Interview Questions:

Q1. What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in law?

Lord Krishna has been my guiding light ever since my high school days. The captivating stories of his life led me to embark on a profound journey of exploration, delving into the depths of the Bhagavata Purana. Through this ancient scripture, I discovered profound insights into the realities of our present world, marveling at how the wisdom imparted by sage Vyas millennia ago holds true to this day.

As I immersed myself in the sacred texts, my heart was stirred, and my consciousness awakened to the pressing social issues that persist and grow in our society. The plight of women, elders, vulnerable individuals, and innocent children weighed heavily on my mind. It became evident to me that a transformative medium was needed to secure the rights of our fellow beings and preserve the sanctity of our world.

With unwavering determination, I found my calling in the pursuit of law. I understood that by wielding the power of justice and upholding the principles of righteousness, I could contribute to the betterment of our society. As I continue on this journey, I draw strength from the timeless wisdom of Lord Krishna, knowing that his guidance will illuminate my path as I strive to address social challenges and protect the vulnerable. With the purpose firmly etched in my heart, I walk forward with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to making a difference.

Q2. How did you navigate your way from being a law student to eventually becoming a practicing advocate at the Supreme Court of India?

Life often throws unexpected opportunities our way, and it seems fate has led me to a different path than I initially envisioned. While I had the plans of becoming a judicial officer in the country, but I couldn’t help, as I realised, ‘an experienced sword knows better fencing’, hence, started practising at Supreme Court of India, under the tutelage of a Senior Advocate; and, I embraced this opportunity to hone my skills and sharpen my mind in the practical nuances of law. Being at the Apex Court, I witnessed the ebb and flow of the justice system, learning from real-life cases and gaining insights into the complexities of the law. My days were filled with absorbing knowledge, studying precedents, and debating legal arguments to build my acumen. As I delved deeper into the world of law, my admiration for the profession only grew. Each day, I felt more driven to contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of justice and fairness. The camaraderie among colleagues, the respect for the rule of law, and the pursuit of truth became the pillars of my passion for the legal field.

While my ultimate aspiration remains to ascend to the bench as a judge someday, I am now deeply grateful for the time spent at the bar. It has provided me with invaluable experience, shaped my perspective, and equipped me with the necessary skills to make a profound impact on the judiciary when the time comes. 

Q3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your journey to becoming a practicing advocate?

You know, I’ve always preferred to liken “challenges” to “stepping up a stair,” and here’s my reasoning: every time you confront a challenge head-on, it’s like ascending a staircase that offers you a clearer vantage point of your journey ahead. Now, let me share a bit about my journey. I proudly stand as a first-generation lawyer, and the feeling of privilege courses through me. Want to know why? Because I’ve had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in the intricate strategies of a chess match. And just like in chess, my path has been about seizing every opportunity, making calculated moves, and rising above each hurdle.

Speaking of hurdles – or as I’d like to call them, “stepping up a stair” moments – they’ve been integral to my growth. Imagine the toughest game you’ve ever played, and then imagine securing internships at the very chambers where legal luminaries and judges reside. That’s been my reality. These internships weren’t just about learning from the best; they were about understanding the very essence of the legal world. Each experience was like measuring the size of a shoe – a step to evaluate how much I needed to work on myself, to improve and to learn. Because, you see, the essence of law lies in visualizing, learning, and bringing those lessons to life. It’s not about mere memorization; it’s about the thrill of applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Q4. Can you share some memorable experiences or cases that you have worked on at the Supreme Court?

I have quite a treasure trove of memorable experiences from my time at the Supreme Court! One particular case stands out, and it’s a tale close to my heart.

Anyways, I had the privilege to work alongside my senior on a case that held immense significance. It involved a poignant battle for justice, where daughters were unjustly denied their rightful share in ancestral property by none other than their own brother. My own identity as a woman added a profound layer of meaning to this endeavour. Empowering these daughters to claim what was rightfully theirs, breaking free from outdated norms, and rewriting their narrative was nothing short of exhilarating. It was about challenging conventions, about championing equality, and about carving a path towards a brighter future.

Well, this turning point came post-2020, with a groundbreaking case that etched itself into legal history – Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma. This landmark case illuminated the way towards equality for daughters in matters of ancestral property inheritance. Being part of this pivotal juncture, witnessing the scales of justice tip in favour of equality, was a moment that sent ripples of excitement through the legal community and beyond. So, there you have it – an exhilarating chapter in my journey, where I stood for justice, equality, and progress, all while adding a unique touch as a woman in the realm of law.

