges increasingly span multiple disciplines—a regulatory investigation might involve constitutional law, enforcement proceedings, and policy advocacy simultaneously.
What has been among your most challenging cases, and what lessons did they offer about modern legal practice?
Every case brings its own challenges, but two stand out for me personally. The December 2021 nationwide protests by hallmarking centers presented extraordinary challenges. When the Bureau of Indian Standards suddenly imposed stringent compliance requirements—demanding costly upgrades while vesting broad discretionary authority in regulators—the entire industry faced potential shutdown. Courts typically hesitate to intervene in technical regulatory matters, yet representing an entire industry carries immense responsibility. Securing comprehensive protection from the Delhi High Court provided crucial relief during a critical period.
Another case involved defending an individual falsely implicated in criminal proceedings. Drawing on Paramveer Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh—which mandates preserving police station CCTV footage to prevent custodial abuse—I convinced the Madhya Pradesh High Court to direct production of crucial evidence. The case illustrated how constitutional protections, when effectively invoked, can provide genuine relief against injustice while reinforcing due process fundamentals.
Both matters demonstrated essential lessons about contemporary practice. Effective advocacy increasingly requires understanding technical regulatory frameworks alongside constitutional protections. Moreover, the scale and complexity of modern legal challenges make collaboration across practice areas not merely beneficial but necessary.
What advice would you offer young lawyers aspiring to excellence in litigation and public law?
Legal advice cannot be universal—every practitioner navigates unique circumstances and opportunities. However, certain principles prove consistently valuable. Young lawyers must cultivate genuine confidence grounded in rigorous preparation. Establish clear professional vision and develop systematic approaches for achieving defined objectives.
Preparation remains paramount in litigation. Master both factual details and legal doctrine comprehensively. I learned through experience never to study only provisions directly relevant to immediate arguments—judges frequently pose questions whose answers lie in statutory sections you might otherwise overlook. Complete command of governing law and factual circumstances enables confident responses to both complex inquiries and seemingly simple questions.
Cultivate disciplined reading habits, careful observation skills, and systematic preparation methodologies. Seek meaningful mentorship—finding seniors willing to teach makes a profound difference, though such opportunities often involve timing and persistence.
Most importantly for contemporary practice, embrace collaborative approaches. Modern legal work transcends traditional boundaries. Constitutional challenges require understanding of regulatory frameworks; white-collar defense involves international enforcement cooperation; policy advocacy often connects to enforcement proceedings. Working as part of global teams on complex transnational cases demands ability to collaborate seamlessly across practice areas while maintaining doctrinal precision and constitutional grounding.
Above all, remain perpetually curious about legal developments and committed to continuous learning.
How do you maintain perspective and balance in such a demanding profession?
Constitutional law provides inherent perspective. Regular engagement with fundamental questions of governance, liberty, and justice situates individual cases—regardless of complexity—within larger frameworks of professional purpose and social consequence.
I sustain balance through continued teaching, writing, and mentoring activities. These pursuits remind me that legal practice ultimately serves purposes transcending individual professional achievement—service to clients, to institutional integrity, and to constitutional democracy itself.
The collaborative nature of modern practice also helps. Complex matters require coordination across multiple disciplines, transforming pressure into shared intellectual engagement. Whether ensuring due process protections in enforcement proceedings or defending constitutional principles in regulatory matters, this collegial approach makes demanding challenges stimulating rather than merely stressful.
Ultimately, remembering that constitutional law concerns human dignity and democratic governance provides both grounding and meaning beyond professional success. That larger purpose sustains one through the most demanding cases while reinforcing why this work matters.
Coming from a commerce background, what inspired you to transition into the field of law? Were there any pivotal experiences that motivated this shift and shaped your early legal interests?
I have been interested in nature and ecology since childhood. My grandfather served in the Indian Forest Service and retired as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Head of Forest Force, Maharashtra State. His teachings have played a major role in my upbringing since my childhood. As a child I was used to identifying different types of flora and fauna in our home garden. I experienced wild animals in the wild through various wildlife safaris. I developed a habit of noting down their physical characteristics.
My daily jogging route passes through an amazing nature trail, Vetal Tekdi (hill in Marathi) , an urban forest in the city of Pune. As a college youth I started doing amateur photography wherein nature has been my major subject like clouds, sky, sunrise and sunset, trees, animals, birds, waterbodies, landscapes etc.
In my last year of law, I applied to the Internship and Placement Cell of the college, wherein I gave Arbitration, Environment and IPR as areas of interest. NGT had started their Western Zonal Bench in Pune the same year and hence the Cell forwarded my application to the NGT. Luckily I was selected in the recruitment procedure which took place before a 5 Member interview panel at the NGT Principal Bench and being based in Pune, I was appointed as the first Judicial Intern at the NGT Pune Bench.
I never aimed to practice environmental laws. Destiny brought me to the NGT.
You hold degrees in Commerce and Law, along with an LL.M. in Constitutional and Administrative Laws. How has this multidisciplinary academic foundation influenced your approach to legal practice, particularly in the area of environmental law?
I pursued LLM in Constitutional and Administrative Laws after 4 years of practice at Bar. I believe that a candidate requires psychological maturity to understand what one expects from a masters degree. I always wanted to pursue LLM in Constitutional and Administrative Laws with dedication. I never aimed to stand first in the University, however my dedication along with 100% attendance and consistency gave me a surprise.
Although NGT is a Tribunal, it is the only Tribunal in India which adjudicates issues affecting the public at large. It is also the only Tribunal where there is no hierarchy (unlike District Consumer Forum, State Consumer Commission and National Consumer Commission), no appellate Tribunal in between (like DRAT, NCLAT, ITAT, etc.) and appeal from NGT lies directly to the Supreme Court of India. So there are high stakes matters, wherein there is interpretation on the statutes and reliance on the case laws propounded by the Superior Judiciary.
Moreover, being a Government Counsel, knowledge of Constitutional and Administrative Law is helpful in understanding how the decision making process takes place at various levels in the Government and the Legislature.
As the Standing Counsel for the Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra, you represent several key departments and agencies. What major challenges do you encounter while advocating for government bodies in environmental and civil matters?
The decision making process on the Government side is a detailed process which involves many people at many levels. It is not a one person decision process. Courts and litigants expect that the Govt should take decisions at the earliest however they probably are not aware of the steps through which the issues traverse and the reasons for delay in taking the decisions. Convincing this aspect to the courts and litigants is one of the challenges.
At times it is also observed that given the expanse of the bureaucracy and number of authorities, departments and ministries who work in tandem, at times they might be having a different views of the same issue. Getting them together on a consensus and then taking a decision in the larger interest by predicting future consequences, is also a task. It takes time, however because the court expects compliance of their order, a decision is taken by the Govt.
Having worked closely with regulatory authorities like the Central Pollution Control Board, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and the Airports Authority of India, how do you stay ahead of evolving regulatory frameworks? How do you manage and prioritize high-stakes responsibilities across such diverse institutions?
Practice in Environment law is not set like other fields, it’s evolving. Majority of the litigation is not statute based, but its based on the delegated legislation. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. Of India and the CPCB keep issuing amendments to the various notifications and rules through circulars, guidelines and office memorandums. These changes are brought as there are advancements in the science and even changing nature of business and industrial developments. Being a Govt counsel, I have to remain updated about the latest developments. Practising in environmental laws for more than a decade, I can see the law evolving. Being the Standing Counsel and representing the CPCB and MPCB in many cases, whenever there is a case being heard, even if I am not appearing in that case, the Hon’ble Tribunal enquires with me about the latest development about a policy or legal development at the Government level.
As and when there is a new development, either the Govt provides me with the same or I do my own research and I document all such changes. I prepare a directory of all such developments in the form of notifications, government resolutions, office memorandums, circulars, guidelines etc.
Being a Govt. Counsel I have to give equal priority to all the cases wherein the Govt. is a party. However, at times projects of public importance undertaken by the Govt. are challenged, that time the Govt. as well as me have to take care that no adverse orders are passed because it affects Govt. investment and if any such adverse order is passed, then the public is deprived of the benefits which accrue once the project is put to public use.
Your academic research and publications reveal a strong engagement with environmental jurisprudence. In what ways has your scholarly work influenced your litigation strategies and courtroom advocacy and how do you manage both pursuits?
Research always helps, not just in publication but even in practice. Being Govt counsel I have access to a lot of official material which is otherwise not easily available and accessible. Whenever I work on academic research, such material is helpful for giving practical points. Similarly, if there is a case at hand, wherein I have done publication or if there is an ongoing research work, I can give the latest position of law or policy while advancing my arguments. Academic research and practice always compliment each other. It is not just the resources or knowledge, but even it improves the skills.
