This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
With almost a decade of experience and an established practice today, what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law? Was becoming a lawyer always part of your plan, or did you come to it gradually over time?
I decided to pursue law relatively early in life because I always felt a deep desire to do something meaningful for the society at large and to create a real impact. I grew up witnessing my mother devoting 16 to 18 hours of her day in public service. I would wake up every morning to find our drawing room full of people who had come to discuss their concerns and problems. Watching her tirelessly listen to them and help them find a way forward left a profound impression on me. It taught me the value of empathy, responsibility and standing up for others.
Although I am a first-generation lawyer and had no direct access to the legal world, I was fortunate to interact with some of the finest lawyers in the country. I was always in awe of their distinct personalities and eloquence, their command over the law, awareness of the social issues and the sheer force of conviction with which they carried themselves. Their work inspired me and somewhere deep within, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.
But perhaps what sealed my destiny was my Nanaji, who always dreamed of seeing me as a practicing lawyer. He was a great admirer of Sh. Nani Palkhivala, and he often spoke of his brilliance, his courtroom charisma and the respect he commanded. That admiration became a seed that grew within me. It aspired me to follow in the footsteps of those who use the law not just as a profession but as a powerful instrument of change.
After completing your law degree, you pursued a Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of California, Los Angeles, specializing in Entertainment, Media, and Intellectual Property Law, along with Pretrial Criminal Litigation. What motivated you to choose UCLA and these specific specializations? How did your education there differ from legal education in India, and were there any challenges you faced during the application process?
I chose to pursue Intellectual Property and Entertainment Laws for my master’s because these areas of law have an increasing global importance and have a universal character, often protected and harmonized through mutually signed international treaties. Its global relevance and increasing demand particularly appealed to me.
I chose Criminal Pretrial Advocacy as my minor because I have always been deeply interested in understanding the criminal justice systems across different jurisdictions. It gave me an insight to the jury system followed in the US and for our assignments, I also got a chance to visit the LA County Superior Court to witness trials of the ongoing cases.
As for my choice of UCLA School of Law, the decision was significantly influenced by the advice of my Guru, Hon’ble Justice A.K. Sikri. He guided me to prioritize the strength of the faculty of an institution. UCLA offered exactly that – an exceptional faculty with real world experience, especially in the fields of IP and Entertainment Laws. Being located in the heart of Hollywood, UCLA provides unparalleled access to professors who have worked with major studios and production houses, offering a practical and industry-oriented education. It also offered unique networking and internship opportunities.
In terms of education, there was a significant difference from India. I felt that the curriculum and teaching at UCLA emphasised more on critical thinking, in depth research and practical application than the rigid curriculum followed in India. The lectures at UCLA were more interactive with active participation of the students, critical analysis and continuous assessment through assignments, mock trials and presentations. Also, the strictness towards plagiarism is something which I feel needs to get implemented in our Indian education system.
The early stages of a lawyer’s career often shape one’s understanding of the law. Looking back at your journey, whether as a legal researcher/ law clerk under Justice A.K. Sikri at the Supreme Court of India or as a Legal Associate at Shakti Vahini NGO, what are some of the pivotal experiences that helped form the foundation of your legal career?
I feel blessed and honoured to have worked under Justice A.K. Sikri as his law clerk/ legal researcher. The experience was not just professionally enriching, but deeply transformative on a personal level as well. Other than the fact that I got to work on some of the most sensitive and high profile cases at the time, I learnt a lot about being humble in life and honest towards your work. Justice Sikri carries a rare blend of deep legal wisdom and an open inquisitive mind. Despite his towering stature in the legal field, his extremely hectic and intense work schedule, he was always approachable and would often encourage a discussion and be open to an independent thought. He fostered an environment where I felt valued and confident even though I was fresh out of law school. I truly believe that my time working as a judicial clerk under Justice Sikri was the perfect start to my legal journey – a rare combination of rigorous legal work, inspiring mentorship and invaluable interactions. My time working under him really helped me boost my confidence and learn the most important lessons of life – work hard and be humble.
As I said, I always wanted to serve the society and make an impact, Shakti Vahini helped me to achieve that and the experience I got was profoundly transformative. Shakti Vahini is working towards strengthening women and child rights in India. During my tenure working at Shakti Vahini, I got an opportunity to work on several cases involving minors who were trafficked in Delhi from all parts of the country and exploited for prostitution, child labour and child marriages. I provided legal assistance and representation to these victims once they were rescued and also got an opportunity to be a part of various rescue operations, their counselling sessions and rehabilitation process. I also engaged in legal research and authored papers assessing the shortcomings in our legal system and proposed reforms aimed at making the justice system more efficient, accessible and sensitive to the needs of these minor victims who are extremely vulnerable. I had just returned from the US after completing my masters when I decided to commit my time to pro bono work and got this opportunity. This was a real eye-opener. It reshaped my perspective and exposed me firsthand to the disturbing realities faced by society’s most vulnerable, deepening my commitment to justice and reform.
