This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
Your legal journey spans nearly a decade, during which you’ve handled a wide array of cases. Could you share what initially drew you to the field of law and if there were any particular experiences or influences that guided you toward this path?
When I reflect on my journey into law, I can’t point to one single moment or experience that set me on this path. It was more like a gradual, almost magnetic pull. You could say it was a slow evolution, starting from my desire to pursue a career in journalism after my 10th class board exams. At one point, I was seriously thinking about a career in music – I’ve always loved playing the bass guitar, and during my final school years, I would practice for hours, often losing track of time and neglecting my studies and preparations for the law entrance exams. There were nights when I’d be lost in my music, while my textbooks sat untouched.
But then came a pivotal moment. One evening, my father sat me down with a look of concern and said, “You need to make a decision. Choose a path.” And that was the wake-up call I needed. Sure, I still play the bass with as much passion as ever – it’s my way to unwind after a busy day in the courtroom. By day, I’m a lawyer, and by night, I’m a bassist. It’s quite the balance, one that keeps me grounded and inspired.
What draws me to law is its ability to make a real difference. As a lawyer, I have the chance to advocate for people’s rights, help those who need it most, and work toward a fairer society. It’s not always glamorous, and it’s definitely not as simple and straightforward as it might seem from the outside—there are challenges, frustrations, and setbacks along the way. But despite all that, it’s about using the law to level the playing field, ensuring everyone is heard and treated fairly. At the end of the day, it’s about creating tangible change, and that’s something I find deeply fulfilling.
In the early stages of your career, working as an associate must have been a valuable learning experience. Having worked with big names, could you highlight a few key lessons or insights that significantly shaped your understanding of the law and contributed to your professional growth?
I say now in hindsight, particularly for pursuing a long-term career in litigation, but the hardest (and the most important) part of starting your journey in this profession is finding and joining a good Chamber. It can literally decide the course and quality of your career. Honestly, being a first-generation lawyer, I did not have this understanding at the time, but I am grateful as to how life has worked out. I have had the good fortune of working under Mr. A.D.N. Rao (he was an Advocate-on-Record during my days under him) and Mr. Shyam Divan, Senior Advocate, and it has been (and continues to be) an amazing journey.
If I had to highlight the key lessons I’ve learned, it would be threefold. First, it all comes down to hard work. It’s not always easy, and yes, it means sacrificing weekends and putting in long hours. But the more you give, the faster you learn. It’s the foundation for everything that follows.
Second, embrace the diversity of work, especially when you’re just starting out. The more varied your tasks, the broader your understanding of the field. It’s in the variety that you truly grow.
And lastly, be ready to take responsibility for your mistakes, no matter how tough it is. Whether it’s a scolding from a senior over a drafting error or a misstep in court, don’t let it bruise your ego. Mistakes will happen—there’s no way around it. What matters is acknowledging them, learning from them, and using those lessons to become better. Every mistake is a step forward if you let it teach you.
Having appeared before both the Supreme Court of India and several High Courts, you’ve dealt with a wide range of legal issues. How do you approach preparation for such high-stakes cases, especially those requiring in-depth legal analysis and argumentation? What’s one crucial skill you believe every legal professional should cultivate early in their career?
When preparing for high-stakes cases, especially those requiring complex legal analysis, my approach is grounded in thoroughness and meticulous planning. First, I immerse myself in the facts of the case—ensuring that I fully understand every detail before moving to the legal aspects. I believe that every great argument begins with understanding the context. Once I have that, I turn to the law itself—scouring precedents, statutes, and legal commentary. I approach each piece of research with a critical eye, looking for nuances that might not be immediately obvious but could make or break an argument.
Beyond the legal research, I focus on refining my arguments by simulating different scenarios and anticipating possible challenges. This helps me stay flexible and confident in court, ensuring that I can respond effectively to unexpected questions or shifts in direction.
As for one crucial skill, I would say it’s the ability to think critically and analytically. Developing the habit of breaking down problems into their core components and approaching them with a clear, logical mindset is essential. This skill doesn’t just help in court—it’s what will guide you through the toughest cases and the most complicated legal challenges. Cultivating this skill early in your career will set the foundation for everything else that follows.
Your practice covers a wide spectrum of areas, including compliance, agreement drafting, IPR protection, and more. Looking back, what has been the most challenging case you’ve worked on, and what strategies did you employ to navigate the complexities of that matter?
There have definitely been many challenging cases! And let’s be honest, the definition of a “challenge” evolves as you grow. When I first joined the Bar, even my first appearance before the Supreme Court (just a mentioning, mind you) felt like a monumental task. Now, after a few years, I’ve worked on plenty of complex matters, so the “challenge” isn’t necessarily in the complexity anymore—it’s more about maintaining the same level of attention and quality across every case. It’s like trying to keep your enthusiasm for a TV show after the 10th season… You just have to keep the energy up!
