Ma’am, could you please tell us a little about your background and what led you to pursue a career in law?
I’m a law graduate from Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, and thereafter I’ve done my masters from Queen Mary, University of London. I’m also an advocate on record at the Supreme Court of India. The areas of my expertise include civil and commercial law, property law, writ litigation, and advisory. I represent clients and appear before the Supreme Court of India, the High Court of Delhi, and District Courts. I had a fair idea that I wanted to pursue law as a profession since my school days, and that developed further after my graduation.
You’ve worked for various organizations as a panel advocate. Could you walk us through what you learned from each experience and how it has contributed to your overall growth as a lawyer?
My work as an advocate and my engagement as a panel advocate of government bodies have made me appreciate the importance of the complex interaction of centre, state, and local law. I decided to pursue law because I believe that the law is a critical tool for addressing problems facing our national and immediate environments and for securing a high quality of life for the citizens of society. The work undertaken by me as a panel advocate helped me build on my background, skills, and knowledge, which propelled my growth in the legal profession.
In my previous experience as a panel advocate, I have learned and grown due to the complexity of litigation involved in such assignments and the responsibility of representing government agencies. I would like to believe that working directly with government entities in the legal system has given me opportunities to see how the law affects real people and how it works in real time.
Could you share with us some of the most challenging cases you’ve handled in your career so far, and how you approached them?
The most challenging cases that stand out distinctively in my mind would be a batch of review petitions for enhancement of compensation in a land acquisition matter in the Supreme Court early on in my career. This was my first independent appearance and an opportunity to argue a case before the Supreme Court. This case gave me the confidence to draft and plead a case from its inception to its rightful conclusion. These are rare opportunities for a young lawyer, and I would like to thank my senior, Sh. S. K. Pabbi, for the same.
You’ve also been involved in legal aid and pro bono work. Could you tell us a little bit about your experience in this area and why it’s important to you?
I’ve worked as a panel advocate with the Delhi State Legal Services Authority for three years. This has allowed me to observe the workings of our justice delivery system and has allowed me to contribute my small bit to the better implementation of reforms that legal aid strives for. After working with legal services authorities, I have gained a fair understanding of how the various elements of the justice system operate and how essential legal aid is for fulfilling the promise of access to justice for every citizen.
Could you walk us through your research and publications, particularly your dissertation on Drawing Adverse Inferences from the Non-Production of Evidence in International Arbitration?
I have developed my writing and research skills as a postgraduate student while writing my dissertation. The opportunity to write my dissertation taught me the basic research skills that any legal professional must master. This experience helped me gain insights on effective research techniques and improve my writing skills, which assisted me in sculpting my drafting skills as an advocate.
How did you approach your academic studies, and do you have any tips for aspiring law students?
My approach has always been to understand the fundamental principles of any law instead of knowing the number of the section or the name of a certain principle. It’s paramount to have an understanding rather than mere knowledge of various Acts, as litigation is the intersection of various laws. It’s also important to develop a sense of curiosity and keep it alive as the years pass by. I would also advise law school aspirants to cultivate a healthy habit of reading.
What advice would you give to fresh graduates who are just starting their careers in law?
I would like to share something I read that has stuck with me as a first-generation lawyer, especially with those who want to work in litigation: “patience is not something you develop out of choice but because nothing else works.” At the risk of sounding preachy, I would advise law graduates who want to work in litigation to have perseverance and patience.
Sir, please tell us about your educational background and how you got started in the legal profession?
Soon after tenth grade, I decided to become a lawyer. With this idea in mind, I finished my Junior College and started the five year law course in Government Law College, Mumbai. While studying, I joined the law firm Desai & Diwanji and I signed my Articles with them. This was my first experience of the legal profession and it was mostly corporate transactional work. I cleared my Solicitors exam in Mumbai and then decided to experience litigation in the Supreme Court, for which I moved to Delhi to work with Mr. Gourab Banerji, Senior Advocate. I enjoyed litigation and realized I wanted to practice as a Counsel. I moved back to Mumbai in June 2017 and since then have been in the Chambers of Mr. Zubin Behramkamdin, Senior Advocate and am practicing in Mumbai.
How did you decide to specialize in arbitration, civil and commercial litigation, securities, and real estate litigation?
My specialisations are a result of my interests. I was fortunate to do a fair amount of arbitration and commercial litigation while in Delhi and I found it very interesting. I have continued doing such work since. When I moved back to Mumbai, I also ended up doing a lot of civil and real estate litigation in Bombay High Court and Tribunals. My practice in securities litigation has been more recent but it has always been of interest to me since my time pursuing a corporate practice with Desai & Diwanji.
Can you describe a particularly challenging case you worked on and how you approached it?
I think all cases have their own challenges. According to me, the best way to approach a tricky case is to fully understand the client’s case and the context of the disputes. The client’s case is almost always based on their honest assessment of the facts and context and this understanding makes the cases much more manageable. I have also observed that sometimes, very difficult cases acquire their own dimensions as the trial progresses and they become much easier, if handled correctly from the beginning.
You have worked in both Bombay High Court and Supreme Court. What differences have you noticed between the two courts?
The differences are many. A major difference is that the Supreme Court essentially looks at matters that involve substantial questions of law and this warrants a lot more focus on the relevant laws and judgments. The facts have already been decided by the Courts below. On the other hand, the legal proceedings such as suits and arbitration petitions filed in the Bombay High Court generally involve disputed questions of facts, which are being agitated in the first forum. The facts are still not decided and therefore, the arguments tend to be more factual. Appeals in the High Court definitely involve more law but also often relate to disputed questions of fact.
You have also worked in the United States as a visiting attorney. Can you share some of the differences you noticed between the legal systems in India and the US?
I have pursued my LLM in the University of Chicago Law School, US and practiced as a visiting attorney with a law firm in New York for a short while after that. There are many differences but one that really stood out to me was the difference in the manner of drafting pleadings, pleadings are a lot shorter in the US. There is also a lot more focus on the discovery process of documents in litigation there and of course, one of the most interesting differences is the significant difference in the law of evidence that is applicable to trials with juries in the US.
You have worked on drafting reports and recommendations for various government bodies. How did you get involved in these appointments, and what was that experience like?
