During my professional journey of six long years, I have had the privilege to associate with esteemed organizations such as Delhi Judicial Academy (High Court of Delhi) and Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in the capacity of a Law Researcher where I worked under the mentorship of eminent judges. I have worked with few real estate groups also as In-house Counsel.
I hold extensive experience in the field of Legal Research, Legal Documentation, Property Due Diligence, Cyber Crimes, Title Verification, RERA Litigation, Consumer Litigation, NCLT Cases, etc.
Tell us about yourself, your background and your professional journey?
I am born and brought up in Delhi. I did my LL.B from Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. I hold an additional degree of CS and accredited certifications in White Collar Crimes, ADR Laws, Aviation Laws, Digital Forensics and Cyber Laws. I am currently practising in the areas of RERA, Matrimonial Disputes, Cyber Crimes, Consumer Cases, etc.
I am also holding the honorary post of State President, Haryana Cyber Security Council, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI) wherein I am working on various Cyber Law awareness programs/ research work/ policy framing along with the team of 20 council members working under me for execution and assistance of work. I have spoken in several webinars and panel discussions on a myriad of significant legal topics.
During my professional journey of six long years, I have had the privilege to associate with esteemed organizations such as Delhi Judicial Academy (High Court of Delhi) and Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in the capacity of a Law Researcher where I worked under the mentorship of eminent judges. I have worked with few real estate groups also as In-house Counsel. I hold extensive experience in the field of Legal Research, Legal Documentation, Property Due Diligence, Cyber Crimes, Title Verification, RERA Litigation, Consumer Litigation, NCLT Cases, etc.
What do you think are the key differences in studying law in India and other countries?
I deeply believe that the education system in India is laborious. In abroad it is much relaxed and they focus more on practical aspects of Law. In India, we do not emphasize much on critical thinking, real-life problem-solving approach or efficacious training of students. Only bookish knowledge is being imparted to the students.
During my professional journey of six long years, I have had the privilege to associate with esteemed organizations such as Delhi Judicial Academy (High Court of Delhi) and Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in the capacity of a Law Researcher where I worked under the mentorship of eminent judges. I have worked with few real estate groups also as In-house Counsel. I hold extensive experience in the field of Legal Research, Legal Documentation, Property Due Diligence, Cyber Crimes, Title Verification, RERA Litigation, Consumer Litigation, NCLT Cases, etc.
What do you think are the key differences in studying law in India and other countries?
I deeply believe that the education system in India is laborious. In abroad it is much relaxed and they focus more on practical aspects of Law. In India, we do not emphasize much on critical thinking, real-life problem-solving approach or efficacious training of students. Only bookish knowledge is being imparted to the students.
It will not help in producing sound lawyers. Albeit in few law colleges we have effective education system like they have set up legal aid clinics and moot courts are being conducted frequently which helps in upgrading presentation skills of students and enhancing their legal knowledge. But this is not enough and we need more training and workshops to produce smart lawyers. In fact, there should be a separate training of professional ethics for law students so that they refrain from committing mistakes that are inimical to their professional interests.
How and when did you decide to become an advocate as you became CS much prior to that?
I always wanted to be a lawyer only. Moreover, it was a dream of my parents as well. Unfortunately, my mother passed away three years ago due to some illness but she saw me becoming a lawyer much prior to her demise. I am contended that at least I have fulfilled her one wish. Now I am putting rigorous efforts every day to fulfil her other desires.
I always wanted to be a lawyer only. Moreover, it was a dream of my parents as well. Unfortunately, my mother passed away three years ago due to some illness but she saw me becoming a lawyer much prior to her demise. I am contended that at least I have fulfilled her one wish. Now I am putting rigorous efforts every day to fulfil her other desires.
My enchantment and proclivity towards the legal profession invigorated me during my high school days. I was immensely fascinated with that black attire of advocate, arguments part in the court proceedings and fighting for justice part as I myself have zero tolerance for any sort of injustice happening around. Hence, it was not an instant or unplanned decision to become a lawyer. The proper strategy was behind it. So I did one specialized degree first that is CS (specialization in Corporate law) and then I pursued my LL.B to amplify my overall legal knowledge.
Which top institutes would you recommend for studying law?
I believe that LL.B should be pursued from a top-notch college and that too in a proper and full-fledged manner. Many shoddy law colleges are springing up these days which are providing degrees only and attendance is not mandatory there. These colleges are degrading the legal education system. Law is a sensible domain and it should be pursued assiduously. However, I would personally recommend Campus Law Centre (DU), Symbiosis Law School and NLU’s.
I believe that LL.B should be pursued from a top-notch college and that too in a proper and full-fledged manner. Many shoddy law colleges are springing up these days which are providing degrees only and attendance is not mandatory there. These colleges are degrading the legal education system. Law is a sensible domain and it should be pursued assiduously. However, I would personally recommend Campus Law Centre (DU), Symbiosis Law School and NLU’s.
What advice would you pass on to someone who wants to be a lawyer?
Anyone who desires to be a lawyer should possess few traits such as critical thinking, razor-sharp acumen, appetite to learn and grow, ability to distinguish between what is right and wrong, fearlessness and courage to put forward opinions. These traits will make you a sound lawyer. One should have an intense reading habit as well. Read good books that amplify your knowledge and wisdom.