But if I had to pick one instance that stands out, it would have to be the Ram Mandir dispute. It was my first day under Shyam Divan Sir, and he handed me the small task of diving straight into over 200 volumes of pleadings and evidence. And, mind you, this was pre-COVID days—so we’re talking about physical volumes here, the kind that could double as gym equipment. And later, it turned out that by the end of the week, I was required to prepare the first draft of the Written Submissions.
Needless to say, I ended up spending my nights in the office, burning the midnight oil every day from the very first week. And honestly, I loved every minute of it. I was grateful for the trust Shyam Sir had placed in me, and I was determined not to let him down. Looking back, I can confidently say that it was one of the most intense but fulfilling experiences of my career. If you ask me now, I wouldn’t trade that first week in his Chamber for anything!
In your advisory role with various companies, especially in the telecom sector, you deal with a constantly changing regulatory landscape. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in this area, and how do you navigate the evolving regulations to ensure compliance?
The biggest challenge is keeping up with the ever-changing regulatory landscape. It’s like trying to catch up with a moving train, except the train keeps changing direction and speed. The simple solution I’ve found is to read—constantly. I devour multiple newspapers and magazines (and thank goodness for Magzter, which has been a lifesaver for both domestic and international updates), and I make it a point to regularly check the websites of regulatory bodies. They’re the first to spill the tea, so I’ve got to be there.
But beyond just staying updated, ensuring compliance is a constant back-and-forth with various departments. I’ll admit, it’s like trying to decode a puzzle at times, but the experience has generally been positive. Most bureaucrats, when approached with an issue, are surprisingly understanding and willing to help clarify things. They get that regulations can be tricky, and they’re usually happy to work towards a solution. I always tell my clients to steer clear of litigation unless absolutely necessary. With regulatory work, litigation should always be the last resort—sort of like trying to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It’s far more effective to talk it through first.
Your work in environmental law, particularly as assisting the Amicus Curiae in major Supreme Court cases, speaks to your deep commitment to this field. What first sparked your interest in environmental litigation, and what drives you to keep contributing to this area? Furthermore, how do you assess the evolution of environmental jurisprudence in India, particularly in the context of judicial interpretations of laws like the Forest Conservation Act and the Environmental Protection Act?
To be honest, I didn’t set out to specialize in environmental law or mining law when I first entered the profession—it just happened. It all started because Mr. A.D.N. Rao is the Amicus Curiae in several landmark environmental cases [T.N. Godavarman Case (Forest Conservation Case), M.C. Mehta (Taj Trapezium Case), Goa Foundation (Goa Mining Case), Common Cause (Orissa Mining) and Samaj Parivartana (Karnataka Mining Case)]. He was also very active before the National Green Tribunal. So naturally, I was more than happy to assist him in these high-profile cases. It was chaos, but it was one heck of a learning experience. Mr. Shyam Divan is also the Senior Amicus in Samaj Parivartana.
Fast forward, when I joined Mr. Shyam Divan’s chamber, my work on Samaj Parivartana continued. In fact, some of my colleague’s joke that this case is what officially got me into the Chamber, since it’s how Shyam Sir got to know me—thanks to my constant presence at briefings with A.D.N. Sir. Alongside that, under Shyam Sir, I also became heavily involved in the Krishna and Cauvery River water disputes, which was a whole new world of learning.
Through all of this, I can now confidently say I’ve by now internalized environmental law, mining law, and water disputes law. All the major judgments and orders from these cases are by now permanently etched in my brain.
As for the evolution of environmental jurisprudence in India, I think we’re entering a new phase. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, right up until 2014-2015, the Supreme Court was basically the environmental superhero, swooping in with orders and directions that the government had to follow— It was practically the Court which was running the show.
But now? Things are shifting. This new phase sees the Court stepping back a bit. Why? Well, for one, many of the major environmental issues the Court was grappling with have been resolved or are winding down. Secondly, we now have a dedicated Environmental Tribunal, which takes up a lot of the heavy lifting that the Supreme Court used to earlier. And, of course, the government is playing its part too, providing more clarity in compliance—though some might argue that this clarity is more developer-friendly than environment-friendly, but that’s a debate for another day.
The bottom line is, the Court has moved from being the enforcer of environmental laws to more of a law interpreter, and I think it’s striking a balance between being pro-environment and pro-development. It’s no longer just the hammer; it’s more like the guide. And I think the Court is doing a good job of maintaining an equilibrium.
Enforcing occupational health and safety regulations in India, particularly with respect to the OSH&WC Code, 2020, presents several challenges. From your perspective, what are the key hurdles in ensuring effective enforcement of these regulations? Additionally, could you shed light on your role as a legal consultant in finalizing the standards under the OSH&WC Code, and how your involvement helped shape these regulations?
The biggest hurdle in enforcing the OSH&WC Code? Well, it’s like trying to run a marathon with one shoe—it’s all about infrastructure and resources. On the bureaucratic side, there are still far too many vacancies in government departments, and that’s not changing anytime soon. On the industry side, especially in the MSME sector, it’s a whole other ballgame. Large corporations can foot the bill for compliance, but for micro and small enterprises? It’s like throwing another weight onto an already overloaded backpack. And let’s not forget, many of these enterprises operate in the informal sector, which only makes enforcement more challenging. This has been a long-standing issue, and there is no quick-fix magic wand in the Code or the regulations that will suddenly solve it overnight.