I was interested in the topics and I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time, I think. The experiences were incredible and I cannot be grateful enough to the distinguished members of the various committees for it. I learned so much from their discussions and deliberations. I started looking at the law from a different perspective because while suggesting amendments, the Committees were also considering the practical difficulties of the relevant laws.
You have published several papers on legal issues. Can you tell us about one of your favorite papers and why it was meaningful to you?
I think one of my favourite papers was the paper on carrying on microfinance in India. The concept is fantastic and I only fully understood and appreciated it after commencing the research for the paper. The idea itself is very noble because it provides cheaper loans to the people who need them the most. While there may be some disadvantages, I think those disadvantages are a result of the faulty application of the concept and hopefully, they are resolved sooner than later.
Looking back on your career, is there anything you would have done differently?
Honestly, I don’t think so. I did spend a lot of time in various different cities and countries pursuing different types of legal practice at the beginning of my career. Some may recommend starting and continuing one kind of practice from day one. However, the experience I got from each of those practices has been rewarding and I believe, has enriched my thought process. I am a product of all of those experiences and after trying various things, I am also quite sure that the legal practice I am now pursuing is the kind that I enjoy the most.
Coming to the last question, can you offer any advice for aspiring lawyers who are just starting their careers?
I think it is most important that you enjoy the practice because it is a demanding profession, which takes a lot of time and effort. I also find that it helps to not make the profession all about the ultimate goals but to take your practice one day at a time, that makes things less stressful and more fun. I also think striking a good work – life balance is essential for lawyers but also very difficult. I am still trying.
Sir, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became interested in law?
I describe myself as a person on the prowl for learning new things. Even when I was pursuing Engineering, I always had an eye out for the latest developments in the law. Subsequently, I completed a course to feed my curiosity in Cyber Law then got my law degree followed by a Master’s degree and, ever since, have not looked back.
What inspired you to focus on trademark, copyright, design and patent law, and what do you find most rewarding about it?
My inspiration is derived from the omnipresent nature of Intellectual Property. From the clothes we wear to the recipes of food we eat, IP forms a part of anything and everything that revolves around us on a daily basis. If that is not inspiration, then what is? The most rewarding factor of IP is the never-ending brain-racking challenges the clients present in continual. To fit their ideas into the right mould in IP and the same reaching to fruition is what being rewarded truly means to me.
Could you describe your experience as a founder of Lawdroit and the types of cases you handle there?
LawDroit is a dynamic law firm. I established it with the motive of “IP under one roof,” and that is what I have aimed for. I started off with India-based clients, the work involves IP prosecution to litigation, and now with the help of my team have slowly expanded into International arenas as well. The experience has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, but when you love what you do, the low lows are a teaching point rather than a despondent experience.
How do you advise clients on the registrability of trademarks, and what factors do you consider when conducting trademark clearance searches?
All my work experience has taught me is that the trademark clearance search forms the ground norm of any brand. I usually assess a trademark based on how unique it is for the perceiving public. The questions I ask myself while conducting a search involve the risk of confusion, availability in the Trade Mark Office register, and whether a prior party exists, which can later turn into a red flag.
How do you approach opposition proceedings, and what strategies have you found to be most effective?
The most effective strategy is gauging the interest and capabilities of the other party. Before commencing an opposition proceeding, I make sure to assess how my client’s rights in the conflicting trademark are getting affected and what is the severity of such an infringement. The strategies revolve around honest concurrent use or acquired statutory or common-law rights.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing intellectual property law in today’s global economy?
The first and foremost challenge I can put my finger on is the lack of knowledge. The unawareness of the aspects or the prospects that surround IP. I have come across various instances where a client wishes to safeguard a particular design but has already released it in the public domain, which makes it outrightly impossible to protect such nuances that can easily be avoided with proper awareness.
You mentioned that you will be appearing for the Barrister and Solicitor exam in Canada later this year. What motivated you to pursue this additional qualification?
I embarked on this journey a while ago, and additional qualifications never hurt. My only motivation, as also stated above that we are now expanding our clientele internationally, and this step was taken to embark on more projects with primary knowledge of the Canadian law of the land.
Finally, what advice would you give to fresh graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in law, particularly in the area of intellectual property?
My advice is two-fold. First, do not be dependent on someone to come and spoon-feed you the procedures and the law. In today’s internet era, when there is a never-ending cluster of knowledge, embrace that and read. Secondly, do not shy away from asking questions during internships and do not decide on a particular field too early. Explore a little and circle back to what floats your boat and will continue to float your boat 30 years down the line as well.
Sir, can you tell us a little about your background and how you first became interested in law?
Coming from a legal background, it was my natural instinct to get attracted to the legal profession and follow in the footsteps paved by my father and grandfather. I still remember my school days when my father used to take me to the court and let me watch the proceedings even though I never understood what transpired there. But it was still a thrilling experience for me to watch live actions in the courtroom which was entirely different from what was shown in movies. From my younger times, I was fascinated by the amazing world of law and had a strong determination to become a lawyer. Though my dream was to become a barrister I ended up being an advocate.
What inspired you to specialize in maritime and shipping law specifically?
During my initial days in the profession as a junior advocate, I had occasions to deal with matters relating to maritime and shipping law, including cargo claims and ship detention. But I never had a sound knowledge of this subject. The legal profession being a knowledge-based industry, I felt that it was necessary for anyone aspiring to specialise in any branch of law to acquire considerable knowledge on the subject. Shipping being an international branch of law it was all the more necessary to be familiar with International conventions which govern the field. India being a maritime nation and government promoting port sector and allied infrastructure development it is just a matter of time that maritime activities will flourish and as a consequence commercial disputes could emerge. That apart, only very few firms in India handle maritime disputes on an exclusive basis. It was in this background that I felt the need to set up a boutique firm handling maritime-related issues.
Can you walk us through some of the most interesting cases you’ve worked on throughout your career?