Although finding time for doing academic research along with practice at Bar is difficult because first priority is always work. Research also takes time.
As a Committee Member of the National Green Tribunal Bar Association (Western Zone), what are the key trends or emerging challenges you observe in the realm of environmental litigation in India?
A lot of public as well as private infrastructural development is going on in the country. There are emissions of all kinds which are polluting the air and effluents which are polluting the water. Although there are laws for controlling all forms of pollution, enforcement is still a big issue. Issues of urban air pollution are getting chronic. Short term measures are not enough for even giving temporary respite and Pollution Control Boards and other necessary Authorities, Boards, Ministries are understaffed. Vacancy in regulatory bodies affecting control and abatement of pollution and penalising the polluter is an urgent need which needs to be addressed by the policy makers. At times the Govt. officers are overwhelmed due to work load and compliance of judicial orders, which can be addressed by creating sufficient posts and filling them with qualified people.
Climate Change is affecting everyone and nobody is in isolation and unaffected due to it. As the impacts of climate change intensify, we expect to see a continued rise in climate litigation as communities and environmental advocates demand accountability and justice from the regulators.
Environmental Laws is a dynamic law which is ever evolving. The changes are happening due to the policies implemented by the Govt. which gets challenged in the Courts, the courts either struck them down or direct the Govt. to modify. At times the uncertainty is caused due to judicial decisions that affect the industry. I haven’t come across any other prominent fields of law wherein the changes are taking so fast. Keeping ourselves updated with this ever changing field of law is a challenge to everyone, not just the lawyers but even the Govt. and the Judiciary.
As an adjunct faculty member teaching Environmental Law and related subjects at leading law schools, how do you incorporate your practical experience into the classroom? What guidance would you offer to students aspiring to build a career in environmental and civil law?
In Pune city there are around 40 law colleges. The NGT Pune Bar is a small Bar and therefore I know that I am the only lawyer practising in environmental laws who is teaching the subject in two law colleges in the city. I educate my students by giving them practical inputs from the cases which I appear in at the NGT. As said earlier, NGT is probably the only Tribunal in India which deals with matters affecting the public at large. So people as well as students know these issues as they keep getting reported in newspapers and media. Further, I organise visits of students to the NGT wherein they get to see the pending cases which I discuss in class. Teaching and practice compliment each other. Experience from my practice at NGT helps me giving live examples to students and teaching experience gives me confidence to make better submissions in the court room.
There is cut throat competition in traditional fields of law. Environmental Law is an emerging field where there is less to no competition. Students aim to practice in the corporate field, however they don’t know that practice at NGT is a part of practice in the corporate field as big companies, corporations and industries have to be defended for various alleged environmental non compliances. They need good lawyers to defend their cases. Environmental compliances form a major part of compliances by the companies. There is a dearth of good lawyers practising in environmental laws. Therefore every year I keep urging my students, especially in the final year, to consider environmental laws as a good field to practice once they get into the profession.
Having said that, I even advise them that after passing out of their college, they shouldn’t directly jump to practice at the NGT or any Tribunal for that matter because Tribunals being quasi judicial authorities are not bound by the strict rigours of Civil Procedure Code and the Evidence Act (now replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam). For any lawyer, it is essential that they know the basics of the procedural laws. At the start of their practice, if they directly and exclusively start practice at a Tribunal, there are high chances of them not learning the procedural laws. So starting a practice exclusively in any field of law or Tribunal is advisable after having learnt about the basic procedural laws by appearing before the Trial Courts. Experience of appearing before the civil courts definitely helps and compliments practice in environmental laws because the cases before the NGT are of civil nature.
Reflecting on the early phase of your career, what experiences most profoundly shaped your legal outlook? How did they contribute to building the foundation of your current practice and professional values?
Having conceptual clarity on the basics of law is very important for shaping a good legal career. It starts from the law school and not when one enters the profession. Students are getting strayed away from studying through textbooks. Moreover, the majority of the students study from exam point of view rather than understanding the subject from knowledge point of view. They tend to study through readymade notes prepared by someone else rather than making their own notes. This habit is hazardous because it reflects in their professional lives later on.
Having a habit of studying through books and making my own notes helped me not only understand the subject but even making a conscious choice of which fields I want to explore and which I want to exclude when I get into the practice. In the age of AI, everyone is losing their ability to use their brains. As far as legal studies and profession is concerned there is a dangerous trend of students and young lawyers using AI for drafting and research.
My internship at the NGT in my last year gave me a different view towards litigation. When one undergoes a litigation internship under a practising lawyer, one prepares the case from their client side and anticipate what will be the tricky situations from the other side. However, when one interns under a judge, both the sides are kept before your boss and you have to assist them in decision making. High stakes are involved in many cases. Compensation which is awarded by the NGT goes in crores. Habit of preparing my own notes helped me in assisting the judges during the internship and that habit still helps me in my practice as well as preparing lectures.
You’ve worked across diverse areas of law. Which ones have you found most intellectually stimulating, and how do you stay updated with developments?
I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide spectrum of legal matters, and each area has contributed uniquely to my growth as a litigator. However, I find economic offences and corporate litigation particularly stimulating. These fields are intellectually rigorous—they demand deep strategic planning, constant engagement with evolving jurisprudence, and the ability to navigate complex factual and legal matrices. They keep you on your toes because no two cases are ever truly alike. At the same time, handling matrimonial disputes and IPR matters has been deeply fulfilling, as these areas bring me face-to-face with the human, emotional, and creative dimensions of law.
To stay current, I treat learning as a non-negotiable part of my routine. I regularly follow recent judgments, legislative updates, and expert commentaries. I attend bar association seminars, workshops, and informal discussions with peers and seniors. In this profession, the law is a living organism—it evolves constantly, and staying attuned to its rhythm is essential.
In the early stages of your career, what were some of the key skills or insights you gained while assisting senior counsel on these high-stakes cases?
Starting my legal journey with matters involving serious criminal offences—ranging from economic frauds to murder trials—was a transformative experience. These cases taught me the irreplaceable value of clarity, precision, and presence of mind. Every word matters, every fact must be double-checked, and your ability to stay composed under pressure can be the difference between success and failure in court.
Assisting senior advocates during those formative years gave me a masterclass in legal strategy. I learned how to dissect a case, anticipate counterarguments, and build a narrative that is both factually robust and legally sound. Most importantly, I absorbed the discipline of courtroom conduct—how to be persuasive without being aggressive, how to command attention while respecting the court. These early lessons still guide me every time I step into a courtroom.
You’ve handled a broad spectrum of civil and criminal matters, particularly matrimonial disputes which have a high emotional quotient. How do you craft a legal strategy that balances the emotional complexity with the legal rigor these cases demand?
Matrimonial litigation is unlike any other—it’s not just about statutes and precedents but about people, emotions, relationships, and often, pain. As a lawyer, I believe our role here extends beyond legal representation—we’re also emotional anchors during what can be one of the most vulnerable periods of a client’s life.
I begin by listening deeply and without judgment. It’s important to understand not just the legal facts, but the emotional currents underlying the conflict. From there, I work to create a strategy that is empathetic yet firm—one that protects my client’s rights while also guiding them toward resolution, not escalation. Wherever possible, I advocate for amicable settlements, particularly where children or long-term emotional repercussions are involved. At the same time, I stand resolute when legal intervention is necessary. It’s a delicate balance—but one that can lead to outcomes that are both just and healing.
You’ve credited your experience with Mr. Viraj R. Datar as foundational. Could you tell us more about that influence?
Working under the mentorship of Mr. Viraj R. Datar at the Delhi High Court was one of the most formative chapters of my career. It was in his chamber that I first witnessed what it truly means to practice law with purpose. He wasn’t just a brilliant legal mind—he was deeply ethical, humane, and committed to justice in its truest sense.
From him, I learned that legal practice is not merely a profession—it’s a service. He taught me the importance of integrity, thorough preparation, and above all, empathy. His approach was never transactional; he cared about the impact of every case on the people involved. Those values left a lasting imprint on me. To this day, I try to uphold those same principles in my independent practice—doing my best not just to win cases, but to ensure fairness, compassion, and dignity are never compromised.
Starting your independent practice in 2020 must have come with its own set of challenges and opportunities. What inspired you to take that step, and how did you navigate the early phase of building your clientele and case portfolio?
