This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
You have a varied educational background, beginning with a B.A. from Delhi University and later pursuing a law degree at Law College Dehradun. What prompted you to transition to a career in law?
My journey from Delhi University to Law College Dehradun was driven by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact on society. While pursuing my B.A., I was captivated by the dynamics of governance, human rights, and justice systems. Law became the natural path to combine my academic interests with my aspiration to serve. It’s a profession that allows you to challenge societal injustices while empowering others—a responsibility I have always embraced with great passion.
You have worked as an Advocate and Legal Researcher in various courts in Delhi and Haryana, as well as with the Human Rights Commission, Tribunals, and Consumer Forums during your initial years of practice. What were the key learning experiences that shaped your career?
Those early years were transformative. Working across courts, commissions, and tribunals taught me the power of resilience, precision, and empathy in legal practice. I learned that every case, no matter how small, represents a life impacted by law. From drafting intricate arguments to navigating complex human rights cases, each experience honed my ability to analyze issues critically and offer pragmatic solutions. These formative years also reinforced my commitment to justice as more than a principle—it became my purpose.
You served as the Court Manager and CPIO at the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for six years. Could you share with our readers how you obtained that role and what your experiences were like working for a government organisation like the NGT?
My role at the NGT was a significant milestone. I was selected based on my judicial experience and my proficiency in legal administration. At the NGT, I had the privilege of streamlining court operations, managing Right to Information (RTI) requests, and contributing to the Tribunal’s mission of ensuring environmental justice. Working in a government organization taught me the value of efficiency, collaboration, and innovation in addressing urgent environmental issues. It was a rare opportunity to be at the intersection of law, governance, and sustainability.
With 14 years of diverse experience across various fields, you have also worked as a Teaching Associate (Law) at LBSNAA in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. What inspired you to pursue a career in academia, and do you have plans to return to teaching in the future?
Academia is where knowledge meets inspiration. My tenure at LBSNAA allowed me to shape the legal perspective of future civil servants, which was immensely rewarding. Teaching is a two-way process—you give, but you also learn. It inspired me to think deeply about the evolution of law and its practical application. While my current focus is legal practice, I remain passionate about academia and hope to return to teaching, as empowering young minds is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to society.
Could you share your preparation strategies that helped you crack the Rajasthan Judicial Services Exam and become a Civil Judge and Metropolitan Magistrate?
Success in judicial services exams is not about rote memorization but mastering the art of analysis. I approached my preparation with a structured plan, focusing on understanding core legal concepts, landmark judgments, and procedural nuances. Consistent revisions, daily answer writing, and solving previous years’ papers were my pillars of preparation. I also cultivated a habit of staying updated with contemporary legal developments, as awareness of real-world issues is crucial for anyone aspiring to the judiciary.
Serving as a Judicial Officer in the Rajasthan Judicial Services must have been a challenging role, dealing with various court-related matters. What was the most challenging experience in that position of authority that you’d like to share with our readers?
One of the most profound challenges I faced was adjudicating emotionally charged family disputes. These cases are not just about applying laws; they require a delicate balance of empathy, fairness, and legal reasoning. As a Judicial Officer, every decision carries immense weight, impacting lives and shaping perceptions of justice. Those moments taught me the true meaning of responsibility and the need to approach every case with integrity and compassion.
After working as a Judicial Officer for three years, what led you to leave the Judicial Services to establish your own practice at the Supreme Court, handling civil, criminal, and service matters?
My transition from the judiciary to independent practice was guided by a desire to explore broader legal challenges and contribute to precedent-setting cases. The judiciary taught me the importance of impartiality and due process, which I now bring to my practice at the Supreme Court. Handling civil, criminal, and service matters allows me to address complex legal issues while advocating for justice on behalf of individuals and institutions alike. This shift has been deeply fulfilling, as it allows me to combine my judicial insights with advocacy.
What advice would you give to young aspirants who wish to pursue a successful career in law and Judicial Services?
To all aspiring lawyers and judicial officers: Stay curious, stay committed, and never lose sight of your purpose. Master the fundamentals of law, but also nurture qualities like resilience, empathy, and adaptability. For judicial aspirants, focus on clarity of concepts, regular practice, and an unwavering belief in yourself. Remember, this profession demands hard work, but it also offers unparalleled opportunities to make a difference. Always strive to serve justice with integrity, and success will follow.
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