Shipping-related issues are always interesting considering the element of adventure involved in maritime. During ancient days, the shipping industry was considered suitable for those who are bold and brave and ready to face the perils of the sea. I had occasions to conduct maritime cases on a pan india basis involving huge stakes and also cases relating to piracy, salvage and general average which are not very common in India. One such case which went all the way to Supreme Court was related to the detention and arrest of crew onboard a foreign flag vessel suspecting possession of arms onboard. In fact, the vessel was involved in anti-piracy operations and as part of its engagement to provide security for merchant vessels transiting through high-risk areas, it used to deploy armed guards. On the premise that possession of arms without license is illegal under the Arms Act in India, the entire crew onboard the vessel was arrested most of whom are foreign nationals. The crew were forced to remain in India for a few years until the court set them free of all allegations. I also had occasion to appear before foreign seated arbitral tribunals in disputes relating to Charter party, new constructions, salvage etc. I was also fortunate to be nominated as arbitrator under LMAA terms on a couple of occasions.
You’ve spoken at numerous international events and served as a faculty member at several universities. What motivates you to pursue these opportunities outside of your practice?
I always believe that if sharing your experiences and knowledge even if in a small way could benefit others then that is the best way to reciprocate what the legal industry has given you. That apart, interacting with people from different parts of the world will give us new ideas and also provide with new opportunities, for further advancement of career. It is often said that being a lawyer, you are part of a learning process almost every day and therefore through knowledge sharing sessions you also gain valuable insights into new developments in the field of law.
Can you share any particular challenges or obstacles you faced while building your law firm, UMLC?
Though we were able to develop shipping practise within India in considerably short period of time, it was not an easy task to make the presence of the firm felt in the international arena. However, with constant efforts including attending international conferences and building a global network especially in key jurisdictions the firm was able to get over the initial struggles during the formative stage. When foreign firms are able to publicise their core strengths and achievements through advertisements and websites, we still have restrictions to follow the same in India. Thus atleast in maritime sector it doesn’t provide a level playing field thus putting Indian firms to much disadvantage. Having said that I believe that publicity for a lawyer should be achieved through client satisfaction and maintaining high level of ethical and professional standards in the chosen field.
What do you think sets UMLC apart from other law firms specializing in admiralty law?
Apart from regular cargo claims and ship arrests, our core area of specialisation lies in charter party disputes which eventually lead to maritime arbitrations seated in foreign jurisdictions. Doing LLM in maritime law from Southampton University has indeed helped me in connecting with key people in the industry especially those working in clubs and shipping law firms abroad. This has tremendously helped us in handling legal matters in India as well as in foreign jurisdictions with lot of ease and comfort.
As someone who has been in the legal field for over 25 years, what advice would you offer to recent law graduates who are just starting out?
The only advice I could give to young potential lawyers is that there are no shortcuts to success and the only way to achieve the same is through hard work, dedication and perseverance. One should never compromise on ethics and must follow the best practices in the industry. Take up every opportunity you get as a learning experience and never stop learning.
Sir, can you tell us about your background and what motivated you to pursue a career in Law?
My grandfather Prof. Krishan Datt did his law from Cambridge University, England. He was a barrister at Inner Temple (for more info, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inner_Temple) but after partition didn’t pursue a career in law and had a career as Professor in Economics in Punjab University, Jalandhar.
My father who was 1956 batch IAS officer, was posted in Churu district of Rajasthan, where I was born. I grew up watching my father deal with revenue cases as District Collector, hence interest for the subject of law naturally came up in me.
After my initial schooling from Mayo college, Ajmer and high school from St. Xavier’s School, Jaipur, I graduated in science and thereafter enrolled myself in Three Year Law Program at University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
After completing your LLB and LLM, you briefly worked as a journalist before returning to the practice of law. What made you decide to make that switch?
After doing my LLB and before completing my LLM I cleared an examination conducted by the Times of India, New Delhi for the post of ‘Legal English Sub-Editor’. After pursuing this field for a few months, I decided to complete my Masters in Law and join advocacy. Thereafter I started working as an associate at a law firm in Jaipur and practiced law at High Court of Judicature of Rajasthan at Jaipur bench for four years (1991-1995).
Both legal journalism and advocacy require similar skill set, for e.g., command over law, articulation, critical thinking and reasoning, patience and perseverance. I found myself foraying into advocacy and hence came back to Jaipur.
You have worked as a judicial officer in various capacities. Can you tell us about some of the highlights of your career in this field?
People generally think that role of a judicial officer is confined to courtroom. But a judge wears many hats. The role of a judicial officer is quite diverse ranging from adjudication, to policy making and even administrative work. Apart from serving in judicial forums, I have worked at policy formulation level as Secretary (Law), Ministry of Law, Government of Rajasthan. Now as Director, RSLSA, Rajasthan High Court, I am involved in implementing schemes to provide legal aid across the State of Rajasthan. Hence, a career in judicial services is enriching one and now with good pay scales, it is becoming increasingly popular among law students.
I don’t think there are any highlights in the service tenure of a judicial officer because he is bound to deliver justice in whatever capacity he is sitting. There may be sensitive cases in which a specialised agency may have filed a chargesheet or media-focussed cases, whatever may be the case, he has to oversee the trial in an impartial and fair manner.
As the Director of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority, you are involved in executing the Legal Aid Program of Rajasthan High Court to provide free legal aid to destitute people throughout the State of Rajasthan. Can you tell us about this program and how it is making a difference in people’s lives?
The Chief Justice of the High Court of Rajasthan is Patron – in – chief as well as executive chairman of RSLSA. The State government in consultation with Hon’ble C.J.H.C. appoint Member Secretary and Director RSLSA for implementing the legal aid programs through funds allocated by the Central Government under NALSA Schemes. Any person having net income of less than 3 lakh per annum is entitled for legal aid in the State of Rajasthan apart from women, members of SC/ST community and children etc. I have personally seen cases in which a woman who is the recipient of legal aid by RSLSA, had got cost imposed on her by order of a court. The moot question is can a Court impose cost on recipient of legal aid and who will pay the cost imposed. This matter is pending at the policy level and soon it is hoped that recipients of legal aid will not have cost imposed upon them by courts.
Under the Lok Adalat schemes, we endeavour to ensure that speedy, legal justice is bestowed to the recipients especially under Bank recovery cases and cases of NI Act. In Rajasthan, in the last national Lok Adalat, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of High Court via e-conference interacted one to one with the local population of various districts and provided valuable input regarding disposal of cases including asking the courts to follow ratio propounded by Hon’ble Supreme court in Pranay Sethi Case and Pappu Devi Case.