Starting my independent practice in 2020 was a leap of faith—but one rooted in conviction. After years of chamber work and rich mentorship, I felt ready to take ownership of my legal path and build a practice that reflected my values. I wanted to be more hands-on with clients, more accountable for outcomes, and freer to choose matters that aligned with my sense of purpose.
The timing, however, was far from ideal—courts were functioning in a limited capacity due to the pandemic, and the entire legal system was undergoing a digital transformation. But adversity became my teacher. I focused on being highly accessible, responsive, and consistent in my work. I relied heavily on referrals, built a network through online legal forums, and made it a point to stay visible within the legal community. Slowly but steadily, the practice grew. Each case taught me something new—not just about the law, but about resilience, adaptability, and faith in one’s own journey.
You’ve represented several corporate entities, including private limited companies and firms. What are some recurring legal challenges you’ve noticed in business litigation and how do you think they can be avoided at an initial stage?
One of the most recurring issues I see in business litigation is the prevalence of poorly drafted agreements. Many of the disputes that land in court could have been prevented with a little more legal foresight. Vague clauses, inconsistent terms, and the absence of dispute resolution mechanisms often create avoidable friction between parties.
Another major challenge is the lack of organized documentation and communication records. In today’s fast-paced commercial environment, businesses sometimes neglect formalities—which leads to evidentiary gaps when disputes arise. My advice to businesses is simple: invest early in sound legal structuring, contracts, and compliance. Preventive legal care is much more cost-effective than reactive litigation.
Managing a diverse litigation portfolio is demanding. How do you maintain consistency and balance?
Indeed, litigation can be all-consuming. But over time, I’ve realized that consistency stems from mindful planning and being fully present in each task. I rely heavily on structured routines—prioritizing my week based on urgency, court appearances, and client needs. I carve out time for drafting, case review, and quiet research without distractions.
Outside of work, I make a conscious effort to reconnect with my roots—be it through time with family, spiritual reading, or simply being in silence. These little rituals ground me and allow me to show up with focus and clarity. I also try to maintain strong professional boundaries, where possible, to avoid burnout. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve learned that sustainable success comes not from doing everything at once, but from doing each thing with presence and purpose.
Having worked in reputed chambers and now leading your own firm, what advice would you offer to young lawyers who aspire to develop a well-rounded litigation career spanning multiple areas of law?
My advice would be: begin with curiosity and carry it with commitment. Don’t pigeonhole yourself too early—explore various domains of law, because each one strengthens a different muscle. Seek out mentors who challenge you to think deeper and work harder. Watch court proceedings, learn how judges think, and observe how experienced lawyers argue—that exposure is invaluable.
Focus on building your core skills—research, drafting, procedural clarity, and client interaction. But more than anything else, build your reputation—for reliability, professionalism, and ethics. The legal world is smaller than it seems, and your name carries weight even when you’re not in the room. A well-rounded career doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built over years, with patience, self-discipline, and a genuine love for the law.
What initially drew you to law, and how did your education shape your decision to pursue litigation?
What drew me to law was its power to resolve real-world conflicts through reasoning, dialogue, and structured thinking. I was always fascinated by how law could bring order to chaos, how a well-argued case could lead to justice, and how legal tools could be used to empower the voiceless.
My education laid the foundation for this journey. Moot courts, legal research assignments, and internships gave me a taste of courtroom dynamics early on. I found myself naturally drawn to litigation—it challenged my intellect, honed my articulation, and gave me a platform to engage with real people and their stories. From there, building my own practice felt like the most organic next step—a space where I could not only argue cases but shape my path on my own terms, in a way that resonated with my values and aspirations.
You have more than nine years of experience, including civil and common law jurisdictions. Would you be comfortable sharing the kind of initial reason for your interest in law as well as any particular event or any kind of maybe realization that guided you through this whole process in order to make sure that you have the better career, and as you are leading the legal front of an Emerging Institution in Sweden, being one of the first Indian woman over there, please do share it with our audience who are new learners, new entrants for law?
My father was the one who encouraged me to consider law as a career as opposed to what I actually wanted. So I wanted to be an artist. I am a very creative person, and through my childhood and when I was in school, I participated in every art competition. I participated in slogan writing competitions in Delhi. Also represented my school at the national level. Won a lot of awards. So by the time I reached class 10, I realized that art is my calling.
This is what I do best. And then came that moment which really paved my journey to law. So, one evening, me and my family were having dinner, sitting at the dining table, and my father asked me, so what do you plan to do after school? And my instant excited reply was, I want to be an artist.
So he is a chartered accountant. He has his own firm. And he said, okay, do you have a plan B? Because getting into an art university is also very difficult. I said, I don’t really have a plan B, to which he said, what do you think about law as a career? And I was listening. So he said, see, as an artist, it would take you some time till you can build yourself after university and you can start earning, which was actually true.
And then he said that, imagine, what if you study law—how much better your art would be sold if you are a lawyer and also an artist? And that, for me, was a brilliant idea. So from class 10th to 12th, I started preparing for both the art university and the law university, and I realized over the period of preparation I have developed an increasing interest in law because I realized that in art you have to be creative.
You have to have a vision, which you would make into reality. Then you perceive some things, and then you align it with your vision, and then you paint. And that is the same in law. Now, when I look back, I see that, okay, I pull out a Word document, draft a legal document.
Then if that document is a contract, for example, then that contract would be negotiated. Then that contract would be signed. Then that contract would have an expiry date, we would renew it. So I am building a relationship. I am bringing into existence something which was just an idea first. So. I entered the university in 2007, graduated 2012, and proudly became the first lawyer of my family.
Thank you for sharing that particular story. After this, you also did your masters in business in corporate law. What was the motivation behind that particular specialization and how has that particular understanding of business and corporate law doing your masters helped you make your career trajectory reach to the point where you wanted or as you planned?
So I gained working experience before I decided I wanted to pursue masters, and in my university, we were encouraged to do an internship every semester. So by the time I had finished university, I had a couple of internships with law firms like Amarchand, Jyoti Sagar.
And then when I started working. Again, I had an experience. So while having this experience, I could really assess, analyze, understand what is my area of strength, where do my interests really go, and what is my passion? So I realized, looking back at my experience, that I decided to pursue my masters in 2015.
So these years, I realized my area has always been business and corporate law. That is how I decided, okay, this is the masters that I want to pursue. Now because I pursued masters in business and corporate law, and one of our subjects was international business, that really helped me set the foundation of what I will be doing in the future.
So I developed curiosity and interest towards cross-border transactions, conflict management, and assessing the different legal landscapes. How do you set up companies in a country which is not your area of expertise? Those questions really made me think, read more, and that became my passion.
So I would say passion and curiosity led me to where I am now.
While doing all of these things related to business and corporate law, you have also worked with prominent companies. How has working or maybe doing internships or doing a job, paved your way for international legal practice, what were the preparations or the kind of thought process you have had in order to make sure that you transition from national to international practice?
Like I said, curiosity. I think curiosity is my superpower. I realized that because I was curious—reading, meeting professionals, going to events—that really helped me deepen my understanding of law, and prepared me for international practice. So what happens when I encounter something unfamiliar? Because I’m a curious person, it would compel me to read more, reach out to people who have done a similar thing, or if there is a case law that talks about a similar situation, or if there is a post which talks about a similar legal issue, but that legal issue happened in a different jurisdiction.
And if I already know something, my curiosity pushes me to observe fellow lawyers—how did they approach this subject matter? How did they approach this issue? And then it helps me to refine my understanding, my expertise, and that really helps me to improve continuously.
Since you said that curiosity is your superpower, what made you transition from national, especially India to Dubai and then to Sweden? And the kind of changes that you saw in all these jurisdictions, how did that help you actually reach your love I would say for business and corporate law? And what kind of practice did you do that you actually got what you wanted? So how did you do that and what are your suggestions for the same?
When I was in India and I was working with Ansal Housing, I got this opportunity of working on an international arbitration. And now if I reflect back, I think I was put in that project because of my curiosity, because I’m very enthusiastic and I would really love to put in an extra hour if it is something that I don’t really know.
So that experience of working on an international arbitration, combined with my experience and my study of international business law, made me realize that I am ready to step out of my comfort zone, which is India. And I realized that if I want to work on cross-border transactions, work with international clients, and be ready to negotiate deals which are happening in an international sphere, I need to be outside. And I still remember I had a conversation with my then manager, who is the General Counsel of Ansal Housing—an amazing mentor and a wonderful manager—and it was he who really said that:
See, if you go and if you don’t like it, you can always come back, but if you don’t, you wouldn’t really know what your potential is. And I think that was the best mentorship advice he could have given me. So I found this opportunity at a law firm in Dubai, and I moved to Dubai. It was very scary, because I was moving abroad for the first time.