During your time as a Senior Associate at Rajiv Mohan Law Offices, you were involved in high-profile criminal cases. Could you share some of the most challenging aspects of handling one such complex case, particularly with respect to the legal intricacies of laws such as the IPC, NDPS Act, PC Act and PMLA?
During my time working under Sh. Rajiv Mohan, I received hands-on training in the nuances of criminal trial practice which included right from preparing for bails, arguments on charge to crafting effective cross-examinations and strategically developing a defence throughout the course of a trial. I also got an opportunity to work on appeals in several high profile cases where the accused were convicted of most heinous offences. His meticulous approach to each stage of a criminal case gave me an invaluable foundation in trial advocacy. One of the most enriching aspects of this experience was the open discussions and brainstorming sessions every evening. The evenings before witness examinations were spent drafting and refining questions often dictated by him with great precision and purpose. It was during these sessions that I truly grasped the art of cross-examination. He often emphasized: “Always know what not to put to a witness.” That single line has stayed with me and shaped the way I think about courtroom strategy. His deep knowledge of medical jurisprudence added another layer to the learning. As a former Senior Special Prosecutor, he brought with him a rare insight into how the prosecution builds its case which helped me learn how to analyze a case not just as a defence lawyer, but from the perspective of the State as well. This dual perspective greatly sharpened my analytical abilities. Mr. Rajiv Mohan also mentored me in navigating cases involving special statutes and complex areas like bail under NDPS Act for commercial quantity or under PMLA, helping me understand how to overcome the stringent twin conditions laid down under Section 37 and 45 respectively. Additionally, as the jurisprudence around the PMLA was evolving at the time, he explained the developing bail laws and the strategic nuances involved in those cases.
Among all the cases, it was the murder trials or appeals that intrigued me the most. Observing and participating in the cross-examination of eye witnesses, medical and forensic experts, and investigating officers gave me a deep appreciation of how facts, law and courtroom psychology converge in a trial.The four years that I spent working under Mr. Rajiv Mohan taught me that in the courtroom, it is not just about law, it is about human behaviour, precision and above all, preparation.
Would also like to mention and thank Mr. Abhimanyu Kampani for playing a pivotal role and trusting in me.
Having worked with various legal entities, what ultimately drove you to establish your own legal practice? What challenges did you face when starting out, and how did you overcome them?
Starting my independent legal practice was undoubtedly one of the toughest decisions I have made in my professional journey. In the legal field, there is no clear benchmark that tells you when the “right time” to branch out on your own has arrived. I feel in our profession the decision is highly personal and often requires you to look inward, trust your instincts and take a leap of faith.
For me, the decision came after a lot of careful thought and self-assessment. I was fortunate to have built a decent clientele base and had secured a couple of clients on retainer basis, which provided a much-needed cushion of financial stability. This base was extremely important because it gave me the confidence that I would not be starting from absolute scratch as I had work that could sustain me as I navigated the uncertainties of independent practice.
That being said, the journey has not been without its hardships. There were times when I was appearing only two-three times a week in contrast to two-three times a day while I was working with Mr. Rajiv Mohan. There were moments of real struggle and self doubt. However, I have come to realise that the only way forward is to believe in yourself, stay honest and work hard.
I firmly believe that the support of one’s family, particularly that of my mother and my wife has been absolutely crucial. Their unwavering encouragement, emotional support and constant belief in my abilities have provided me with the confidence and clarity needed to pursue this challenging path. Their presence has not only been a source of personal reassurance but has also allowed me to remain focused and resilient at times of professional uncertainties.
Another major factor that encouraged me to take this step was my appointment as a Legal Aid Counsel on the Sessions Court panel with Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA). I genuinely feel that this appointment was a game changer. Not only did it allow me to gain access to a wide variety of cases including many heinous and high-stakes matters but it also gave me the invaluable opportunity to serve those who truly needed help but lacked the resources to hire legal representation. Representing underprivileged litigants added a new dimension to my practice and brought a deep sense of purpose to my work.
Looking back, I realize that starting my independent practice was not just a professional move but it was a test of belief in myself. At some point, you have to back yourself, trust in the foundation you have built and have the courage to step into the unknown. It hasn’t been easy but it has been deeply rewarding.
In cases involving the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), what are some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered while addressing the complex legal aspects of such sensitive cases?