You were instrumental in drafting and vetting the Rajasthan Protection from Lynching Bill, 2019, and the Bill on Honour Killing which was later passed by the Rajasthan Assembly. Can you tell us about your role in drafting these bills and how they are helping to tackle these issues in the state?
The drafting and vetting of these bills took place while I was posted as Secretary (Law) and later as Special Secretary in Ministry of Law, Government of Rajasthan. The drafting of the bill was undertaken by me as well as other members of Law Department on receiving the proposals from Home Department. Before any Bill Making process begins, the proposal would come from relevant department and then it goes for scrutiny to the home department. Afterwards it is sent for legal vetting to the Law department and finally financial vetting with the Finance department.
In Rajasthan there have been many untoward incidents of mob lynching such as the Pehlu Khan case and the Rakbar Khan case because of which need was felt to enact a separate legislation for mob lynching for providing not only stricter punishment to offenders but also relief and rehabilitation to victims.
Similarly, there were several cases of illegal diktats reported from Khap Panchayats leading to Honour killings in the State because of which the State Legislature passed “Rajasthan Prohibition of Interference with the Freedom of Matrimonial Alliances in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill”.
The process of legal vetting of Bill involves examining the Bill on constitutional parameters, encouraging easy to understand drafting and preparing English and Hindi texts. As Secretary (Law & Parliamentary Affairs), I also used to attend Vidhan Sabha sessions whenever a Bill of critical importance was tabled.
You have also served as a member of the Board of Revenue for Rajasthan, where you heard land revenue cases and appeals against the orders of various authorities. Can you tell us about your experience in this role?
As Member, Board of Revenue for Rajasthan, I heard land revenue cases in single and division bench and heard appeals against the orders of Sub Divisional officer, District Collectors, Revenue Appellate authority and Divisional commissioners.
One interesting incident in the Revenue Board was that reference cases were filed by the government against persons who were allotted land prohibited under the Rajasthan Tenancy Act. Instead of acting directly against the Khaatedar, I ordered action to be taken against the revenue officials responsible for allotting such land. I also ordered inquiry and trial against persons poaching in Sariska Wildlife reserve resulting in protection of wildlife in Sariska Forest in Alwar district of Rajasthan.
On the administrative side, I was the inspecting officer for all the Tahsildar Courts and SDO Courts of the various district of Rajasthan. In the revenue board, our endeavour was digitalisation and computerisation of Land Revenue records thereby resulting in easy accessibility of such records to the general public.
Lastly, what advice would you give to young lawyers who are just starting their careers?
The avenues which have opened up in the field of Law today are immense. Today a fresh law graduate has many options. He can join judicial service or start litigation or join law firm depending on the area of his/her interest, or join PSU’s as manager (legal), become a prosecutor, join in-house or even go for vacation schemes in Magic Circles Law Firms. Whatever stream they venture into, they must have patience and perseverance. In the rural areas, the concept of toutism in the legal profession is gradually getting over as better and quality legal education is percolating down at the Taluka Level with the general public having more awareness regarding their rights. Create short term and long-term goals for yourself and keep. Don’t try to rush into things. Julius Stone talks about lawyer’s extraversion which means a good lawyer should not only know law but also other subjects like humanities, science, technology, anthropology, psychology etc., hence keep on reading things apart from law as well.
Ma’am, could you please share with us how you began your career in law, and what motivated you to pursue this profession?
I completed my B.A.LL.B. degree from National Law Institute University, Bhopal in 2013 and enrolled as an advocate in the same year. Propelled by my keen interest in International Criminal Law, I pursued my LL.M in International Crime and Justice from United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy in the year 2014.
Immediately after returning to India, I cleared the All India Civil Services Examination in 2015. My position thereafter provided me with great exposure. I took the charge of Assistant Director, Office of Regional Director (North Zone), Ministry of Corporate Affairs, New Delhi for two fulfilling years. Since December 2018, I have been pursuing my career in law as a Legal Practitioner and as the co-founder of Pethia and Shergill Law Offices which is now being rebranded as Swarnim Partners and Associates.
My passion for social justice and litigation were the main factors that motivated me to pursue law as a career. As I was pursuing my B.A.LL.B., I witnessed workplace inequalities, social inequality, and injustice. It ignited a strong desire in me to make a difference in people’s lives by being there for them to fight for their rights. I also had a keen interest in the Indian legal system and its workings, which further fuelled my decision to pursue a career in law.
As an advocate on record at the Supreme Court of India, and a registered advocate with the Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh, could you tell us what it takes to become a successful advocate in India’s legal system?
I’m a panel lawyer for the State of Madhya Pradesh before the Supreme Court of India since 2020 and qualified for the Advocate-on-record exam in the year July 2022. To become a successful advocate in India’s legal system, I feel that, one must have a strong foundation in legal knowledge. It is important to continually learn and evolve in this profession. If you are first generation lawyer, then you also need a lot of patience because it takes time to start getting your own clients. Till that time, one must try to gain as much practical knowledge of law as possible.
From my personal experience, I have observed that the kind of exposure my LL.M. degree gave me is immeasurable. After that, I cleared the AOR exam, and preparing for it again was an evolutionary process. Every exam’s preparation will always give you something in return.
Moreover, excellent communication and analytical skills are also two significant requirements for a successful litigation career. It is also essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of law. In addition to that, I believe that one of the most important traits of a successful lawyer is to build a good rapport with clients and to empathetically understand their needs and objectives. Additionally, networking within your profession also plays an important role in building a successful career.
You ranked 593 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2015 on your first attempt. How did you prepare for this exam, and how has your experience in the Indian Corporate Law Service informed your current work as an advocate?
My preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Exam involved a lot of hard work, strategic planning, and dedication. I studied by dividing hours each day systematically and focused on improving my knowledge in new areas. I also took several mock tests to help me better understand the format of the exam and to build my confidence.
Taking the charge of Assistant Director, Office of Regional Director (North Zone), Ministry of Corporate Affairs, New Delhi has played an invaluable role in my independent litigation practice and also in co-founding my firm. It not only invoked my interest in corporate law but also enhanced my knowledge and understanding of the same. The profound experience helped me to advise my clients better on matters related to corporate law and IBC. Additional capabilities cultivated during my tenure as a civil servant such as strong analytical and problem-solving skills have also proven to be useful in my litigation practice.