I was always being taken care of in India, but now I am taking care of myself. And it is a very international space. So the work culture is like that. And the expectation from you as a lawyer is different. So I was working in this law firm. We were a batch of international lawyers working together on international issues.
And every new client that we had in the law firm was from a different jurisdiction. So that really put me in a position where I, of course, had to know the law of India because that is where I’m coming from, and it is expected that I can advise on Indian laws. But I was expected to work on an issue with a client who is from Australia, and he wants to set up a company in Dubai. Or a transactioning, a partnership happening with a cement manufacturing company from China who wants to set up the manufacturing company in Spain. So you would understand the nuances of both these jurisdictions. So I realized that experience and that ease of moving from one jurisdiction to another really helped me globally connect, helped me easily move from one jurisdiction to another, and it no longer was a challenge.
Then when I moved to Sweden, it was very different from how it was in Dubai, because now I became a wife, also a mother, and I was in a country in which the first language is Swedish. So then my third language became Swedish. So Hindi, English, and then Swedish. So I realized that now I need to deepen my understanding of the local laws and also the EU laws, because in every European country you would first look at the local laws and then you would look at the EU law if there is any precedent or if there is a law that reflects on the legal issue that you’re working on.
So that is what Sweden gave me—helped me deepen my understanding of local and European laws, and I would say this path or this journey I was on, what really helped me was strategic thinking, being committed to the goal that I set for myself, adaptability, and lots and lots of hard work.
The reason why I say hard work is that there is so much pre-work that I have to do, or any lawyer who moves from a different country to a new country has to do, which may or may not be directly proportional to the role that you would be performing. For example, if you’re moving to a European country or a non-English-speaking country, you would have to learn the language.
And then you would have to understand the working culture in that country, because that is also very different. Like leadership style—what I saw, leadership style in India, in Dubai, and in Stockholm, Sweden is very different. So you need to understand the cultural nuances. So navigating those cultural and regulatory differences was a crucial aspect of having an international career, I would say. Then maintaining a strong network of local lawyers. So I didn’t forget my roots. I still am connected with Indian lawyers who are experts, so I can reach out to them on knowing what is happening. So, just a week back, my manager, who is the CEO, was asking what is the impact of the tariffs that the US is making now in India?
So had I not read that, I wouldn’t know that. Had I not been connected with my local friends, I wouldn’t know how it is impacting. So these small skills really bridge—or really helped me bridge—the international legal career. One tip that I would like to give to a student who wants to pursue an international legal career, or a person who’s already working,
He wants to move abroad: Have a strong network of professionals, and have a strong network of local lawyers who you can reach out to for advice, who you can reach out to reassess your thoughts, your analysis on a legal issue. Having a group of professionals who you can trust is a game changer if you are moving abroad or if you want to have a global legal career.
After relocating to Sweden, you took maternity leave as well, how did you make yourself return to the workforce without the so-called guilt that we always have as working moms?
Second, how did you continue your professional development during the time when you were not there practicing? What were the strategies? How did you connect with the industry? Like you said, we need to be connected with not only good lawyers, but local lawyers as well, who can give you the nuances and the kind of update that you need. So how does that work for you? And during that time, how did you make sure that you don’t lose that particular connect?
I never truly stepped out of the legal field. I was very focused, and I always knew that I want to continue being a lawyer.
I want to continue my legal profession. And I would say, when you move abroad, it’s a great opportunity to reassess whether you want to have the same career or you want to maybe branch out to something different. For me, you know, it is law, it has been law, it is law. So I knew, okay, after resuming my career after maternity leave, it would be law.
So, I had that in mind, and I had the preparation ready. So for me, maternity leave—which we over here call parental leave—was actually not a break, it was a form of professional growth. I looked at the break as a time to invest in myself, to refine my skills, and to actually prepare for the biggest and the most difficult role, which is of being a parent.
And I was being a twin mother, which is, let me tell you, it’s a full-time job. You are a parent yourself, you know it’s challenging. So during the parental leave time, and also because I was moving to Sweden, I took the time to familiarize myself with the culture, the education system, understanding the local laws and understanding the regulations.
Then I actively also followed the domestic developments, which are the developments that are happening in India and in Dubai. Because if I say that I’m an international lawyer and I have worked in India and Dubai, the expectation is that I know what is happening in the industry. So it comes with a lot of responsibility.
So I kept myself updated. Then it was my time to again assess my skills, identify my area of growth, because now I would be stepping into a new jurisdiction. So I stayed focused, connected with my friends who are based in India, who are working in-house and also practicing as lawyers.
I followed—I still follow—professionals on LinkedIn who talk about leadership, who talk about the changes that are happening in the industry. I read newsletters. I love reading. I read a lot. I enrolled myself in the Swedish language course.
So this continuous preparation for what I want to do once I resume my career really helped me to stay confident of my skills and also to bring a very fresh perspective to the role that I would be doing. Staying focused, committed to law, my passion for reading.
Then my curiosity of knowing—so a very small example I’ll give you, like in India, we remove our shoes outside and then we would step into the house. It’s the same in Sweden. So understanding these similarities and, like for us in India, the tea culture is something that brings two people together.
So if you want to call somebody home, you would call for tea. And in Sweden, you would call them for coffee. And there is a culture called Fika. So it is—you have to be mindful of taking breaks, and those breaks are about you sitting with your colleague or you sitting with your friends, unwinding and connecting.
So my curiosity led me to learn so many new things. So I already felt that I am at home. I know what the culture is about. I fairly understand the language. So I was ready. I was ready for the next step.
I think that is what is needed for everyone and probably that has brought you being the head of legal and compliance at VeeOne AB. What kind of primary factors were there? You already have said a lot about your commitment to your reading, to your learning culture. How did you foresee the kind of role that you were going forward for? In particular, it is a totally technology driven industry. So what kind of new learnings did you do while you were transitioning towards being the head of this number one company over there?
Preparation is the key in anything that we do in our life. This role was a little different because this industry was new to me. So VeeOne is a company in crew planning. My focus on legal compliance stemmed from the fact that to have a strong foundation, you need to have a robust regulatory framework. The role of legal and compliance has evolved and I would say has become complex. Earlier, it was very traditional—even for a lawyer, it was traditional.
Either you are in a law firm, or you are in a court, or you are in a company. Now, when there are other factors, like AI, there is data privacy, there are regulatory landscapes that really come into play, and that makes the environment more complex and dynamic.
So I foresee that to perform well in this role, I need to shift my approach from being reactive to be proactive. So there has to be a shift in strategy where there has to be a risk analysis done even before the risk can or may or may not occur. So, we in VeeOne, we try to integrate compliance with innovation or new ideas so we can mitigate the risk.
And I think that is what a lot of companies are also trying to do to have a competitive advantage in the global market.
While you are doing all of this, you also read a lot. First I would like to ask, how do you carve out that much time with being a full-time mother to twins, then working your way up in your organization, being the head you are the most responsible one. So what kind of books do you read to keep yourself inspired to shape your perspective?
Like you said, you follow newsletters also of leadership styles and others. How do you connect all that with your legal understanding and implement it in your career? For the new aspirants or the graduates who are coming up, if they want to pursue a similar kind or maybe the same pathway. So what would be your suggestion? The kind of journals that they should read or they should go through, the kind of books, resources that you may recommend and to build the kind of mindset of always being prepared as yours. What guidance would you like to give them?
First, I would say, and this could be controversial, that reading that you do during work is not something I would say is reading.
Reading is something that you do outside of your work. If you are doing reading during your work, that is to accomplish a task or to work on a project or to expand your knowledge on the issue that is at hand. Reading that you do outside of your work is reading that would grow you as a person, grow you as a professional.
So that being said, when I say reading, it is outside my work. For me, mostly it has been biographies. And I am more inclined towards nonfiction. I have tried reading fiction, but I again gravitate towards nonfiction. So it’s not that I haven’t tried—I’ve tried. So biographies that have really shaped my perspective on life and also on the legal field have been of Nani Palkhivala, J.R.D. Tata.
And very recently I read this biography of Haben Girma. Must read! A beautiful book. She is the first American disability rights advocate. She is the first blind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, and the work that she is doing for the disability community is amazing. So that is on the biography part.
Somebody who wants to start reading, hasn’t read before but wants to have that habit—I would suggest a book called Creativity by John Cleese, a very thin book, a very quick read. It talks about how creativity is not something you are born with; it is a skill that you can develop. What makes the book really interesting is that John Cleese is a lawyer.