Q5. How did you prepare for the bar exam and what advice would you give to law students aspiring to become advocates at the Supreme Court?

To all law enthusiasts aiming for the big leagues ahead in this legal field. I’ve got a seriously cool tip that’ll turbocharge your journey. It is very much sure, your class lectures and books are important, but let’s crank things up a notch. When your intern breaks hit, don’t snooze – head straight to the courts. It’s like stepping into a live legal action movie – arguments flying, drama unfolding, and justice in the spotlight. But wait, there’s more excitement coming your way! Score internships with the senior advocates — think of them as the Yodas of the legal world, and you’re the young Jedi. They’ve got the insider scoop on courtroom magic. Watch them in action, learn their tricks, see how they turn boring legal stuff into gripping battles. Treat your intern breaks like building blocks, not vacations. Those moments you spend soaking in the court vibes and picking up tips from the legal masters? That’s the rocket fuel for your success ahead.

Q6. What specific areas of law do you specialize in, and why did you choose these areas?

I would rather say, I have an additional learning of constitutional law, with a combination of human rights law, and comparative constitution. These areas have captured my interest due to their profound impact on shaping societies, promoting justice, and upholding individual freedoms. See, constitution is more than just a legal document – it’s the grundnorm, the foundational essence that shapes a nation’s trajectory. Constitutions, whether that of India or any country worldwide, serve as the compass guiding a nation’s growth, ensuring its security and order, and structuring its operation. It’s not a mere book of rules confined to legal professionals; it’s a living guidebook for all citizen’s rights and responsibilities.

Also, the reason why I adore learning constitution every day — I believe in professing for constitutional literacy because it’s the compass that guides us from knowing our rights to fulfilling our responsibilities. It’s like having a treasure map – knowing how to claim the gold is important, but understanding how to use it wisely is what truly empowers us. Constitutional literacy transforms citizens into virtuosos of their rights and duties, creating a harmonious society where empowerment and responsibility dance hand in hand.

Q7. How did you land your internship at Law Audience, and how did this experience contribute to your professional growth?

My journey to securing an internship at Law Audience might be a bit hazy in my memory, but its significance in my life is crystal clear. During that time, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an Associate Editor, and let me share why this chapter holds immense importance. Editorship, to me, is akin to wielding a magic tool. It’s not just about editing words; it’s about transforming ideas, shaping perspectives, and refining knowledge. In my role, I discovered a triumvirate of experiences that enriched my understanding:

(i) Learning and Grasping: With every article I delved into, I immersed myself in diverse subject matters. This wasn’t just reading; it was an absorbing journey into the heart of legal intricacies. The more I read, the more I learned, and the more I felt my legal acumen expanding.

(ii) Adoring Varied Perspectives: Authors would present their arguments and viewpoints in articles, each one a unique lens through which I saw the legal landscape. Embracing these diverse insights widened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for the multifaceted nature of law.

(iii) Editing and Formulating: This is where the true alchemy happened. I had the privilege to craft raw ideas into polished gems. It wasn’t just about words; it was about honing arguments, refining logic, and presenting legal concepts in a manner that resonated with readers.

As I reflect on this journey, I see a striking parallel to the art of advocacy – the very essence of the legal profession. Just like an editor meticulously learns, crafts, and articulates, an advocate too follows a similar path:

(a) Learning the Case: Just as I understood the subject matter of each article, an advocate comprehends the intricacies of their case. It’s about absorbing facts, understanding nuances, and dissecting complexities.

(b) Formulating Arguments: Just as I shaped authors’ perspectives, an advocate assembles their arguments. This isn’t just about collecting points; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with the legal framework.

(c) Articulating Effectively: Lastly, just as I polished articles, an advocate refines their oral and written presentations. The goal is to convey complex legal concepts in a manner that’s clear, convincing, and impactful.

In essence, my role as an Associate Editor wasn’t just about words on a page; it was about honing skills crucial to effective advocacy. It reinforced the value of comprehending, crafting, and communicating – skills that are the bedrock of legal prowess. 

Q8. As an advocate at the Supreme Court, what are some of the unique challenges and opportunities you face compared to other legal practitioners?

Every day, an opportunity awaits – a truth to be embraced like a vigilant hawk in flight!! This sentiment finds a vivid echo in a personal experience of mine. Picture this: I am amidst the corridors of the Supreme Court, patiently waiting for my matters to find their rightful place, all while my fingers navigate the digital pages of Live Law. Amidst the flow of information, a particular news article enthrals my attention. It revolves around the contentious issue of terminating pregnancy beyond the gestational limit, as stipulated by the MRTP Act.