You have extensive experience in commercial litigation, including representing private and government. Could you speak to the challenges of working in this area of law and how you approach them?
There are various challenges in commercial litigation. If I have to name a few, then the complexity of cases and voluminous documentation involved. To overcome voluminous documentation, I have adopted a meticulous and organized approach to document management. The shift towards electronic gadgets has also been a saviour in this regard. The complexity of the case is not a challenge per se, but it requires a deep understanding and interest in the subject to bring out fruitful results for your clients.
Additionally, maintaining transparency with clients by regularly updating them on the progress of the case, and providing them a realistic assessment of the case’s potential outcome also helps in dealing with the complexities issue. Ultimately, it takes a mixture of interest, skill, experience, and diligent work to succeed in commercial litigation.
In addition to your work in law, you have also served as a member of several internal complaints committees established under the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act. What inspired you to take on this role, and what lessons have you learned from it?
As someone who strongly believes in ensuring safe and equitable workplaces for all women, I was inspired to take on the role of serving as the Independent External Member on the Internal Complaints Committees of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Parliament of India, Swarovski India Private Limited, Cvent India Private Limited. Through my work on these committees, I have learned that creating a safe and supportive environment for women to report incidents of sexual harassment is crucial in preventing and addressing these issues in the workplace. With my keen interest in workplace equality, I have also founded an organization namely Equalplus. The sole purpose of this organization is to ensure workplace equality.
It is of paramount importance to approach every complaint of sexual harassment with the utmost sensitivity, empathy, and dedication to deal with a complaint with impartiality and fairness. At the same time, it is also about protecting the rights of the respondent as well. This role has strengthened my belief in the requirement for constant efforts to raise awareness and educate the public at large about the seminal importance of preventing sexual harassment at workplace.
You hold an LL.M. in International Criminal Law, which you earned from the United Nations Inter-Regional Crime and Justice Institute and Universitá Degli di Torino, Italy. How has this advanced degree influenced your legal practice, and what are some of the key takeaways you gained from your studies?
Having pursued my LL.M. in International Crime and Justice, I have been able to enhance my knowledge of criminal law beyond the domestic Indian legal system. It helped me understand the relevance of comparative studies and understanding the other prevalent criminal justice systems around the world. The degree has also given me a much deeper knowledge of international criminal law.
Having a broader understanding of other nations’ judicial systems has also made me better understand the domestic Indian justice system, and has helped me represent my clients with a strategic approach domestically.
Overall, my LL.M. from United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy has helped me to become a more well-rounded and informed advocate and has given me the tools to approach legal issues from a more nuanced perspective. As I have mentioned earlier, the legal profession is ever evolving and the only way to survive in this profession is to learn and expand your knowledge.
You have published several articles on legal topics, including “To Bail or Not to Bail?” and “In the Light of Growing Prison Population Should We Look for Alternatives to Imprisonment?” What inspired you to begin writing about the law, and what message do you hope to convey through your work?
The legal profession is not just about practicing law, it is more than that. It is an ever-growing process to learn. It is very important to share your thoughts and views with the public at large and then have a critical analysis of your thoughts from others. This is one of the best ways to grow and learn.
My articles reflect my insights on the issues related to reluctance in granting bail, overburdening the already overburdened jails by non-strategical imprisonment, and my thoughts on alternatives to imprisonment.
The reluctance of granting bail to the accused is an issue that has recently been pointed out by the Hon’ble CJI D.Y. Chandrachud as well. As a progressive nation with an independent judiciary that believes in the idea of transformative constitutionalism, there is a need to have an effective change in the criminal justice system to make provisions regarding the alternatives to imprisonment. Through my writing, I hope to encourage meaningful conversations about these important topics and promote reforms that can lead to a more just criminal justice system.
As a member of various complaints committees, you have likely seen how the law impacts people’s everyday lives in profound ways. What do you believe are some of the most pressing legal issues facing India today, and how do you think they can best be addressed?
Working in several complaints committees has given me the exposure to see first-hand how the law leaves an impression on people’s lives in remarkable ways. I believe the most pressing legal issues which India is facing today are, the lack of equal access to justice for all, the lacunas in our justice system, being less vocal and active in addressing gender-based violence and discrimination, and the inability to protect and defend the rights of marginalized communities.
The best way to address these challenges is to promote legal literacy and awareness. This can be done with the help of various law schools in India, and by enhancing the efficiency of our justice system by being more alert on the issues related to corruption. It is important to work towards creating an environment that is more inclusive to protect the rights of everybody. Additionally, efforts must be made to address the root causes of social and economic inequality, which can exacerbate legal problems for marginalized communities.
Lastly, what advice would you like to give to all the law graduates who are at the beginning of their careers?
As a legal professional with several years of experience, I would advise young law graduates to continually strive to expand their knowledge base. Since the field is constantly evolving, it is imperative to stay up to date with the latest developments.
Another significant piece of advice for young lawyers is to be patient in their quest to have an independent legal career. By expecting success overnight in this challenging field, they set themselves up for disappointment. However, through persistent efforts and dedication, they can achieve their goals and make a lasting positive impact on society.
Hi Gaurav! Before getting into the big details, can you tell us why you chose law as a career? Has it been a lingering childhood ambition?
Since childhood I had a natural inclination towards law as both my parents are in the legal profession. I have always been motivated seeing their commitment towards law and administration of justice. Practice of law is such that in one matter a lawyer would be assisting clients in complex civil or transactional matters and in another matter a lawyer would be instrumental in protecting the lives and liberties of individuals. I am of the belief that as lawyers we can make a positive impact in our society at large and this motivated me to pursue a career in law.
Can you throw light on your practice pertaining to Commercial and Residential Real Estate transactions and Corporate-Commercial Practice?
Our Real Estate practice revolves around acting on behalf of clients in acquisitions of land, developmental projects, commercial properties, multi-unit and single-family dwelling units. We also represent clients in institutional and private financing transactions.
As a part of our Corporate-Commercial practice, we assist our corporate clients in the acquisition and disposition of shares/ assets, franchise agreements and business purchases. We also advise health care providers on matters ranging from acquisition of existing medial practices, incorporations, partnership agreements and regulatory and licensing matters.
