Our Partner: Adv. Pradnya Talekar

Pradnya Talekar is a partner at the firm, bringing a dynamic and formidable presence to our litigation practice. A graduate of the National Law University, Jodhpur, with an honours degree in Intellectual Property Rights, she further distinguished herself by earning a post-graduate degree with distinction from the University of Oxford, UK. In over a decade at the Bar, Pradnya has cultivated a diverse and powerful practice, earning a reputation for her stellar courtroom performance and her sharp legal intellect.

A Diverse & High-Stakes Practice

Pradnya's litigation experience is remarkably broad, spanning constitutional law, civil and property rights, taxation, commercial disputes, and criminal law. With nearly 100 reported judgments to her credit, she has demonstrated a consistent ability to successfully navigate complex legal challenges. At a young age, she has distinguished herself by successfully arguing high-stakes matters against some of the finest senior counsels in the country, showcasing her skill in handling intricate constitutional and commercial issues.

Landmark Judgments

Pradnya has been at the center of several landmark cases with far-reaching implications:

• Land Acquisition Compensation: In one of her earliest cases, Pradnya successfully argued for a new interpretation of a key provision in the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. This precedent-setting judgment had a nationwide impact, resulting in a 400% increase in the compensation paid to farmers.
• Environmental Justice: In a significant pro-bono matter, she successfully challenged the illegal dumping of mixed waste by a municipal corporation into a village area, securing favorable orders from both the High Court and the Supreme Court and reinforcing the public trust doctrine.
• Education Rights: She has successfully litigated several cases concerning post-graduate medical admissions, challenging arbitrary domicile requirements and ensuring fair access to education for deserving students.
• Upholding Democratic Processes: Through a significant writ petition, she was instrumental in securing a High Court directive for the State Government to conduct long-overdue elections for the Maharashtra State Board of Wakfs.

Contributions to the Legal Community

Pradnya is deeply committed to giving back to the legal profession and the wider community. Her contributions extend beyond the courtroom:

• Amicus Curiae: The High Court of Bombay has appointed her as Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) to assist in a suo motu Public Interest Litigation concerning the plight of migrant workers in Maharashtra.
• Mentorship & Legal Education: Understanding the importance of mentorship, Pradnya dedicates significant time to guiding young lawyers. She was instrumental in organizing the country's first National Advocacy Workshop, an annual event in partnership with EBC-SCC Online, aimed at honing the advocacy skills of law students. She is also a frequent guest lecturer at various law colleges and universities across India.
• Public Discourse & Leadership: Pradnya contributes to public discourse through Op-Eds in national dailies. She has also served as the Chair of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Indian Women Network chapter at Aurangabad, working to support and empower professional women.