This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
You’ve built an impressive legal career over the years, beginning your journey at the Chhattisgarh High Court alongside your father. How did that early mentorship influence your legal perspective and shape your advocacy style?
Being a second-generation lawyer, I was fortunate to learn the basics of litigation from my father, Shri Prakash Tiwari. At home, I was his son—but in the office, I was treated like any other junior, and I always referred to him as “Sir.” From the very first day of my legal career, I felt the responsibility of carrying forward his legacy. So, I made sure every brief I held on his behalf was thoroughly prepared. That discipline helped shape both my drafting and advocacy skills.
Early in your career, you argued the landmark Aditya Tiwari vs. State of Chhattisgarh case. What moments stood out during that experience, and what were some key challenges you faced in handling such a high-profile constitutional matter?
When the Ordinance was promulgated by the Hon’ble Governor of Chhattisgarh—raising the reservation in government jobs from 52% to 82%—several petitions were filed, including Aditya Tiwari vs. State of Chhattisgarh. Many of them were led by some of the most prestigious Senior Counsels practicing in the High Court. But seeing my enthusiasm and excitement, they allowed me to lead the challenge.
The subject of “reservation” is complex, sensitive, and incredibly important—so the stakes were high, and there was no room for error. I had just three days to prepare the entire brief. I was guided through the drafting by Learned AOR Kaustubh Shukla (Supreme Court), whose mentorship was invaluable.
On the day of the hearing, I was both excited and nervous—especially being the youngest lawyer in the courtroom. That nervousness intensified when I saw who was on the other side: Senior Advocates Vijay Hansaria and Manish Singhvi. But I composed myself and began my arguments, which I continued for about 45 minutes. After I concluded, I turned to my Senior with a nod—and in return, he and two other Seniors gave me a “thumbs up.” That was a moment I’ll never forget. Later, Sr. Advocate Manish Singhvi placed a hand on my shoulder and said, “Well argued, young man.” That’s something I’ll always carry with me. The Ordinance was eventually struck down.
In 2022, you assumed prestigious roles representing the Union of India, SECL, the State Bar Council, and most recently, the Competition Commission. How have these shaped your legal approach?
These appointments—especially my role as Central Government Counsel and as Standing Counsel for SECL—exposed me to a whole new side of litigation, where I primarily had to “defend.” This helped me understand how public institutions function and the protocols that must be followed. It wasn’t just about gaining designations—it was about learning how to operate within structured frameworks. I was also introduced to newer areas of law like Land Acquisition and Mining Law, which broadened my legal understanding beyond service law.
Service law has become a major focus in your practice. What initially attracted you to this area, and how do you view its evolution today?
It was my Senior who introduced me to Service Law. He holds a substantial number of briefs in this area and possesses a deep understanding of its nuances. Whether it’s about promotions, reservations, pensions, terminations, or departmental inquiries—he guided me at every step. While I don’t claim to know everything about this vast subject, I know where to look, and I know whom to ask. That guidance has shaped my confidence in handling service matters.
Your public interest litigations have covered areas from internet accessibility to environmental protection and road safety for animals. What motivates these efforts?
Being a lawyer isn’t just about representing clients—it’s also about serving your surroundings. That may sound cliché, but it’s true. Many young lawyers aspire to land big clients early on, and there’s nothing wrong with that—but we must also remember the voiceless.
For example, in the Fly Ash PIL: Chhattisgarh is among the top states in power generation from coal, leading to widespread and illegal dumping of fly ash near thermal plants. While urban residents can avoid these areas, villagers are forced to live with the consequences—health hazards, pollution, and more. I had to fight for them.
The cattle-on-roads PIL is still sub judice, so I can’t comment much, but I strongly believe the state must adopt a robust mechanism and a zero-tolerance approach toward stray cattle. Too many lives—human and animal—have been lost due to administrative apathy.
Establishing LexLoft Legal Advisory LLP and stepping into Media and Entertainment Law, especially from a tier-two city, is unique. What inspired that journey?
My passion. I’ve always loved music. In fact, I was once a DJ and music producer during college—infamously known as “DJ Palash.” Some of my songs are still floating around on Spotify and other platforms. That passion inspired me to stay connected to music, but from a legal perspective.
Interestingly, the contacts I made during those early days helped me a lot when I started. And over time, many of my clients came through referrals—people liked how the firm functioned. While we’re based in Bilaspur, most of our clients are from Mumbai. Of course, sometimes I lose out on potential clients due to the “proximity factor,” but at the end of the day, I know I’m on the right path—doing what I love.
Not to mention, my Partner, the other co-founder “Prasoon Agrawal” has always stood along with me whenever, in any situation – boldly.
Having worked with artists and events like MTV Hustle and BMW Joytown Festival, what are the recurring legal challenges in entertainment law?
The most common challenge is getting the other party’s legal team to agree even on basic terms. I believe most media lawyers face this—statements like “Sorry sir, this can’t be changed, it’s company policy” are all too familiar. The frustrating part is that neither side truly “wins”—because in the end, the client or commercial team just wants the deal closed “as soon as possible.” Navigating that deadlock is where the real skill lies.
You’ve managed to balance high-stakes litigation with running a growing law firm. How do you maintain focus, energy, and time across these roles?
That’s probably the hardest question! Honestly, I dedicate most of my time to the profession—and I’m incredibly grateful to my wife, Nidhi Purohit and mother Gayatri Tiwari for their unwavering support. My workday includes not just two but four major areas: my individual practice, daily matters from institutions like SECL, Railways, and Legal Aid; cases assigned by my Senior; and then the law firm itself.
It gets hectic. In fact, my wife has strictly banned me from touching my laptop on Friday evenings! But I’m actively working on building better time management.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for your practice and for LexLoft? What advice do you have for young lawyers blending traditional and modern legal fields?
As a lawyer, I’ve always aimed to give my best and carry forward the legacy my father and Senior built. There’s no “end goal” in this profession—it’s a constant journey.
But when it comes to LexLoft—I’m greedy! I want it to grow into one of the most recognized names in Media and Entertainment Law. And for starters, I’d love to see “LexLoft” mentioned in an aftermovie’s end credits.
To young lawyers: This profession may look glamorous from the outside—but it truly tests your patience. It’s not about just one big client or one case—it’s a slow, consistent process. If you remain loyal to the profession, all your hard work will eventually pay off. Just be patient and continue doing the work with consistency.
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