Anyone who desires to be a lawyer should possess few traits such as critical thinking, razor-sharp acumen, appetite to learn and grow, ability to distinguish between what is right and wrong, fearlessness and courage to put forward opinions. These traits will make you a sound lawyer. One should have an intense reading habit as well. Read good books that amplify your knowledge and wisdom.
What are the various career options after becoming a lawyer?
One can jump into litigation, or join a reputed law firm. One can become a Legal Journalist, join Judiciary or join some Corporate house as In-house Counsel. It depends on individual choices.
One can jump into litigation, or join a reputed law firm. One can become a Legal Journalist, join Judiciary or join some Corporate house as In-house Counsel. It depends on individual choices.
What does success look like to you in this job?
In the legal profession success is not any destination, it is a long journey of constant dedication, determination, hard work and enthusiasm to learn & grow. That patience is required in the initial years of struggle. It is a very dynamic and diversified field, where you get to learn something new every day.
In the legal profession success is not any destination, it is a long journey of constant dedication, determination, hard work and enthusiasm to learn & grow. That patience is required in the initial years of struggle. It is a very dynamic and diversified field, where you get to learn something new every day.
Which is your favourite book and why?
Albeit I am a voracious reader, I read all sorts of books/novels and not only law books. But these two are my most favourite books :-
a) Who Will Cry When You Die- Robin Sharma- An absolutely riveting and wisdom-rich book that offers advice on overcoming the difficulties of life. It enunciates that how to put failure into perspective and stay happy even in adverse circumstances. It’s a must-read for all the students and professionals.
b) Courtroom Genius-Nani Palkhivala- It’s a brilliant masterpiece. It will make you understand the style of advocacy, court craft and working method of renowned lawyer Mr Nani Palkhivala. All those who wish to be into litigation must read this book.
Albeit I am a voracious reader, I read all sorts of books/novels and not only law books. But these two are my most favourite books :-
a) Who Will Cry When You Die- Robin Sharma- An absolutely riveting and wisdom-rich book that offers advice on overcoming the difficulties of life. It enunciates that how to put failure into perspective and stay happy even in adverse circumstances. It’s a must-read for all the students and professionals.
b) Courtroom Genius-Nani Palkhivala- It’s a brilliant masterpiece. It will make you understand the style of advocacy, court craft and working method of renowned lawyer Mr Nani Palkhivala. All those who wish to be into litigation must read this book.
Which are the best judgement were taken by the Indian judiciary according to you?
Although the Indian judiciary has passed many important and seminal judgments, I would like to quote few latest ones which caught my attention. One of them is a recent verdict passed in the Vinod Dua v. Union of India case. It is indeed a celebratory judgment. In this case, Apex Court quashed sedition case registered against the veteran journalist Mr Vinod Dua and explicitly held that citizen has a right to criticize the government and it doesn’t amount to sedition until it incites violence or creates public disorder. We all have witnessed that how sedition law is being used these days as a tool to clamp down dissenting voices which is highly unfair. It needs an overhaul.
Although the Indian judiciary has passed many important and seminal judgments, I would like to quote few latest ones which caught my attention. One of them is a recent verdict passed in the Vinod Dua v. Union of India case. It is indeed a celebratory judgment. In this case, Apex Court quashed sedition case registered against the veteran journalist Mr Vinod Dua and explicitly held that citizen has a right to criticize the government and it doesn’t amount to sedition until it incites violence or creates public disorder. We all have witnessed that how sedition law is being used these days as a tool to clamp down dissenting voices which is highly unfair. It needs an overhaul.
Apart from this I deeply admire K.S Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) 10 SCC 1 (Aadhaar Case) judgment which holds that the right to privacy is protected as a fundamental right under Article 14,19,21 of the Constitution of India. I also appreciate Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020) 3 SCC 637 judgment (Internet Shutdown case) wherein it was held that freedom of speech & expression through the internet is a constitutionally protected right under Article 19(1) (a).
Apex Court further held that Government has to justify prohibition imposed on such right, it cannot be an arbitrary order. There cannot be a complete internet shutdown.
What do you think is how much easy or difficult being a lawyer is as in this profession getting successful is not that much quicker in comparison to other professions and what difficulty you faced?
I am a first-generation lawyer, so obviously it was difficult to carve out a niche. But as I said earlier also, be patient. This profession is richly rewarding but during the initial years, you have to work passionately and overlook the money part. You have to prove your mettle. If you can’t ignore the money part, then you can join corporate houses or law firms.
I am a first-generation lawyer, so obviously it was difficult to carve out a niche. But as I said earlier also, be patient. This profession is richly rewarding but during the initial years, you have to work passionately and overlook the money part. You have to prove your mettle. If you can’t ignore the money part, then you can join corporate houses or law firms.
But I feel that the entire system should be revamped now, Seniors should at least pay a justified amount to juniors so that they feel motivated to work. Because after a lot of hard work if they remain empty-handed at the month end then they might not feel like working with the same zeal and zest in the upcoming months. I would like to conclude here by quoting this beautiful quote “the pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty” so be an optimist and keep your chin up, no matter how worse is the situation.
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Interviewed by - Shivang Singh
Read more here
Interviewed by - Shivang Singh
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