Nisha Banth- Iconic Lawyer Interview

 Nisha Banth is eminent Lawyer, Legal Expert,  Media personality of the Country and inspiring women of India. In an exclusive interview she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi. 

A bit about your early life ?

From an early age, I understood the transformative power of quality education in building a meaningful career and life. With a clear sense of purpose and the steadfast support of my parents, I completed my secondary education in Dehradun, obtained an LLB from Pune, and went on to pursue an LLM in London. I have since qualified to practice as a solicitor in the United Kingdom.

A bit on your journey as lawyer ?

My early years of practice as a criminal lawyer exposed me to the significant hardships faced by women and marginalized communities in their pursuit of justice. Issues affecting women have always been particularly close to my heart, and this exposure deepened my commitment to making a difference. It was during this time that I began actively advising and supporting the underprivileged, driven by a strong desire to help them access the justice they deserve. 

 How do you balance your dual roles as a legal expert and media personality, and what challenges do you face in navigating these different spheres?

Balancing a legal career, community work, and a media presence has not been easy, but each plays a vital role in fulfilling my passion for justice and advocacy. Social work connects me directly with the needy and marginalized, giving me the opportunity to offer meaningful support. My legal practice serves as a tool to help them navigate the justice system, while my role in the media provides a powerful platform to raise awareness and spotlight critical issues affecting these communities. My Term as Municipal Councillor also gave me a great opportunity to work at a community level.

Your insights on legal matters and media dimensions of your journey ? 

My involvement in the media has been as a talk show host and legal expert on prime-time debates, rather than as a traditional reporter. I have been lucky that my shows have been broadcasted over multiple platforms including, Digital Platforms, Main Stream Television and even FM Radio Channels. In these roles, I have led in-depth discussions on significant legal issues alongside subject matter experts, including senior advocates and retired High Court judges. While mainstream media often presents legal developments in a broad and simplified manner, talk shows offer the opportunity to explore these topics with greater nuance and depth. This format enables meaningful dialogue, providing valuable insights and enhancing public understanding of complex legal judgments and their wider implications. It is important to highlight here that many Laws are Made, Rights are granted to us but they can only of any worth if we know that they exist and what powers they grant to us.  

Your current spheres in legal work ?

I run my own law firm, where we advise and represent various corporate clients across a range of legal matters. Among our areas of expertise is the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) at the workplace, a subject I am particularly passionate about due to my long-standing commitment to women’s issues. Over the years, I have taken a deep interest in POSH-related laws, guidelines, and case precedents. I am proud to have conducted extensive POSH training sessions not only for corporate entities and educational institutions but also for police officers and members of the judiciary—including magistrates, civil judges, and session’s judges at Noida Courts. I have also held sessions in prison for prisoners and got paralegals educating them about their rights of plea bargaining.

Your life philosophy?

" True  fulfillment lies beyond the confines of our individual pursuits. It's essential to look beyond our own interests, desires , and accomplishments to discover a greater purpose. A purpose that transcends physical beauty , material possessions, and even education.

A sense of purpose that is rooted in something more profound, more meaningful and more lasting. While financial stability is important, It's love, compassion and kindness towards one another that truly matter.

Your message?

Let us strive to cultivate a sense of purpose that goes beyond our own selfish desires, and instead seeks to make a positive impact on the world around us.