In Conversation with Ravi Prakash
Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India
Q1. Could you begin by introducing yourself and sharing your professional journey? What inspired you to pursue litigation and eventually qualify as an Advocate-on-Record before the Supreme Court of India?
Ravi Prakash:
I currently practise before the Supreme Court of India as an Advocate-on-Record, representing and advising clients on a wide range of legal issues while developing litigation strategies to safeguard their interests. My professional journey began in 2012 when I joined the chamber of Dr. K. S. Chauhan, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, where I was introduced to appellate litigation. Since then, there has been no looking back.
Litigation, particularly appellate advocacy, is a dynamic and intellectually demanding profession. It requires not only a deep understanding of the law but also the ability to interpret legal principles strategically within a narrow window of judicial scrutiny. I have always drawn inspiration from distinguished lawyer-statesmen such as Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, and Barack Obama, whose contributions continue to shape constitutional thought and public life.
Being a first-generation lawyer, my journey was not meticulously planned. After completing my LL.M. from the Indian Law Institute and qualifying the UGC-NET examination, I ventured into litigation, gradually immersing myself in the profession. Qualifying as an Advocate-on-Record in 2018 was a natural progression of years of dedication, discipline, and continuous learning.
Q2. Your academic journey includes an LL.M. from Columbia Law School alongside extensive litigation experience before the Supreme Court. How has your international legal education influenced your approach to constitutional litigation and appellate advocacy in India?
Ravi Prakash:
After completing a decade of practice before the Supreme Court, I pursued my second LL.M. at Columbia Law School. By then, I had developed a strong interest in comparative constitutional law, and Columbia provided an ideal environment to deepen that understanding.
Today's legal landscape is increasingly interconnected. Constitutional democracies across the world frequently confront similar legal questions, making comparative constitutional jurisprudence an indispensable tool for legal education and advocacy. While India rightly seeks to strengthen indigenous constitutional thought, comparative constitutional law continues to offer valuable insights that enrich legal reasoning without compromising our constitutional identity.
This international exposure has broadened my perspective, enabling me to approach constitutional issues with greater analytical depth while remaining firmly rooted in the principles of the Constitution of India.
Q3. You have a strong interest in comparative constitutional law, judicial review, and public law. In your opinion, what lessons can India's constitutional jurisprudence draw from comparative legal systems while preserving its own constitutional identity?
Ravi Prakash:
Comparative Constitutional Law has played an integral role in India's constitutional evolution since the Constituent Assembly debates. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar himself possessed remarkable comparative constitutional knowledge, and the Constitution reflects careful consideration of constitutional principles from across the world, suitably adapted to Indian conditions.
Since 1950, the Supreme Court of India has consistently relied upon comparative constitutional materials while interpreting constitutional provisions. Lawyers appearing in constitutional matters have similarly benefited from drawing upon diverse global jurisprudence.
I strongly believe that India should continue welcoming constitutional wisdom from across jurisdictions while preserving the unique identity and values of our Constitution. Comparative learning should never dilute constitutional identity; rather, it should strengthen constitutional interpretation by incorporating best practices suited to India's democratic framework.
Q4. Many young lawyers aspire to argue constitutional matters before the Supreme Court. What are some misconceptions they often have about Supreme Court litigation, and what is the reality?
Ravi Prakash:
It is encouraging to see growing interest among young lawyers in constitutional litigation. However, success before the Supreme Court requires far more than academic excellence or enthusiasm.
A common misconception is that appellate advocacy is simply an extension of trial practice. In reality, lawyers must spend years understanding the Court's procedures, registry, judicial approach, and institutional functioning. Rigorous training under experienced Advocates-on-Record or Senior Advocates is indispensable.
Young lawyers should focus on disciplined reading, studying judgments, engaging with quality legal scholarship, and avoiding over-reliance on AI-generated or superficial content. They should seek mentors, work on diverse and challenging briefs, and trust the long-term process of learning.
For first-generation lawyers in particular, qualifying as an Advocate-on-Record provides both professional recognition and an important platform to independently practise before the Supreme Court. Continuous legal education and lifelong learning remain essential throughout one's career.
Ravi Prakash:
Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly an important technological development, and lawyers should familiarise themselves with its capabilities. However, it must always remain a tool not the ultimate source of legal reasoning.
AI can certainly assist with preliminary legal research and drafting, but constitutional and appellate advocacy fundamentally depend upon human intellect, judgment, analytical reasoning, and wisdom. These qualities cannot be replaced by technology.
Interestingly, even leading law schools in the United States continue debating the appropriate role of AI within legal education. While AI will undoubtedly transform many aspects of legal practice, I believe constitutional litigation will remain among the least dependent on artificial intelligence because constitutional interpretation ultimately requires nuanced human reasoning and judicial wisdom.
Q6. Your practice also involves white-collar crime, commercial matters, and complex drafting. How important is it for modern litigators to develop expertise beyond courtroom advocacy, particularly in commercial transactions and strategic legal advisory?
Ravi Prakash:
Law is constantly evolving, and modern lawyers must embrace diverse areas of practice rather than limiting themselves to courtroom advocacy alone.
Developing expertise in litigation is important, but young lawyers should also gain exposure to arbitration, mediation, commercial transactions, negotiations, complex drafting, and strategic advisory work. Such multidisciplinary experience not only broadens professional competence but also enables lawyers to provide comprehensive solutions to clients.
True expertise develops gradually through years of practical exposure, continuous learning, and dedication across multiple domains of law.
Q7. For law students and young litigators who aspire to build successful careers in constitutional law and Supreme Court practice, what skills, habits, and mindset do you believe are essential for long-term success?
Ravi Prakash:
Supreme Court practice requires discipline, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Young litigators should focus on several key aspects:
Develop a thorough understanding of the Supreme Court Registry and its functioning.
Master the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, along with the Court's practice and procedure.
Observe courtroom advocacy carefully and understand the judicial approach towards different categories of cases.
Prepare every matter with complete dedication, as though it were your most important case.
Cultivate the art of precise and effective legal drafting through sustained practice rather than dependence on AI.
Read original judgments, rely on authoritative legal scholarship, and utilise modern research tools responsibly.
Above all, develop a lifelong habit of acquiring knowledge, trust the process, and remain committed to consistent hard work.