He went to Cambridge to study law. Eventually he became a comedian, and he’s a very popular comedian. So that is something that I would suggest to somebody who’s wanting to read, planning to read, has little time, but still wants to get into the habit of reading or come back to reading. Since the role of a lawyer has transformed—from at least when I graduated, it was still very traditional.
Now it has transformed to beyond the traditional lawyer, which is either you are in litigation or you are giving legal advice. I think creativity is now a skill that can help us as professionals, as legal professionals, be ahead of AI. Because there could be possibilities when, for example—a very small example—review of contracts.
If you are very, very good at contracts, there are extremely good contract management platforms, contract review platforms, which can review a contract for you—maybe better than what we can do, quicker than what we can do. So if you want to stay ahead of AI as a professional, creativity is the skill that is a must.
And I would generalize your question when you said somebody who wants to have a legal career. I would say cultivating a hobby. And that hobby should be consistent—something that you would like to do every day. It could be running, it could be reading, it could be swimming, it could be vlogging.
Having a personal passion outside of work will help you contribute to your life—your personal life—and to your professional life in a wonderful way. And your journey as a professional would be very fulfilling, because there are days as a professional, especially as a lawyer, some days are very tense.
Some days are not that tense. So you really need help when those days are tense. So I would say having a consistent hobby.
Then the second most important thing would be finding a mentor. Having a mentor is extremely important. That is how you can have continuous growth, which is required if you are in this profession. For me, I have been very fortunate that I have had amazing mentors throughout my career. Always have a mentor. I would say you are never too expert to not have a mentor.
Then the books that I am reading right now. I usually read two books—one is mostly legal and the other is mostly related to non-legal. The first book is Range by David Epstein. The author talks about how individuals who explore multiple disciplines—that really helps you have a broad skill set. So you would have multiple tools, and then you can really narrow down those expertise to one thing that you would really like to do. So I would say the sum of the book is that sampling is the key to success.
And now if I look back—for me, also because of my internships, because of my experiences—when I decided that I wanted to pursue masters in business and corporate law, I had done my sampling.
So I had worked with NPOs, I had worked with judges, I had worked with senior lawyers. I did my sampling. I realized, yes, this is what I want to do. And this is my area of interest.
Then the second interesting book that I’m reading—and thanks to my current manager, the CEO of my company, he recommended that book. That book is called Getting to We: Negotiating Agreements as Highly Collaborative Relationships. So this book is written by a university professor and two lawyers. One of the lawyers is a Swedish lawyer. So the book tells a five-step process to create a collaborative agreement.
And this was very interesting to me because for me, as a lawyer who is drafting back in India or back in Dubai, I would look only at my liabilities, only at my governing law, only at what impacts me. But the book really shifts the focus from the relationship or the approach being transactional to a strategic partnership. And now when I draft a contract, it is a very different approach.
So if I’m drafting a contract, I would look at the contract or the document from a we perspective, because it is a partnership at the end of the day. It could be an employment agreement, service agreement, partnership agreement. If I only focus on my liabilities, if I only focus on my governing law, if it is very unilateral—first, I would have a challenge when negotiating the contract, there would be red lines everywhere.
Then it would take me a lot more time to negotiate the contract because it is very unilateral. So that book really shifts the mindset and says that to have a collaborative relationship, the agreement should also be collaborative. So if there is somebody who really likes drafting contracts, or says that they’re an expert in contracts, or would like to work on contracts, I would recommend this book.
Thank you for sharing that. I won’t ask how you balance work and life, but rather how do you plan your day? As a mother to twins, your planning must be very intentional. Personally, I’d love to learn how you manage everything without compromising your personal or professional life, especially when your children need you so much. How do you ensure there’s enough time for work, family, and still carve out personal space for yourself for reading, relaxing, and recharging that superpower of curiosity that keeps you moving forward?
You gave out the keyword, which is planning. I would put a prefix, which is strategic planning. So first, it is strategic planning. Then, because both of us are working, both of us have a very demanding schedule—managing our time, managing our schedule—that is what we do. So generally, our day would look like: the twins are off to school, and I am at work, my husband is at work.
We would come home, and some days after work, I would go to an event, I would meet friends. And if I’m not doing that, I would come home, then it would be cooking together. Over here, it’s all about involving the child, no matter how small that child is. So it would be cooking with them, and we have created a habit of asking, How was your day?
So as soon as I step in the house, they would ask me, How was your day? I would ask them, How was your day? After having the meal, we would watch TV, and that is, I think, something that I realized is great because we switched on TV for them when they were very young, and the TV is always on.
So now for them, TV is furniture. It’s not TV. So even if the TV is on, they would not necessarily want to watch the TV. They would want to play or they would want to paint or they want to color. So TV is always on in the background, and that actually helps us to build their language. Because in the school they go to a Swedish preschool.
On the TV we have English programs, and we speak with them in Hindi. So they’re always listening, and we are doing these activities together, which is either watching the TV or coloring or cooking. And then once the twins have slept, it is either my time with my husband—we would either watch something or I would read.
So that is what our schedule looks like. I make sure that I invest time with my friends, with my husband, I attend events, I mentor in Sweden also.
I have two mentees right now, giving time to them, upskilling myself—which is through reading that would directly relate to me. But also, I have to read about how I can be a better mentor, or if my mentee has some questions and I don’t know about them, so I need to prepare myself. Then it is parenting.
We were talking about parenting—the most crucial role. So, there is a lot of reading about what activities can we give the twins, how can we keep them engaged? If they have a question, what should be the right answer for that question? So I think if I know, okay, the task that I have for me in a day—and you gave me the keyword, which is planning.
So I do strategic planning. That is how we plan, I would say.
Coming from a different academic background, what sparked your decision to pursue law as a career? How did your law school years shape your perspective on the legal profession?
To be honest, I never intended to pursue a career in law. I come from a completely non-legal background. I’m a first-generation lawyer with no one in my family, even distantly, associated with the legal profession. When I moved from Assam to Delhi, it was with the goal of preparing for the UPSC examinations. However, my father, who always believed in the value of having a professional degree, strongly encouraged me to pursue law first. At his insistence, I enrolled in the Faculty of Law at Delhi University, while simultaneously preparing for UPSC.
In the beginning, I had little understanding of how the legal system functioned or the vital role it played in shaping our democracy. That changed during my time in law school. As I started reading landmark judgments in our course materials, I began to understand the transformative role the judiciary had played in protecting rights, interpreting the Constitution, and ensuring accountability. For the first time, I saw how the law could be used to empower the weak and uphold justice against power.
This intellectual shift deepened during my internships when I visited the Supreme Court of India and the High Court of Delhi. Watching senior advocates argue passionately on behalf of their clients was a defining moment for me. It became clear to me that as a lawyer, I could make a meaningful impact.
That realisation shaped the course of my legal education. I decided early on to focus on litigation rather than corporate or in-house roles. Thus, throughout law school, I interned exclusively with practicing advocates and senior counsels to better understand the courtroom and the craft of advocacy. That foundation continues to guide my journey in the legal profession today.
After years of working with several reputed law firms, what inspired you to set up your independent practice? How has the transition been, and in what ways have your prior experiences enriched your current approach to litigation?
When I started out as a junior counsel, my senior, who primarily practiced before the High Court, assigned me matters before trial courts in Delhi. This early exposure to trial work which included arguing applications, conducting cross-examinations, and making final submissions proved invaluable. It allowed me to develop a strong foundation in procedural law. I learned how to adapt during cross-examinations, think on my feet, and refine strategy in real time. More importantly, it taught me how a case is built from the ground up, starting from when a client walks in with a set of facts and documents, to seeing it through to its conclusion.
My trial court experience shaped the way I approach litigation, even later during my years at law firms. At the firms, I worked on complex, high-value disputes and was mentored by seasoned partners. I developed a better understanding of client management, commercial awareness, and the importance of structured preparation. The exposure to varied matters and corporate clients broadened my perspective and added discipline to my practice.
As for my decision to start an independent practice, it felt like a natural progression. Most litigators, at some stage, aspire to have their own practice. Moreover, clearing the Advocate-on-Record examination served as an additional catalyst as it strengthened my resolve to build a practice in the Supreme Court alongside my existing work in other forums. The transition has been both challenging and fulfilling since it demands not just legal skill, but consistency, judgment, and the ability to run both the legal and operational aspects of practice. My prior experience has helped me maintain clarity, structure, and strategic thinking, qualities that I continue to rely on in my current practice.
