As the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary of Stellapps Technologies Group, I lead a small team of brilliant lawyers and company secretaries responsible for managing the organization’s legal, ethics & compliance affairs and data privacy. My role encompasses a wide range of legal areas, including corporate governance, compliance with food and legal metrology laws, strategic transactions, joint ventures, high stake contracts, supply chain management, privacy, cybersecurity, process implementation and improvements, intellectual property, investigations, arbitrations and litigations.
My role combines risk management with strategic growth, developing robust legal frameworks that enable business expansion while ensuring full regulatory compliance, from data privacy to complex commercial agreements. My approach is to proactively identify and address legal issues, ensuring that Stellapps and its group companies operate within the bounds of the law while pursuing its business objectives.
With cross-sector expertise, I proactively embed legal foresight into business decisions to help drive sustainable growth while managing risks, resolving regulatory disputes pre-emptively and leading critical initiatives like cybersecurity enhancements and supply chain legal structuring.
My team and I collaborate closely with various departments to provide legal guidance and support, enabling Stellapps to navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.
ESG compliances also form part of my responsibilities to align the business activities with the sustainable development goals. Additionally, I support law enforcement agencies when needed and ensure that our data and privacy governance become more robust to comply with the anticipated privacy laws. I am also deeply involved in the strategic development of the business.
Thank you for asking about my journey. It’s been a fascinating ride, one I never quite anticipated when I first stepped into the legal world. I was 20 when I completed my Company Secretaryship course and started working. I always wanted to stand out, and with relentless effort, I managed to associate myself with a top corporate advisory firm. There, I was groomed to be a distinct line of professionals, one who would lead from the front and wear the hat of nothing less than a legal head. I was tested at every stage from a very young age, thrust into real-world situations to instil an unshakable belief that I could be the best in the business.
After that, I cracked the LLB entrance exam and secured a seat in a government law college on merit. Back then, my days were filled with drafting petitions, witnessing and imbibing cases in humid courtrooms, and learning the ropes from some of the brightest legal minds in the country.
Later, I decided to pivot to the corporate world, which is what I had been trained for. I joined one of India’s leading conglomerates in agri-tech at a time when the role of a General Counsel was still evolving. Unlike today, these positions didn’t report directly to CEOs back then. It wasn’t just about knowing the law anymore; it was about mastering strategy, understanding business, and anticipating risks before they even emerged. I remember my first boardroom meeting, sitting across from CEOs and CXOs, translating complex legal jargon into actionable insights that shaped multimillion-rupee decisions. That’s when I realized the power of this role: you’re not just a lawyer, you’re a trusted advisor, a guardian of ethics, a watchdog, and sometimes, the voice of reason in a room full of ambition.
One standout moment? Steering my previous company through a high-stakes financial crisis. We were facing a potential slowdown of our key operations due to issues that had spiralled out of control. The pressure was immense as hundreds of jobs were on the line, and the clock was ticking. I led the transaction from due diligence to closing over five months, working around the clock, dissecting laws like the Companies Act, Competition Law, IPRs, and Industrial Laws, negotiating with investors, and crafting a solution that satisfied the incoming investors, the promoters, and the exiting shareholders. I set a precedent that promoters still recall today. When I entered the boardroom after that, the board applauded, and I was just 26 years old at the time. I called it preparation meeting opportunity. It’s something I had been seasoned for.
What amazes me most, looking back, is how the Indian legal landscape has transformed over the years. From grappling with archaic colonial laws to embracing global standards in data privacy, ESG compliance, and cross-border M&As, I’ve had a front-row seat to it all. I’ve advised on deals spanning continents, tackled ethical dilemmas that tested my core values, and mentored people to think beyond the immediate problem.
The secret sauce? Never stop learning. Whether it’s decoding the latest amendment to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code or understanding how AI is reshaping legal risks, staying ahead of the curve has been my edge. And, of course, building relationships—whether it’s earning the trust of a skeptical CEO or convincing a regulator to see our side of the story.
So, that’s my journey in a nutshell: a blend of grit, strategy, and a passion for making the law work for progress. It’s been challenging, exhilarating, and dare I say – a little addictive.
As a legal professional who has navigated India’s dynamic legal landscape, I firmly believe the role of General Counsel (GC) is evolving dramatically in today’s business scenario. Traditionally, GCs were seen as legal gatekeepers focused on compliance, contract drafting, and litigation management. However, the modern GC is a strategic partner, integral to driving business success in an increasingly complex environment.
This shift is driven by several factors. First, globalization and cross-border transactions demand that GCs master not just Indian laws—like the Companies Act or SEBI regulations, but also understand international frameworks, such as GDPR or anti-corruption laws. For instance, advising on a multimillion-rupee M&A deal now requires navigating jurisdictional nuances and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance, areas unheard of in the role a decade ago.
Second, technology is a game-changer. With AI reshaping industries, GCs must assess legal risks in data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. Think of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act implications. I’ve seen firsthand how staying ahead of such trends is non-negotiable.