As we grow, we are also expanding our practice areas to include Immigration Law specific matters as well.
Many budding law graduates intend to pursue LLM abroad. Can you describe your journey from Army Institute of Law (Affiliated to Punjabi University) to Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto. What motivated you to pursue your LLM in Canada?
During my time at law school, more and more law graduates began to pursue higher education abroad. With most of my internships and past experiences centered around litigation and adversarial system of law in India, the premise of gaining experience on how law is practiced in foreign jurisdictions seemed exciting to me. When I did my research, I was intrigued to learn how pursuing Masters at reputed universities would enable candidates to learn how law is practiced and applied in foreign jurisdictions.
With that in mind, I applied to two Canadian Universities. I received an offer from Osgoode Hall Law School (York University, Toronto), which is the second oldest law school in Canada and because of the stimulating academic environment and diverse course offerings of the graduate program, Osgoode had always been my first preference.
How did your education and internship experiences in India play a role in shaping your career as a lawyer now in Canada?
During law school, I interned at the Punjab & Haryana High Court and District Courts to learn how litigation practices are managed. I also interned at a tier-1 law firm in Delhi in their General Corporate practice to get an insight on how legal support services are provided to corporate clients. I believe experience in both litigation and corporate setup is essential to ascertain one’s true calling in law.
These days most of the premier law institutions abroad prefer candidates with prior work experience for admissions to graduate program. When I applied, it was not the norm but candidates with prior experience were preferred. My family and faculty at Army Institute of Law encouraged me to take a leap of faith and apply. In my statement of purpose to the foreign universities, I explained how my internship experiences enhanced my understanding and application of law in theory and in practice.
Can you give our readers a glimpse of your experiences as an Articling Law Student at Mississauga?
In Ontario, the Law Society mandates that prior to being admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor, licensing candidates need to work under the supervision of a lawyer for around 10 months (articling) or complete a law practice program. I articled at a boutique law firm in Mississauga focusing on Real Estate, Corporate and Immigration Law. During my time at the firm, I gained hands-on experience on how to manage files and develop a resolution-oriented approach.
What do you think are best areas of practice for Indian law graduates seeking to establish themselves as lawyers and solicitors abroad?
In most western countries, lawyers usually practice as specialists of one or two areas of law. General law practices are prevalent but not very common. I am of firm belief that one must choose an area of practice based on what they are passionate about. I believe Corporate Commercial, Real Estate, Criminal and Estate law practices would continue to be rewarding in the future.
Can you describe how your normal work day would be like at Dhillon & Bhatti Lawyers Professional Corporation?
Our firm is open on weekdays from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. We are a team of two lawyers with support staff. We usually start our day by attending to tasks that require immediate attention. Client meetings, appearances and important deadlines are marked in our digital calendar. I make it a point to go through my schedule for the next day one day in advance so that I am able to manage work seamlessly the next day. Depending on workload, sometimes we need to work on weekends and afterhours on weekdays. Most of our work has crucial deadlines and time is of the essence in corporate and real estate transactions. We usually host team lunches on Friday evenings to end the work week on a lighter note.
What are the qualities and talents you would look out for in an intern or fresher you would recruit for Dhillon & Bhatti Lawyers Professional Corporation?
I believe strong analytical skills and resolution-oriented approach is essential. Our clients are either billed hourly or a flat fee retainer is settled. In either case, time management skills are of value as lawyers usually work on multiple matters in a day.
Can you share your advice and words of wisdom to young budding lawyers aiming to set up their legal careers across borders?
Persistence is key and there’s no substitute to hard work. In our line of work, for continuing professional development, devoting time every week towards reading and keeping abreast with new developments in law is absolutely necessary. When it comes to practice of law, a healthy balance must be maintained when it comes to being empathetic and motivated towards the clients cause and a lawyers duty towards the courts in administration of justice.
To give this conversation a start, can you tell us about your background and how you became a multi-disciplinary dispute resolution practitioner and an experienced litigator?
After my bachelor’s degree from Lady Shri Ram College, I pursued Law from Faculty of Law University of Delhi and master’s from New York University School of Law. I started my career with the Chamber of Ms. Geeta Luthra, Senior Advocate, and had the good fortune of working with the office of Mr. Lalit Bhasin, Amarchand Mangaldas Suresh A. Shroff & Co., SAM Co., and Bharucha & Partners. Presently, I am a dispute resolution practitioner and Partner at Luthra & Luthra Law Offices.
About a decade & more ago, dispute resolution practice was more of a generalist stream where clients approached civil lawyers for any commercial dispute that needed resolution. As a corollary, being multi-disciplinary was the norm and less of a calculated choice. Specialized practice areas/verticals and boutique firms are a relatively recent phenomenon.
As for your question of being an ‘experienced litigator’, a lawyer practicing dispute resolution, ought to be a litigator who can ably put forth the client’s case before Court and safeguard client’s best interests.
What are some of the industries you have worked with, and how have you helped them navigate through regulatory and compliance matters?
My industry experience includes infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, oil & natural gas, the rolling stock industry, engineering equipment, and hydropower projects, amongst others. I, along with my team assist clients to steer a mandate from start to finish. This involves advising and representing clients on all ancillary aspects including advisory, regulatory approvals, and on-going compliance matters. We adopt an integrated approach, working with multiple practice experts to identify the optimal strategy and structure for a client.
You specialize in shareholder disputes and contractual claims. Could you please tell us more about the challenges of working on these types of cases, and how you overcome them?
One of the challenges in handling shareholders or contractual disputes is to mitigate the risk of negative impact on performance, operation, and the business of the company. Occasionally, these disputes can also cause reputational loss, consequently, impacting its profitability and growth.
I routinely advise clients to ensure that agreements are well drafted to narrow the scope for future disputes. Expressly written, unambiguous contractual clauses are essential to ensure that shareholder and contractual disputes are timely managed and effectively resolved, with minimal adverse effect on the business. The aim is to device strategies to prevent potential disputes while balancing shareholder interests.
Another aspect to consider especially in shareholder disputes is to set out the mechanism for treatment of individual shares in case of a deadlock. This enables shareholders to offer to buy shares of another shareholder at a determined rate or sell shares to the other shareholders, thereby ensuring that conflicting shareholders exit the company without causing undue harm either to the shareholders’ or the company’s interest.