As for my role as a legal consultant, I was brought in when the regulations were getting fine-tuned for submission to the Ministry. And let me tell you, it was a race against time. I practically set up camp at the Headquarters of the Director General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institute (DGFASLI) in Bombay for an entire week. It was me and a team of experts from across the country, working long hours, getting up at the crack of dawn and going till evening, vetting every line of the regulations. We worked even during the weekend. But the real fun for me began when the day’s work was over. I stayed up late into the night fixing all the errors and amendments we had discussed for the portion that was completed, so that the next day, there was an updated draft before the team to confirm and finalise.
On the first night, the DGFASLI staff got a bit of a shock to find me still working past regular office hours into the night. The night guard practically kicked me out of the building so that he could lock up. So the next day, I spoke to the Director and got permission to keep a room in the main building open and running with the guard staying awake to lock up after me. I am pretty sure he was cursing his luck to be stuck with me at night, but hey, we got the job done!
But in the end, it wasn’t just about hitting deadlines—it was about shaping regulations that could make a real difference and make life a little easier for everyone in the industry. Sure, there were some late nights and a few cups of coffee that felt more like lifelines, but the experience was fulfilling, and I’m proud to have played a part in it.
With increasing focus on technology, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, how do you see the future of environmental law and occupational safety evolving in the next decade? What emerging trends do you think young lawyers should be preparing for? Also, what advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to excel in law, particularly in fields you’re deeply engaged with?
If you asked me what’s changed the most in environmental law, I’d say it’s paper. Pre-COVID, we were practically drowning in it, with piles of pleadings that could take over entire tables, with additional mini towers on the side. Big environmental litigations often run into thousands of pages. But with e-filing and PDFs taking over, paper use has drastically reduced. It’s still a bit of an adjustment for me. I still prefer scribbling down notes on paper with a pen during final arguments, but overall it’s better for the environment, and the back and arms, which were practically crying from the weight of all those files.
Looking ahead, I see compliance becoming even more central to environmental law and occupational safety. With technology, sustainability, and corporate responsibility gaining traction, the pressure to comply with environmental standards will only increase. Add to that the rise of AI, and we’re looking at a future where regulations and compliance will be handled more efficiently (but no less seriously) than ever before.
For young lawyers entering this field, I think the biggest trend to prepare for is the shift towards smaller offices. Technology has already made it possible for lawyers to do what used to require an entire team of stenographers, typists, clerks, and assistants. When I started out, if you didn’t have a good stenographer, you were essentially behind the curve. Now, you can draft petitions on your laptop without needing anyone else to type them out. The upside? It means less overhead costs, making it easier for junior advocates to set up their own practice. The downside? Fewer jobs in law chambers, because there’s less need for large teams to manage all the paperwork.
So, what does this mean for fresh law grads? It means adaptability will be your best friend. If you’re tech-savvy, you’ll have an edge. But, and this is important, you can’t just rely on the machines. AI might help with drafting and research, but nothing beats good old-fashioned brainpower and creativity when it comes to solving legal problems. Similarly, technology may assist with legal procedures, but it can’t replace the art of persuasion or the nuanced skill of court craft. Those come with experience—and time.
So my advice to young professionals is two-fold: First, be a sponge—absorb as much knowledge as you can, and do it fast. The legal world is changing, and you need to keep pace. Second, as you adapt, don’t forget the fundamentals. Stay curious, stay sharp, and remember that no amount of technology can replace the value of your own thinking. And, of course, no matter how advanced AI gets, it will never be able to match your charm in the courtroom. That’s the stuff that wins cases.
As both a legal consultant and advocate-on-record, you manage a broad range of responsibilities. How do you maintain a work-life balance in such a demanding profession? Are there particular habits or practices you’ve adopted to stay focused and energized in this high-pressure field?
It’s tricky, for sure. But I didn’t enter this field by accident—so I’m not about to complain. The reality is, work-life balance in law is more of an ideal than a constant state. It’s hard to achieve it when your schedule is always in flux, whether you’re waiting in court or running to brief a Senior Advocate. There’s also the drafting, vetting, and admin work that’s part of the daily grind.
But here’s the thing—there will never be enough hours in the day to do everything. So instead of stressing over the balance, I focus on making time for what truly matters. I make sure to spend time with my wife and family, because that’s the best way I know to recharge. I’m also a philatelist, and I try to dedicate at least a little time each week to that hobby, even if it’s just 30 minutes.
Beyond that, I walk and meditate when I can. Some days I miss them, and that’s okay. But I also use my car rides—whether I’m heading to the office or coming home—as a chance to think through the day ahead or unwind after a busy one.
So no, I don’t have a perfect “work-life balance” in the typical sense. But I do make time for the things that keep me focused and energized in a profession that demands a lot.
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