Finally, the GC’s proximity to the C-suite has grown. No longer just reporting to the CEO, they influence boardroom decisions, balancing profitability with ethics. In essence, the GC role in India has evolved from a back-office function to a front-line leadership position which blends law, strategy, and foresight. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it attractive and appealing.
General Counsels in India face a range of recurring challenges that cut across industries, driven by the country’s complex legal landscape, rapid economic growth, and evolving business expectations. I would like to list a few of them:
These challenges aren’t static; they evolve with India’s growth trajectory and global influences. GCs have to be proactive, juggling legal expertise with business savvy, often without the luxury of a big team or endless budget. It’s a tough gig, but it’s what keeps companies afloat in a market as dynamic as India’s.
Great question, and one that’s close to my heart as a General Counsel in India. Improving synergies between law firms and corporate in-house legal teams is critical in today’s fast-paced business world. It’s like tuning an orchestra to play in perfect harmony. Historically, there’s been a bit of a divide: law firms bring deep expertise and bandwidth, while in-house teams offer business context and agility. The key is bridging that gap.
Communication is the bedrock. I’ve found that regular, transparent dialogue helps align goals. For instance, when I’m working with external counsel on a high-stakes M&A, I ensure they understand not just the legal ask but the company’s commercial priorities also. That context transforms them from service providers into partners.
Further I feel that mutual respect is non-negotiable. Law firms need to value the in-house team’s insider perspective, while we must respect their specialized skills. I once collaborated with a firm on a regulatory crisis; by treating it as a joint mission, shared ownership, shared wins. We turned a potential disaster into a precedent-setting solution.
It’s about trust, tech, and teamwork. Get that right, and you don’t just improve synergies you redefine what’s possible in legal collaboration.
To hold on to this position of General Counsel, continued learning isn’t just a necessity, it’s a passion that keeps me sharp in an ever-evolving legal landscape. I believe at this stage, it’s less about traditional mentors and more about engaging with coaches. Coaches who challenge your thinking and push you to see beyond the obvious. That’s where my approach begins.
One of my go-to tools is attending webinars and seminars. These aren’t just refreshers; they’re goldmines for deepening my command over subjects I might not touch daily. Whether it’s a session on the latest SEBI regulations or a panel on data privacy, they spark new perspectives, highlight emerging laws like the Personal Data Protection Bill, a new case law under the companies act, a new amendment under the FEMA NDI Rules and unpack real-world challenges. I walk away not just informed but inspired.
Then, there’s the irreplaceable power of reading. I’ve built a personal library, you think of Ramaiya’s commentary on company law, commentaries on contract law, or works on oppression and mismanagement, you will find it on my shelf. These are my anchors. I also religiously follow The Chartered Secretary from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India as it’s packed with cutting-edge insights on various relevant topics that keep me ahead of the curve.
Together, these habits fuel my confidence and ensure I’m never caught off guard, whether I’m advising the board or tackling a crisis. For me, CLE is about staying curious, connected, and credible, it’s what separates a good GC from a great one.
I’d love to share some advice for anyone exploring a career as in-house counsel. It’s a rewarding path with a lot of impact aspects, but it comes with its own playbook. As someone who’s thrived in this space, here’s what I’d say.
First, broaden your lens beyond the law. In-house isn’t just about mastering statutes like the Companies Act or drafting airtight contracts. It’s about understanding the business you’re in. Early on, I made it a point to learn my company’s products, manufacturing process and quality check aspects in the operations, from revenue streams to risk appetite. Sit in on strategy meetings, curiously listening to the discussion around the table, ask questions, and become a business partner, not just a legal voice. That’s your ticket to the table of in-house counsel.
Second, adaptability is your superpower. Unlike law firms, where you might specialize, in-house counsel wear many hats – compliance today, M&A tomorrow, a regulatory crisis next week. I once had to pivot from negotiating a deal to handling a labour dispute on the same day. Embrace the chaos; it’s where you grow.
Third, build relationships. Your influence depends on trust with people, the CEO, the board and even external counsels. I’ve found that a coffee chat with a skeptical executive can do more for alignment than a dozen emails.
Finally, never stop learning. Read voraciously, legal journals, industry reports and attend seminars/webinars. Utilize youtube for search videos on legal subjects. The law evolves, and so must you. Start with curiosity and grit, and you’ll carve a path that’s both impactful and fulfilling. It worked for me and it is still working!!!
FAVOURITE GADGET Favourite Gadget Playstation with Virtual Reality (VR) Headset and Nintendo Switch
FAVOURITE APP Blinkit and Zepto as it eases my life.
FAVOURITE AUTOMOBILE BRAND One that I have in my garage, the “Harley Davidson”.
FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION Paris and Brienz in Switzerland.
FAVOURITE CUISINE Lake Fish Curry made by my Mom (this lake fish is available only in fresh water and at my hometown). I miss it now, it used to be yummy.
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