You have represented clients in various courts and tribunals, including quasi-judicial authorities and commissions. Can you share with us a particularly challenging case you worked on, and how you managed to achieve a favorable outcome?
One of my most challenging cases has been the one that was easiest on facts and merits. While there were excellent supporting documents and what seemed like a straightforward case in our favour, took years and several rounds of litigation to conclude. This was primarily because we were opposing a party in person. Such cases become challenging as they are largely driven by emotions and less by logic, facts, and law. Be that as it may, ultimately court orders and outcomes of cases are premised on evidence and correct application of the extant law and that held us in good stead.
What are some of the emerging trends in dispute resolution and arbitration that you think will shape the industry in the coming years?
Use of technology and increased digitisation have permeated most aspects of life and dispute resolution is no exception to it. There are some developing trends even in dispute resolution, with one such trend being, electronic discovery of documents and records. With many businesses being conducted digitally, the process of collecting and reviewing digital data in litigation and arbitration has increased manifold. Our courts are also increasingly relying on technology such as video conferencing, e-filing systems, live streaming of cases etc., to improve efficiency and ensure greater accessibility to the legal system.
More particularly, in consumer transactions and services, we have witnessed an increase in class actions. Groups of people with similar claims are increasingly joining hands to consolidate their bargaining power to initiate legal action against bigwigs.
I have also noticed a shift in the volume of work that was previously outsourced to law firms, as opposed to how much is now being accomplished in-house. While there may have been a reduction in the quantum of work being outsourced, dispute resolution practitioners are now also being approached for their expertise in evolving strategies for pre-litigation risk mitigation & related advisory.
Can you tell us about an experience that had an impact on your career as a lawyer?
Every case has taught me something new, but this question particularly reminds of an incident in my initial days as a litigator. I was assisting my senior on a matter and during the hearing, I found myself miserably underprepared. After the hearing, I received a well-deserved dressing down from my senior. That episode was my first and last, at being unprepared for a matter. I have since then, been extra cautious at being prepared for a day in Court. I learnt that as a litigator, preparation is the key. While one may develop court craft and gain confidence over the years, one needs to know one’s files thoroughly, from day one.
Could you please tell us about your future plans, and how do you see your practice evolving in the future?
The plan is to keep working now, and in the future; try to tap into opportunities of good civil commercial work and strive to get better at it. That is career progression as I see it.
Lastly, what would you like to say to all the legal professionals out there who are struggling in their initial years?
Struggle is a constant phenomenon and there is no escaping it. Only the nature and magnitude of struggle change with each career milestone. That said, my two pence worth of advice to young professionals is to keep working hard with utmost integrity, and in these times of instant gratification, give oneself time to progress, because progress takes time. There is no instant switch to success, which term itself, is relative.
Ma’am, in order to start this conversation, please let us know what motivated you to be in the legal profession?
Law is a dynamic story for me. I do not come from a family of lawyers but have always revered the profession as a justice-serving device. Fundamental values such as moral conviction and public good (even if that is an unpopular choice) always triggered me. Legal egalitarianism leading to social equality and defending civil rights always triggered me.
Let’s say Atticus Finch motivated me to be in the legal profession.
Kindly share your experience of studying LLM at the Queen Mary-university?
I did my LLB in India in a very different teaching environment. When I started my LL.M, at Queen Mary, it came as a surprise- I mean, a pleasant surprise. The teaching methodology was absolutely distinct in ways I didn’t know existed- always highly interactive. A whole hour in each class would be spent discussing the topic of the day, exchange ideas peer-to-peer; so more often than not, after classes we all will be hanging out somewhere discussing and debating on the day’s topics.
QMUL also gave me plethora of opportunities to write & edit magazines, participate in legal clinics, visit the UN in Geneva, attend insightful seminars, participate in election & Brexit campaigns and a huge lot of other things which I will treasure forever.
I value my degree certificate a lot; But what I value more is the one year that opened my mind incredibly.
IT law professionals are rare in sight, so what motivated you to take up this very specific field of law?
Advancement in technology is inevitable. The pace at which technology is developing is unparalleled. I feel there is a need to ensure that the pace of advancement matches the legal safeguards. This is a non-traditional area of law which I see is burgeoning as new technologies emerge. I wanted to be a part of this- By understanding the new techs and thereafter being part of history creating the legal armour to protect ourselves from not only current issues on digital space but also much complex technology issues, yet to come, that may have profound impact on almost every aspect of our lives.
How do you analyse the freedom of speech over the internet and the restrictions placed upon the same?
Freedom of speech and expression is a guaranteed constitutional right and the fundamental premise of democracy. As it has been said, a democratic society stands fundamentally upon unfettered debate, discussion, and open dialogue, as it acts as the sole “corrective of government action” – that’s the genesis of any discussion on it.
The digital era suddenly opened floodgates of information easily accessible to a large section of the society. The outreach of voices now transcended physical boundaries. It however brought with it new risks and challenges to democracy. Many authoritarian populism across the world used internet to propagate disinformation and hate speech. Problem is that people now do not only have different opinion, they have different facts. Like various sets of information to choose form and as per their convenience deem such information as ‘fact’ on the basis of which they form opinion. Therefore, deciding whether a particular speech is worthy of protection, or not, is a slippery slope.
The ‘harm principle’ and the ‘offense principle’ are often designated as the guardians of social harmony. Our Constitution also provides for reasonable restrictions. But the irony however is with the judgement of what may form ‘reasonable’ – that has a changing face and sometimes an infectious ‘over-sensitivity’ syndrome, leading to dissident voices punished and the freedom curbed.
The current IT Rules amendment on fact-check can be an example. With the power as this amendment provides to the government, the checks & balances provided by the media & civil society would be affected adversely. The answer therefore does not lie in government taking more control to censor unpalatable criticism. That’s dangerous for a democratic, civil society.
Ma’am, please let us know what keeps you motivated to deliver the best in your field?
Motivation comes in various ways. Amongst other things, I think working in a law firm gives you a diverse scope. Adding to it, technology law is a very dynamic area where there is always a new advancement that needs a legal explaining to the client. Honestly speaking there are always some areas where you need research, interpretation and brain-storming. This constant need to get answers and communicate so to the satisfaction of your clients- keeps me motivated. I feel very motivated each time I explain something to a client and they sound very convinced.
