This article is written by by Parth Kumar
Introduction
Shobha Gupta, a fearless first-generation legal luminary is known for her unwavering commitment to the cause of justice, has been a guiding light throughout her illustrious career. She was designated as Senior Lawyer of the Supreme Court in 2024.
It is worthy to talk about the achievements of such a lawyer as a mark of appreciation on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025. She rightly believes that, “Injustices, especially those against women, are societal issues, not just women’s issues. When a crime is committed against a woman, it impacts her family and society as well.”
Early Life
Growing up in Jaipur, Shobha had big dreams for herself. A Science graduate in computer science from Banasthali Vidyapith, she instead of doing Masters in Computer Applications, she pursued law indicating her fascination for profession and the uniform. While still doing law, she lost her father and, in the aftermath, she witnessed her mother’s struggle to obtain a succession certificate in Ajmer and the fees the lawyers would charge on each date. This would fire up her determination to become a lawyer who would never squeeze money out of their client’s pockets.
Legal Journey till 2002
She started practice at Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur Bench, under Mr MuniMan Ranjan, a leading lawyer from December 1994 to December 1996. In addition to private practice, she worked as panel lawyer for various government, semi-government and private organizations including that of erstwhile Rajasthan State Electricity Board, National Small Industries Corporation Ltd, a Government of India Enterprise and for Rajasthan State Road Development and Construction Corporation Ltd, a wholly owned undertaking of Government of Rajasthan, for more than 10 years. She shifted to Delhi in 1997 joining G L Rawal and Associates in Delhi High Court extensively working in Delhi High Court, Debt Recovery Tribunals, Consumer Forums, Central Administrative Tribunal and other Tribunals including Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, AAIFR, BIFR, etc.
In January 2000, she joined K L Mehta and Company under S K Mehta remained till 2002. Here while working with him, she independently argued matters in Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, Consumer Courts, Tribunals etc. She also continued with private independent practice.
Post-2002
In 2002, Gupta became an advocate-on-record in the Supreme Court, joining the pool of elite Delhi-based lawyers who can file cases before the top court. As a lawyer, she is a woman on a mission. For senior advocate Shobha Gupta, who fought 21 years to take the Bilkis Bano case to its conclusion, women’s rights are a personal cause. “My heart lies in women’s issues,” she said. “It beats for women’s issues.” In 2019, the Supreme Court recognised Bilkis’ trauma and awarded her the highest-ever compensation in an Indian rape case. According to her, “When we remember Bilkis, it’s important to focus on her resilience rather than solely on the injustices she endured. To me, Bilkis’s name epitomises courage.”
With a legal career spanning over 16 years as the standing counsel for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Gupta’s activism extended far beyond the courtroom. She tirelessly championed various social causes, offering pro bono legal aid to juvenile offenders. She has been participating in legal aid camps for the underprivileged, and assisting the less fortunate with their legal issues. Her commitment also extended to representing the NHRC in numerous cases, including those in the highest courts of India, addressing critical matters like private school issues and challenges to the Right to Education Act.
In the wake of Hathras incident, she founded ‘We, The Women of India’, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about women’s human rights and providing support. It petitioned the Supreme Court in February 2022, demanding better infrastructure under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. With the effective collaboration of WWI members, the platform extended assistance to numerous individuals during the challenging second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gupta’s influence extends beyond her pro bono work. She has served as a panel lawyer, representing several government, semi-government, and private organisations including the Rajasthan State Electricity Board, NSIC and RSRDCC.
FLAG
She founded the ‘FLAG- Free Legal Aid Group’ to assist juvenile offenders, along with noted legal figures. This group also had blessings, guidance and kind association of Mr. Vijay Hansaria, Senior Advocate (Supreme Court) and also had full support and guidance of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Madan B. Lokur, the then Chairperson of Juvenile Justice Committee of Delhi High Court and Minna Kabir, wife of former CJI Justice Altmas Kabir. This group also brought tremendous change in mindset and approach of the Magistrates manning the Boards sensitizing them to the fact that the juvenile justice boards are not the regular criminal courts and the children before them are not criminals.
She is of the view that introducing fundamental legal education in schools could be a transformative step in shaping societal attitudes towards gender-based violence. Education serves as a powerful tool for instilling awareness and fostering a culture of accountability.