In the early stages of your career, you worked with various advocates and law firms. Could you share a few pivotal experiences that significantly influenced your legal thinking and helped expand your expertise across diverse domains?
A range of matters across forums has shaped my legal thinking and approach to litigation. Working on construction and infrastructure arbitrations gave me hands-on experience in drafting pleadings, framing cross-examination strategies, and arguing before arbitral tribunals. These technically complex and document-heavy disputes helped me develop a structured, detail-oriented approach to fact-intensive cases.
In arbitration-related litigation, I have drafted and argued petitions under Sections 9, 11, and 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, dealing with issues of procedural fairness, jurisdiction, and the scope of judicial review. I have also handled cross-border disputes involving foreign parties in infrastructure and shipping disputes, which required navigating enforcement, foreign law, and complex contractual structures.
My broader civil and commercial work has included recovery suits, partition and specific performance claims, landlord–tenant disputes, defamation, banking, and insurance matters. All these experiences have enabled me to develop a forum-conscious, legally rigorous, and strategically adaptive litigation practice.
You’ve represented both Indian and foreign clients in civil matters and commercial matters ranging from salary disputes to high-value recoveries. How do you bridge the differences between the international legal system and the Indian legal system while navigating such cases?
In cross-border disputes involving foreign parties, it is important to ensure that the legal strategy is not only consistent with Indian procedural norms but also communicated in a manner that is clear, accessible, and contextually appropriate for clients unfamiliar with the Indian legal system. My central consideration in such matters is to meet domestic procedural requirements while also reflecting upon the broader commercial and contractual context from which the dispute arises. Foreign clients often approach Indian proceedings with assumptions shaped by how similar disputes are handled in their own jurisdictions, whether in terms of timelines, document disclosure, or court processes. It therefore becomes essential to bridge that gap by managing expectations and crafting a legal strategy that acknowledges those assumptions, while remaining firmly within the framework of Indian law.
You’ve been part of both ad-hoc as well as institutional arbitrations. What do you believe are the main reasons institutional arbitration has not flourished in India as it has in other jurisdictions?
Institutional arbitration in India hasn’t taken off as it has elsewhere largely because the ad hoc proceedings remain the default in commercial contracts. Many parties simply insert a bespoke arbitration clause, viewing that as more directly under their control and cost-effective. At the same time, there is limited awareness of institutional rules and best practices among contract-drafting teams. As a result, institutions seldom feature in the underlying agreements. Moreover, institutional arbitration has struggled to gain traction largely due to preferences for ad hoc proceedings, concerns around cost, and a historical lack of trust in domestic arbitral institutions. Many parties, particularly public sector bodies have opted for ad hoc mechanisms, believing them to be more flexible and cost-effective.
However, recognising these systemic hurdles, the Government in the Draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has made an effort to strengthen institutional arbitration. The bill proposes clearer recognition of arbitral institutions, limits judicial interference during the pendency of proceedings, introduces enforceable emergency arbitrator provisions, and empowers institutions to manage certain procedural aspects that were previously routed through courts. These reforms are a step toward creating a more credible and self-sufficient arbitral ecosystem in India, but institutional arbitration will only become the norm when users, both private and public, begin to see these changes reflected in actual practice.
With a practice spanning commercial litigation, matrimonial cases, and consumer disputes, what has been one of the most challenging or personally memorable cases you’ve worked on, and what made it stand out?
For me, every case is equally challenging and personally memorable. Once you put your name to a matter, you inevitably invest a part of your professional identity in its outcome. Since I have to mention one, I would like to speak about the first case I was independently engaged in during the very first year of my practice. The client had filed a suit for recovery of damages against a courier company for the loss of machinery in transit. The advocate representing the client had, for some reasons, missed multiple hearings and by the time I was engaged, the court had already closed the plaintiff’s right to cross-examine the defendant’s witness and listed the matter for final arguments.
At first, I considered filing an application to reopen the defendant’s evidence and recall the witness. However, upon examining the record, I figured out that nothing much was going to come out of the cross examination as the Defendant in his defence primarily relied upon a term at the back of the invoice which limited his liability to Rs. 100/-. Hence, I decided to proceed with final arguments as I had a strong case legally. The court ultimately decreed the matter in favour of my client, despite the defendant’s evidence remaining unrebutted.
You’ve worked with clients across sectors like infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and technology. How do you keep pace with the constantly evolving regulatory landscape, and what tools or resources would you recommend to young legal professionals to stay informed and ahead of the curve?
I primarily rely on Lexology for its daily sector-specific and jurisdiction-specific newsletters, while Mondaq offers in-depth insights into emerging regulatory trends across industries. For real-time updates on Indian law, I follow Bar & Bench and LiveLaw, which provide reliable coverage of all legal developments in the country. Young legal professionals may subscribe to these resources which are largely free and develop a routine of reading beyond their immediate areas of work. Over time, this habit not only sharpens legal awareness but also builds the contextual understanding needed to advise effectively in a fast-evolving legal landscape.
Clearing the Advocate-on-Record (AOR) examination is a major milestone. What aspects of the AOR exam did you find most challenging, and what strategies did you use to prepare effectively for this prestigious qualification? Additionally, how has the AOR designation influenced your professional practice?
The most challenging aspect of the AOR exam for me was managing the subjectivity and time pressure, particularly because I opted for the handwritten mode of the exam. Having worked on the laptops for so many years, I had lost the habit of writing for extended periods, and improving my writing speed became a real challenge. In terms of strategy, I began with the papers on leading cases and professional ethics, as these required substantive reading. I made notes, knowing I might not have time closer to the exam to revisit lengthy judgments and texts. This also helped me get back into the habit of writing regularly. For the papers on practice and procedure and drafting, prior experience in the Supreme Court was definitely helpful, as I was already familiar with the format of petitions and procedural nuances. I also relied on the Supreme Court Rules, 2013 and the Supreme Court handbook on practice and procedure for the preparation. Citing relevant case law in the practice and procedure paper also added value. For the drafting paper, I focused on solving previous years’ questions within the stipulated timelines to build both accuracy and speed.
The AOR designation has long been regarded as a mark of credibility and respect within the legal community, and earning it has been both empowering and confidence-building. Since becoming an AOR, I’ve seen a shift not only in the nature of work I receive but also in who approaches me since my clients now include not just litigants, but also lawyers who are not AORs and seek assistance with filing and pursuing matters before the Supreme Court. The designation has added a level of professional trust that has meaningfully expanded both the scope and responsibility of my practice.
Finally, what guidance would you offer to law students and aspiring litigators hoping to chart a path like yours? Is there a particular mindset, skill set, or approach you believe is essential in today’s dynamic legal environment?
I find that today’s law students are far more informed and situationally aware than I was during my time in law school, which is truly encouraging. However, I also see many of them constantly under pressure, whether it’s the next moot, internship, or securing a PPO. While these things are important, I would urge them not to lose sight of the bigger picture. It’s equally important to enjoy the process, make memories, and meaningfully engage with the subjects taught in law school.
For aspiring litigators, I would add that law is a demanding field. If you don’t allow law to become a part of your life, you’ll always struggle to find the so-called work-life balance. Even the most celebrated senior advocates who have reached the very heights of success continue to work as hard, if not harder, than those just starting out. That says something about what this profession demands. Those who approach it purely as a source of income often find it difficult to sustain in the long run. I also believe that spending time in trial courts is invaluable as there is no better way to develop procedural clarity, practical judgment, and courtroom instinct. That is where a litigator truly understands how a case unfolds. Lastly, building relationships and nurturing a professional network is just as important since law is a people-centric profession, and the connections you make often shape the opportunities that come your way.
What was your experience like pursuing the B.S.L., LL.B. program at Symbiosis Law School, Pune University? What inspired you to choose law as a career path?
I was part of the 2000-2005 batch at Symbiosis Law School, Pune. At the time, that was the only campus of Symbiosis and it was affiliated to Pune University. Coming from the heartlands of Uttar Pradesh, where I studied across various districts, transitioning to a cosmopolitan campus was a cultural shift. School life in U.P. was more traditional and structured, but at Symbiosis, I experienced diversity, freedom of thought, and a broader outlook on the law and society.
I was never inclined toward science or mathematics, which were often the only options given to students back then. I wasn’t great at either. Fortunately, coming from a legal background, law was always present in my environment. It lingered in my mind and triggered a serious interest soon after school. I appeared for the entrance exam and secured admission into Symbiosis, and from that moment onward, I knew I had found my calling. The depth of civil and criminal law captivated me from the very beginning — corporate culture was never my cup of tea. I always wanted to be a courtroom lawyer, and that conviction only grew stronger during my law school years.