What qualities do you think an IT law professional must possess?
Updated on trends in technology is a must
Understanding the client’s needs (including client’s products/ services)
Thereafter, legal risk assessment and managing them
Not just for IT law professionals, but generally drafting and communication skills are important.
We would like to know more about the current role in the TMT legal team of Fox Mandal.
I work as Group Head in the Technology team. My Role includes providing a wide range of advisory to clients in the technology space on data privacy, data breach and security, drafting, advising and negotiating various technology contracts.
In order to wrap this conversation up, kindly provide us with the piece of advice you would like to give to all the budding legal professionals.
Be true to what you do, even if you know that what you are doing is temporary. Do not be impatient. I feel law is an area of learning for the rest of our lives. So be patient.
Also, learning is a very important thing to do, as a legal professional, not just technology lawyer. It’s important to constantly un-learn and re-learn. Every person you interact with, in the profession, senior-junior-peer is our learning tool.
To start this conversation, please tell us about your decision to pursue law.
I finished schooling in 2007, not so long after my father’s retirement from judicial service and right after enrolment of my brother with Bar Council of Delhi. I got to see both of them in invigorating discussions over nitty-gritties of law. This influenced me considerably in making my mind to pursue law. Also, I realised that graduation in law can be foundation for various vocations.
Can you tell us about your experience as a Law-Clerk-cum-Research Assistant in Supreme Court of India? How did this experience shape your career in law?
In 2012, few month before my graduation from National Law University, Jodhpur, I got the opportunity to intern with Retd. Justice Dalveer Bhandari, Former Judge of Supreme Court of India. This experience encouraged me to seek engagement as a Law Clerk-cum-Research Assistant. At that time, Supreme Court of India conducted interviews for selection to pool of graduates for post of Law Clerk-cum-Research Assistant. After I was selected, I got assigned to the office of Retd. Justice RM Lodha, Former Chief Justice of India. He was a very hard task-master and very disciplined. However, he was very kind to allow me to pursue LL.M. while working in his office. My experience as a Law Clerk-cum-Research Assistant enabled me to have a better understanding of jurisdictions of different court(s) and tribunal(s) as paper-book filed in Supreme Court of India are comprehensive vis-à-vis question of law / issue. After my term as Law Clerk-cum-Research Assistant got over, I got the opportunity to work as an associate in office of Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate & Former Addl. Solicitor General of India.
What inspired you to start independent practice and focus on trial court work?
I got to learn a great deal about working of superior courts in office of Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate. During my time at his office, I realised that when one is young in the profession, judges, senior members of bar & court staff accommodate & condone mistakes to enable a learning curve. However, similar treatment is not easily offered to someone who has some experience at the bar.
Over the period of more than 7 years, since I have been independently practicing, I have made my own set of mistakes and I have learned from them. A large part of my learning curve, in trial court, is influenced by my stint as panel lawyer for Magisterial Courts with Delhi State Legal Services Authority and by rendering assistance to my father with his work.
In my opinion, it is very crucial for a lawyer to have a reasonable understanding of workings of court(s) of first instance, especially procedural law(s). It also helps in having a better understanding of the legal issues while working in appellate courts.
Would you share a cross-examination technique or approach?
I do not think that art of cross-examination can be taught. It is developed organically by every lawyer through his / her own experiences.
I have garnered some experience to identify certain crucial concepts. For example, I have seen many witnesses falling prey to confirmation bias. As a lawyer, while doing cross-examination, it is imperative to identify the potential confirmation bias in the testimony of witness and exploit it to raise doubts on credibility of testimony of the witness
In 2020, you got enrolled in the Supreme Court of India as an Advocate-on-Record. Why did you choose to enrol since you focused on trial court work?
While working in trial court, I got many indigent clients whose case had merit for them to be argued before superior courts. I could continue providing legal services in the High Court of Delhi but not in Supreme Court of India since I could not do filing there. I got enrolled as an Advocate-on-Record to become eligible to file and pursue such matters before the Supreme Court of India which, in my opinion, need consideration qua individual right of such litigant or have a larger impact.
Can you tell us about a particularly challenging case you worked on and how you overcame the challenge?
One of the challenging cases I got to work upon was a medico negligence case. I represented the interest of complainant who, who was otherwise suffering from a terminal / chronic illness, having been advised for a particular surgery, had undergone surgery which did not have a favourable outcome. The complainant chose to contest the matter before State Consumer Commission asserting medical negligence against the surgeon / doctor and the hospital. During the pendency of the matter, upon order of State Consumer Commission, an opinion of medical board from a reputed hospital was taken which recorded that there was no medical negligence. However, eventually, the State Consumer Commission declined jurisdiction as compensation sought was beyond its pecuniary jurisdiction.
Thereafter, complainant approached me to pursue the matter before National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Upon seeing the file, I advised the complainant to pursue the complaint before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on the grounds of lack of informed consent and deficiency in service as complainants’ consent form was a standardised pre-printed form. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, in its judgment, though dismissed the complaint but acknowledged that the usage of pre-printed forms for consent, by the hospital, was administrative arbitrariness and one-sided high handedness and imposed heavy cost on the hospital.
You have also worked on notable cases such as Rajesh Tyagi v. Jaibir Singh, FAO No. 842 / 2003 before Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. Can you tell us about it?
The Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in matter titled Rajesh Tyagi v. Jaibir Singh, FAO No. 842 / 2003, dealt with procedural issues faced by Motor Accident Claims Tribunal(s) having jurisdiction in Delhi. The Hon’ble High Court of Delhi directed for Modified Claims Tribunal Agreed Procedure to be followed by all Motor Accident Claims Tribunal(s) which are subordinate to Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and for filing of Detailed Accident Report by investigation agency before concerned Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. These directions have alleviated a large number of concerns faced by Motor Accident Claims Tribunal(s) such as irregular averments in claim petitions, delay in production of documents like proof of income, investigation documents, insurance documents etc., time consumed qua first appearance of parties etc. This has, consequently, resulted in reduction of time span between the date of incident / accident and passing of award.
I got involved in this matter as an associate to Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate who was appointed as an Amicus Curiae. However, after lapse of some time, I got the opportunity to assist the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in my own capacity.