In that very moment, the spark of opportunity ignited within me. I began to reflect on the myriad implications that would cascade from a court-sanctioned termination leading to an aborted living child.

The questions flooded in — What rights would safeguard the existence of this inadvertently born survivor? To what extent could the tenets of the Indian Constitution be extended to this new life? Who, if anyone, would bear the responsibility for the well-being of this child – the state, the medical professionals involved?

Amidst the whirlwind of queries, I recognized an opening for in-depth exploration, and I unearthed a precedent across the oceans: the United States had indeed grappled with the rights of such an aborted survivor. The pieces were aligning, and I knew my pursuit was justified.

As my understanding grew, I authored an article on this subject, an exploration into uncharted territories of Indian jurisprudence, emerged as the destination. The notion that this topic had seldom graced the legal discourse of our nation added fuel to my determination.

Herein lies the crux: seizing the moment, seizing the opportunity. Our paths are etched by the choices we make when presented with these crossroads. The journey entails not just seizing the chance but also sculpting it into an embodiment of our intellect and insight. This very experience in the Supreme Court corridor illuminated the fact that opportunities abound, waiting to be transformed into profound expressions of legal wisdom. In the end, it is our readiness to grasp these chances and our ingenuity in converting them into remarkable contributions that truly distinguish us. 

Q9. How do you stay updated on changes in the legal landscape and maintain your expertise in the field?

Undoubtedly, maintaining a daily vigilance over courtroom proceedings through reputable sources like Live Law, Verdictum, and Bar and Bench is imperative. Equally significant is immersing oneself in the legal landscape of common law jurisdictions, a feat made attainable by resources like ConstitutionNet (https://constitutionnet.org/). However, an all-encompassing understanding of constitutional law demands more than just skimming the surface. My journey has been serendipitously blessed with the guidance of constitutional law luminaries, including Professor Upendra Baxi. Under his tutelage, I’ve imbibed a transformative approach to knowledge cultivation. Professor Baxi’s mantra, a veritable beacon for my pursuit, was to not merely read judgments, but to genuinely comprehend their essence. This comprehension serves as the bedrock for crafting articles that are not only nuanced but also uniquely angled, casting a wider, more enlightening perspective on the subjects at hand. Having said this, I have started writing on niche topics of Constitutional law, which are rarely addressed.

In the quest for excellence, it’s imperative that we hold a profound awareness of the pivotal constitutional law cases, those of sweeping import that have left an indelible mark. These cases are the cornerstones of our legal edifice, shaping the very fabric of our society. In summary, my journey into the realms of legal enlightenment entails a twofold approach – a vigilant eye on contemporary courtroom events coupled with a steadfast commitment to absorbing, comprehending, and eventually contributing to the rich tapestry of constitutional law. With Professor Upendra Baxi’s sage guidance and an unwavering dedication to understanding landmark cases, I endeavour to forge a path illuminated by legal wisdom and analytical acumen.

Q10. What advice do you have for young law students who aspire to follow a similar career path as yours?

Absolutely, I have a piece of advice that I share with every young law student I come across – “Do what is unexpected because people do not rejoice in what is expected.” This mantra holds great significance, and allow me to elaborate on why I believe in it wholeheartedly. You see, this philosophy isn’t mere conjecture; it’s a principle tested through personal experience. Let me illustrate: Not long ago, I had the privilege of achieving a remarkable feat – securing a ‘World Record’ for penning the longest poem on the Constitution of India. This creation, aptly titled “Verse, Not Just Laws,” was rightfully recognized by the World Book of Records, London. Now, the crux of this journey lies in its unexpected nature. The path I took was far from the predictable (even for me). And therein lies the beauty – it’s the unanticipated endeavours that draw attention, spark conversations, and ignite transformative change. In my case, “Verse, Not Just Laws” wasn’t just an artistic achievement; it had a profound purpose. This magnum opus serves as a beacon for society, offering a rhythmic and engaging way to learn the Constitution of India and recite its principles – an avenue towards promoting constitutional literacy among the masses. So, my counsel to young law enthusiasts echoes this principle: Seek out the unexpected, for it’s in the realm of the unexpected that you carve your unique path. Dare to explore unconventional avenues, champion novel ideas, and embrace undertakings that others might overlook. The significance isn’t solely in the achievement itself, but in the narrative, it creates – a narrative that resonates and leaves an indelible mark on society.