Defending a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case is extremely challenging and demands high emotional quotient. One of the primary reasons is the statutory reverse burden of proof under Section 29 of the POCSO Act. This provision presumes the guilt of the accused once certain foundational facts are established, thereby shifting the burden onto the defence to disprove the allegations. This is a significant departure from the general principle of criminal law where the burden of proof always lies on the prosecution to prove the guilt beyond resoluble doubt. As a defence lawyer, this reversal requires you to strategize your case very differently which means every piece of evidence, every inconsistency and every contradiction must be highlighted with utmost precision.
Moreover, POCSO cases involve victims who are minors and that brings its own set of sensitivities and responsibilities. Cross-examining a child witness is one of the most delicate tasks a lawyer can undertake. Unlike regular cross-examinations where a more aggressive or confrontational approach may be employed to test the credibility of a witness, here, you have to strike a fine balance. You must be extremely respectful and gentle in your demeanour while still being assertive enough to bring out inconsistencies, contradictions or improbabilities in the testimony. It requires a heightened level of alertness which means that you need to listen very carefully to the nuances of the child’s statements, their body language and the overall circumstances under which they are testifying. Further, courts are also far more protective of minor witnesses, and rightly so. Thus, every question must be carefully framed, keeping in mind the emotional and psychological vulnerabilities of the child. Working on such cases requires not just sharp legal skills but also a great deal of emotional intelligence, patience and empathy.
As Senior Panel Counsel for the Union of India, you’ve represented various ministries before the Delhi High Court in several legal proceedings. What are some of the most complex legal issues you’ve faced in this role, and how do you manage the intricacies of government representation?
My appointment as a Senior Panel Counsel is a relatively recent and significant development in my career. It also marks my formal debut into civil litigation. Most of the matters I handle in this role are service-related cases i.e. disputes pertaining to appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, pensionary benefits and other service related disputes involving government employees.
Engaging in civil litigation, particularly service matters, brings with it a whole new dimension of legal practice. These cases require a deep understanding not only of legal principles but also of administrative procedures, departmental rules and government policies. Preparing for these matters involves careful scrutiny of service records, government orders, circulars and applicable service rules. Every case demands a meticulous approach. What makes this responsibility even more serious is that, as a Senior Panel Counsel, I am representing the Government of India and hence it carries immense responsibility and expectation. Every appearance, every submission and every argument must reflect the highest degree of professionalism, preparedness and integrity because it is the sovereign that you are representing. You are expected to defend the government’s actions wherever they are legally sustainable and also to fairly advise when a case ought to be conceded or settled in the interest of justice.
One of the unique aspects of this engagement is the presence of departmental officials from the concerned Ministry or Department who are often present to assist during the preparation and hearings. Their assistance is invaluable as they provide important background information, factual clarifications and access to departmental records which might otherwise be difficult to obtain in regular litigation. At the same time, as counsel, I have to exercise independent judgment in assessing the strength of the case, guiding the officials and ensuring that the position taken before the court is legally tenable. This new role has been both challenging and exciting.
With your background you’re committed to serving the people of India in alignment with the principle of ‘Satyameva Jayate.’ How do these values influence your approach to legal advocacy? Additionally, what advice would you give to aspiring young lawyers who hope to achieve similar success in the legal field?
In a profession where the pressures are immense and the temptations to take shortcuts can be strong, staying true to the pursuit of truth ensures not only professional integrity but also personal satisfaction and long-term success. Hence, my belief in the principle of “Satyamev Jayate” (which translates to “Truth Alone Triumphs”). It is the very foundation upon which I approach every case, every client interaction and every argument in court.
To all young and aspiring lawyers, my sincere advice is simple yet uncompromising: there are no shortcuts in this profession. Legal practice demands a tremendous amount of patience, perseverance and hard work. Knowledge, reputation and success are built slowly, case by case, argument by argument.
Be humble, Be honest and work hard.
With your demanding professional commitments, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize your personal well-being while managing such a wide range of responsibilities?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is something that is crucial, especially in a profession as demanding as law, where we have frequent long work hours and constant deadlines. It is essential to understand that while dedication to your work is important, your well-being is the foundation that supports everything else including your performance, your relationships and your long-term success.
To be honest, at this point in my career, I have not been able to maintain the kind of balance I would ideally want. Building an independent practice, handling sensitive matters and representing clients to the best of my ability have often meant that personal time, fitness and mental relaxation have taken a back seat. However, with time and experience, I have realized that burnout is real, and without consciously making space for your own health both physical and mental it becomes difficult to sustain the level of excellence we all aspire to achieve. I am now committed to prioritizing myself and my well-being more consciously which means setting clearer boundaries. I recognize that nurturing my health is not just good for me but also essential for the quality of work I deliver.
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