In the early stages of your career, you served as State Counsel for Uttar Pradesh at the Supreme Court of India. How did that experience shape your legal perspective, and what impact did it have on your professional growth?
I’ll be honest — nepotism does exist in our profession. But having said that, the opportunity to serve as State Counsel for Uttar Pradesh at the Supreme Court early in my career was a transformative phase. I was entrusted with drafting Criminal SLPs, Article 32 petitions, Reviews, and more. But it wasn’t just about the legal work, it was mainly the environment that shaped me.
Being in court every day, watching legendary lawyers argue, listening to courtroom banter… it was mesmerizing. That exposure taught me courtroom craft like nothing else. It is often said that a lawyer must be crystal clear on the facts, because the judges already know the law. That wisdom stayed with me. The court isn’t impressed by ornamental arguments; it respects clarity and preparation.
What inspired you to establish your own independent practice? Could you share some of the initial challenges you faced and how you navigated through them?
I started my independent practice quite early, opening a one-room office on the second floor of a building in Lajpat Nagar. It wasn’t easy. I had to knock on different doors, asking for work. Gradually, I got empaneled with banks and insurance companies. Alongside, I took on private civil and criminal matters and even matters related to IPR.
I never said no to any work — whether it was registering a marriage or conducting due diligence for agricultural, residential, or commercial properties. That consistency and “go-getter” attitude paid off. Word of mouth remains the best marketing strategy, and that helped me earn the trust of top professionals in MNCs.
Having the bank and insurance panels helped extend my practice pan-India. I proactively offered pan-India services and built a network of trusted lawyers across the country. It wasn’t easy. Far from it! It was, in fact, full of unexpected challenges, but persistence paid off. Today, I can proudly say that I run a reliable pan-India litigation practice serving multiple clients nationwide.
You’ve represented the Delhi Police in numerous cases involving fundamental rights and constitutional matters. Is there a particular case that stands out as especially challenging or impactful?
Every case has its challenges. But the ones that stay with you are those that show you both the human side of crime and the imperfections of our system. I remember one particular case: a brutal murder on a public road using large knives and swords. There were eyewitnesses, there were recoveries, and I was representing the victim.
There was strong evidence, but the accused were powerful. Witnesses were threatened, some were even bought off. I remember walking into the courtroom flanked by over a hundred men glaring at me. We had to move multiple applications to secure protection for the witnesses. Some still turned hostile. Working closely with the police, I saw firsthand how their hard work can be undone by manipulation and intimidation. That case deeply affected me — it showed me both the resilience and the vulnerability of our justice system.
When handling high-stakes criminal matters, how do you balance the legal complexities with the emotional and human elements that often accompany such cases?
In high-stakes criminal matters, it’s never just about law books and precedents. There are real people, real emotions, and very often, deep trauma involved. I’ve seen crimes born out of vengeance, impulse, and even false allegations. Whether I’m representing the victim or the accused, I try to understand the ‘why’ — in legal parlance, the “motive” — the story behind the act. It helps me build my case, because crimes are rarely black and white.
One must be both empathetic and analytical while handling criminal cases. That balance helps in framing a stronger legal strategy and also in dealing with clients and especially their families, who are often emotionally shattered.
In your experience handling matters under Labour & Employment Laws, what are the most common issues establishments face, and how can these be addressed proactively in the early stages?
Being associated with MNCs and institutional clients, I frequently deal with labour and employment contract issues. The most common problems arise due to ambiguous employment agreements, non-compliance with termination procedures, misclassification of employees, and disputes over wages or bonuses.
To avoid these issues, companies must ensure their employment contracts are drafted with legal precision, HR policies are clear and compliant, and they follow due process during hiring, termination, or disciplinary actions. Early legal intervention and internal audits can prevent most of these problems. A stitch in time truly saves nine in labour law.
What are the key considerations and recent developments in bail jurisprudence that legal practitioners should be mindful of when representing clients before the Supreme Court, various High Courts, and district courts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana?
“Bail is the rule, jail is the exception”: this principle from State of Rajasthan v. Balchand (1977 AIR 2447) is often quoted but rarely followed in spirit. Bail today is a discretionary and often inconsistent domain. Two identical fact situations can yield two very different bail outcomes.
Judgments like Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar have helped reduce unnecessary arrests, especially in offences punishable with less than 7 years. But we still lack uniformity. Courts are supposed to consider whether the accused will tamper with evidence, flee, or pressurize witnesses. But over time, “gravity of offence” has taken disproportionate weight, which was never meant to be a primary criterion.
I’ve seen false cases filed to settle personal scores, even invoking POCSO where minors are tutored to speak against relatives in matrimonial disputes. Allegations under 376 IPC or Section 354 are sometimes misused in civil or employment-related vendettas. Of course, not every case is false; but the potential for misuse is real. Legal practitioners must push for more consistency and emphasize the fundamental principles of liberty and fairness.
What advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to build a career in litigation? Are there any particular habits, resources, or practices that have helped you stay current and sharp in this fast-evolving field?
Use AI and digital tools wisely. They’re helpful, but they’re no substitute for deep legal understanding. Read every word in your draft. Don’t blindly trust technology or florid language from thesauruses or ChatGPT. Courts appreciate clarity and precision, not jargon or verbosity. Big, long drafts may work in corporate circles, but they don’t impress judges.
Precision wins cases. Read regularly — judgments, legal updates, articles — and never stop refining your drafting and argumentation. Litigation is a responsibility. Be present. Be prepared.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of your legal practice and your personal journey within the profession? How do you maintain focus and mindfulness in pursuit of that vision?
Advocacy has become more than just a profession for me. It is my lifestyle, my identity. I cannot imagine a day without the rhythm of courtrooms, case files, and client interactions. It’s what keeps me grounded, challenged, and constantly evolving. My vision is to continue offering honest, effective legal solutions, build on the pan-India practice I’ve established, and serve every client with the same commitment, till my last breath. There is no looking back.
Law runs in my blood; we are a family of lawyers. My father, a retired High Court Judge, has been my lifelong mentor. His insights, clarity of thought, and sense of balance in legal reasoning continue to guide me. Whenever I’m stuck, I know exactly where to turn. My wife is an in-house counsel, my mother (though not practicing) has a deep understanding of law, and not a day goes by in our house without spirited legal debates. Sometimes it’s lively, sometimes it’s noisy, but it’s always engaging. Along with the love and care that bind us, law is also the force that connects and energizes us.
Focus and mindfulness for me come from consistency and determination. The determination to read every document carefully, to understand every client personally, and to never compromise on precision. I believe in showing up — fully present and fully prepared — every single day. That’s what shapes long-term success.
I’ve also been fortunate to have worked under some of the finest seniors, whose mentorship helped me in understanding not just the letter of law, but also the unwritten code of ethics and decorum in the courtroom. Their teachings stay with me even today.
As the profession evolves with technology and new challenges, I remain rooted in traditional advocacy values: clarity, credibility, and compassion. That’s the compass I follow on this lifelong journey.
The field of law is intellectually stimulating but undoubtedly comes with its own set of challenges. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what continues to drive your passion for this profession?
During my school days, even though I was a backbencher, I was deeply committed to my studies and consistently ranked among the top five students. In 12th grade, my sole focus was to score well in the board exams. At that stage, I didn’t have the right exposure or mentorship to guide me through structured career entrances like CLAT, so I missed that opportunity. But in hindsight, I believe everything unfolded as it was meant to.
My journey into law began soon after, and it felt like a natural progression. What initially inspired me was the intellectual challenge the field presents—law requires critical thinking, structured reasoning, and a constant engagement with real-world issues. I was drawn to its power to bring order, resolve disputes, and protect rights.
What keeps me passionate today is how dynamic and impactful the profession is. No two matters are ever the same. Whether I’m drafting arguments, interpreting statutes, or strategizing for a client, there’s always something new to learn and contribute. The sense of purpose that comes from knowing my work can help individuals, shape policies, or uphold justice is incredibly fulfilling. Law constantly challenges me to grow, not just as a professional but as a person. That’s what keeps me inspired every single day.
After completing your law degree, what motivated you to pursue a Master’s in Corporate and Business Law from Gujarat National Law University? Why did you choose this particular specialization and institution?
