This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
With nearly two decades of experience practicing across multiple courts and legal forums, what first inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how has your motivation evolved over the years?
From an early stage, I was fascinated by how the law functions as both a shield and a tool for justice. Watching how legal interventions could alter the course of people’s lives inspired me to pursue this profession. Initially, my motivation stemmed from a desire to understand the technicalities of the law and its practical application. Over the years, however, the focus has shifted towards ensuring accessibility to justice and using legal knowledge to create meaningful impact. The challenges of litigation, coupled with the responsibility of advocating for clients across diverse forums, continue to strengthen my passion for this profession. Today, my motivation is rooted not only in professional growth but also in the satisfaction of standing by those who rely on law as their last resort.
You have handled an exceptionally diverse range of matters, from property disputes and intellectual property rights to criminal law and matrimonial cases. How do you adapt your legal strategies to address the unique demands of such varied practice areas?
Each practice area carries its own nuances, requiring flexibility and a tailored approach. For property disputes, the emphasis is often on documentary evidence and statutory interpretation. In intellectual property matters, strategy lies in understanding technical details and balancing innovation with enforcement. Criminal law demands precision in procedural safeguards, while matrimonial cases require a balance of empathy and firmness. I adapt by conducting extensive research, analyzing precedents, and understanding the unique facts of each matter rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Equally important is the ability to listen, both to clients and to the evolving expectations of courts, which ensures that strategies remain responsive and effective across different fields.
Property law and land disputes in India often involve intricate regulatory frameworks and procedural challenges. What approach do you prefer while navigating these matters effectively?
Property disputes in India demand patience, detail-oriented analysis, and a deep grasp of statutory provisions. My approach begins with meticulous scrutiny of title documents, revenue records, and mutation entries. Given the overlapping jurisdictions of civil courts, revenue authorities, and tribunals, I place emphasis on identifying the proper forum and ensuring procedural compliance at every step. I also rely heavily on precedents, since land-related judgments often clarify ambiguities. At the same time, I encourage alternative solutions such as mediation to avoid protracted litigation, especially in family or co-ownership matters. Ultimately, a combination of technical accuracy, strategic drafting, and practical problem-solving enables effective navigation of these complex disputes.
In the early stages of your career, what pivotal experiences helped deepen your understanding of the law, and how did they shape your professional approach?
The early years of my career were spent in extensive court exposure—observing proceedings, drafting pleadings, and assisting senior counsels. One pivotal experience was handling procedural objections in trial courts, which taught me the importance of detail and timing. Another formative experience was preparing special leave petitions for the Supreme Court, which deepened my appreciation for precision in framing legal questions. These experiences instilled in me the discipline of thorough preparation and respect for judicial time. They also helped me understand that every matter, irrespective of its size, deserves equal attention, since even minor details can alter the outcome. These lessons continue to guide my professional approach.
Having appeared before the Supreme Court, High Courts, subordinate courts, tribunals, and other forums, how does your preparation and strategy differ when handling matters at various levels of the judicial system? Additionally, what has been one of the most challenging cases for you and how did you navigate it?
Preparation varies significantly with the forum. In trial courts, strategy revolves around evidence, cross-examination, and building the factual record. High Court matters often focus on questions of law and precedents, while Supreme Court practice demands brevity, clarity, and framing of constitutional or substantial legal issues. One of the most challenging cases I handled involved a service matter concerning a disabled ex-serviceman’s appointment, which was delayed due to procedural hurdles. It required not only persistence before multiple forums but also empathy towards the litigant’s hardship. The case reinforced the importance of resilience, drafting precision, and relentless follow-up to achieve justice.
When managing sensitive cases such as matrimonial disputes or criminal matters, how do you balance legal precision with empathy, and what preparation goes into handling emotionally charged situations?
In sensitive cases, the lawyer’s role extends beyond legal arguments to offering emotional stability to clients. I approach these matters with active listening, ensuring that clients feel heard and supported while keeping the focus on the legal remedies available. Preparation involves anticipating emotional outbursts, safeguarding the dignity of parties, and ensuring that sensitive facts are presented with discretion. Empathy helps in building trust, while legal precision ensures that arguments remain credible before the court. This balance is essential because, in emotionally charged cases, the outcome is not only measured in legal terms but also in the client’s ability to move forward with dignity.
Over the past 19 years, what significant changes have you observed in the legal profession, particularly with the advent of technology, and how have you adapted your practice to remain effective?
The legal profession has undergone a remarkable transformation with the adoption of technology. E-filing, virtual hearings, digital research databases, and AI-driven tools have revolutionized how lawyers work. Earlier, access to judgments and precedents was time-consuming, but today, technology has made research more efficient and comprehensive. I have embraced these changes by adopting digital platforms, managing case files electronically, and using technology to enhance client communication. While traditional courtroom skills remain indispensable, technology has improved accessibility and speed. The key is to blend the discipline of classical legal practice with modern digital efficiency to remain relevant and Effective.
What advice would you offer to young lawyers aspiring to build a versatile and enduring career in litigation and dispute resolution? Which skills, habits, or resources should they start cultivating from the earliest stages of their journey?
To young lawyers, I would emphasise patience and persistence as the cornerstones of a litigation career. In the early stages, focus should be on building drafting skills, observing court proceedings, and learning procedural law in depth. Cultivate the habit of consistent legal research, as strong fundamentals in precedents and statutes build long-term confidence. Networking with peers, maintaining professional ethics, and respecting the bench are equally crucial. I also advise developing communication skills—both oral and written—as they are vital in every forum. Most importantly, never lose sight of empathy, because law is ultimately about people, and balancing technical knowledge with human understanding creates a truly enduring career.
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