Before pursuing my Master’s, my journey as a first-generation lawyer was rooted in curiosity and a hunger to learn through experience. With no mentors in the field, I gravitated naturally toward litigation. My first internship was under Hon’ble Mr. Justice Aniruddha P. Mayee, who was then an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court and is now a sitting judge of the Gujarat High Court. Observing his sharp advocacy and structured thinking left a lasting impression on me. It was there I discovered the energy and depth of courtroom practice, and I knew litigation was my path.
Being a hands-on learner, I expressed a desire to continue training under him. He encouraged me to first build a strong foundation at the trial court level, and referred me to a boutique litigation firm in Jangpura. For nearly three years, I balanced my law school schedule with intensive training at the firm, gaining invaluable exposure to real-world practice.
Later, I decided to pursue a Master’s in Corporate and Business Law from Gujarat National Law University. Having missed the NLU experience earlier, I was determined to learn in that ecosystem. GNLU’s academic rigor and national stature gave me the perfect platform to complement my practical litigation background with a solid corporate legal framework.
In the early stages of your legal career, what were some formative experiences that deepened your understanding of the law? How significant do you believe was the role of mentors or seniors during this phase?
In the early stages of my legal career, what truly deepened my understanding of the law was being exposed to its ground-level application. Working closely at the trial court level, I learned that law is not just about theory or interpretation; it is about people, timing, and precision. I saw firsthand how a strong cross-examination or a well-crafted written submission could influence the outcome of a case. This practical immersion gave me a sense of how justice is pursued step by step.
One particularly formative experience was learning to draft under tight deadlines in live matters. I understood the value of clarity, accuracy, and urgency. No classroom could have replicated that intensity.
Mentors played a critical role during this time. Their guidance was not limited to legal advice; they taught me how to carry myself in court, how to listen, when to push, and when to hold back. Their trust in giving me real responsibilities early on helped build my confidence. Being corrected in real time and then being encouraged to do better was more valuable than any textbook. These early lessons laid the foundation not just for my knowledge of law but for how I practice and perceive it to this day.
You have represented constitutional writ petitions involving sensitive issues, such as the rights of transgender and sexual minority prisoners. What inspired you to take on such complex matters? How do you approach the legal, ethical, and emotional dimensions of cases that receive widespread media attention?
Yes, I’ve always been deeply driven by causes rooted in social justice and constitutional values. My journey into such complex and sensitive matters began in 2020, when I filed a PIL in my own name before the Delhi High Court, seeking protection of attorney-client privilege in virtual communications during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court issued directions to the Bar Council of India, following which the BCI requested the government to specify secure apps for confidential communications. That experience showed me how a focused legal intervention can protect fundamental rights, even in emerging digital contexts.
Shortly after, I was approached by a legal correspondent who brought to my attention a disturbing gap, the complete absence of data regarding transgender in the NCRB’s prison statistics. This struck a chord with me. I filed another PIL arguing that in a system where transgender persons are neither acknowledged on paper nor provided with basic facilities in jails, their dignity and identity are systematically denied. I sought urgent judicial intervention to include “third gender” as a separate category in national prison statistics.
The Hon’ble Court took serious note, and the Union Government committed to including transgender persons in future jail data reporting.
Cases like these require more than legal knowledge, they demand empathy, courage, and a strong ethical compass. I approach such matters with humility and responsibility, knowing that they affect real lives and attract public scrutiny. My role is not only to argue persuasively but to uphold the dignity of those whose voices often go unheard. Media attention never distracts me, it reminds me of the greater duty I carry as a lawyer committed to constitutional values and human dignity.
After working with various Advocates-on-Record and Senior Advocates, what led you to establish your own independent practice? What were some of the initial hurdles you encountered, and how did you navigate those challenges?
I was fortunate to work under some of the finest legal minds in the profession, who not only sharpened my understanding of the law but also instilled in me the discipline, ethics, and confidence essential for courtroom practice. The exposure I received, whether through detailed research, complex drafting, or closely observing strategic litigation, made me realize the kind of advocate I aspired to become.
Eventually, I felt the urge to take ownership of my own matters and arguments. I believed that building an independent practice would allow me to grow beyond execution and step into strategic thinking, decision-making, and direct client advocacy. It was not an easy transition.
One of the biggest hurdles was earning the trust of clients without the backing of a senior’s name. I had to prove my capability in every brief and every appearance. There were also financial uncertainties and administrative pressures that come with running your own practice. But I overcame them through consistency, networking, and staying deeply committed to every matter I took up, big or small.
The challenges were many, but the sense of professional growth and personal fulfillment that comes with independence has made the journey deeply rewarding.
As an AOR you represent both private and government clients, particularly in matters under the Electricity Act. What are some recurring legal or procedural challenges you face in this domain?
As destiny would have it, my exposure to electricity and regulatory law began early in my career at one of the offices I worked in, where I had the opportunity to assist on matters for a panel representing electricity distribution companies before the Delhi High Court. That experience sparked a genuine interest in the regulatory framework under the Electricity Act. I gradually took on more responsibilities, working closely on drafting, strategy, and regulatory filings. Recognizing my growing familiarity and aptitude for the subject, the panel encouraged me to formally associate and handle matters independently. That marked the beginning of my journey in this specialized field.
Electricity law is a unique blend of legal, technical, and regulatory dimensions. One recurring challenge is navigating the procedural overlaps between forums such as the State Commissions, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, and Appellate Tribunal. Each has its own timelines, jurisdictional nuances, and compliance obligations. Another frequent hurdle is the technical complexity of issues, including tariff computations, grid code compliance, and power purchase agreements, which often require a detailed understanding of engineering and finance concepts.
To overcome this, I make it a point to engage regularly with technical experts and stay updated on evolving regulatory guidelines and judicial precedents. Whether I represent government utilities or private players, I approach each matter by balancing legal strategy with technical clarity. This intersectional understanding is what helps deliver real value to clients in this challenging yet intellectually rewarding area of law.
What has been one of the most challenging cases you’ve handled so far? Could you share insights into how you prepared for it and managed its complexities?
There have been several challenging cases in my journey, and each one, whether a high-stakes regulatory dispute or a sensitive constitutional matter, has tested my legal acumen in different ways. What I’ve learned is that no case is “simple” once you delve into its details. Every matter demands thorough preparation, a clear strategy, and a deep understanding of both law and facts.
I approach complex cases by breaking them down systematically, starting with exhaustive legal research, understanding procedural nuances, and aligning the facts with the most persuasive legal framework. Often, the real challenge lies in navigating unpredictability, whether it is evolving judicial trends, stakeholder expectations, or tight timelines.
Support from peers and mentors, along with constant self-discipline, has been critical. I believe the ability to remain calm under pressure, think logically, and communicate clearly both inside and outside court is what ultimately helps turn legal complexities into opportunities for impactful advocacy.
What advice would you offer to young lawyers starting their careers? Are there specific habits, mindsets, or resources that played a key role in shaping your professional journey?
My advice to young lawyers, especially those stepping into litigation, is to embrace patience and perseverance. This profession doesn’t offer immediate rewards but it promises lasting growth for those who are committed. In the early years, it’s easy to feel disheartened when you see peers in other fields earning more or progressing faster. But law, particularly litigation, is a long game. The knowledge, credibility, and client trust you build over time compound into something far more meaningful than just a paycheck.
One habit that shaped my journey was showing up consistently, even when the work felt repetitive or unrewarded. Staying curious, reading beyond case files, and learning from seniors helped me sharpen both my understanding of the law and the courtroom. I also found it crucial to remain humble. This field rewards those who are open to learning every day.
Litigation tests your character before it builds your career. But if you remain focused, disciplined, and honest in your work, the profession will eventually give you more than you imagined. There’s no shortcut, only the steady climb. And that’s what makes every milestone worth it.
Being an AOR and balancing a demanding legal practice with personal life can be challenging. How do you manage your professional responsibilities while also making time for yourself? What do you do to unwind and stay focused?
Balancing a demanding legal practice as an Advocate-on-Record with personal life certainly has its challenges, but I’ve come to believe that balance isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing what truly matters with focus and intention. I’ve learned to manage my schedule by prioritizing what needs my attention most and creating small pockets of time for myself, no matter how busy the day is.
To unwind, I rely on simple but grounding routines: spending time with loved ones, going for long walks, and staying physically active. I also make it a point to disconnect from screens and step away from work conversations when I’m off duty. That break, however brief, allows me to return to work sharper and more focused.
For me, it’s not about achieving a perfect work-life balance every day, but about being present in whatever I’m doing, whether I’m in court or at the dinner table. That mindset keeps me centered. Over time, I’ve realized that sustaining a successful legal career isn’t just about how hard you work; it’s also about how well you care for your own well-being along the way.
