Shashank Bajpai @ 41: A relentless pursuit of justice

As Advocate Shashank Bajpai turns 41 today, his professional journey stands as a compelling testament to sustained intellectual rigour, public service, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Over the last decade and more, he has emerged as a formidable presence before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court, and a wide spectrum of specialised tribunals, carving out a practice defined by precision, constitutional balance, and fearless advocacy.

Beginning his legal career in 2009, directly before the Supreme Court of India, Bajpai developed early exposure to constitutional litigation and high-stakes statutory disputes. Today, his practice spans civil, criminal, constitutional, arbitration, environmental, energy, tax, corporate, and company law, reflecting both depth and range.

He regularly appears before key adjudicatory bodies, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), APTEL, NCLT, NCLAT, the Revisional Authority under the Ministry of Mines, and statutory authorities under the Ministry of Coal - domains where legal complexity often intersects with public policy.

Bajpai’s standing as a government lawyer is underscored by the trust reposed in him at both Union and State levels. In 2024, he was appointed Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) to represent the Union of India before the Delhi High Court, while continuing to appear for the Union before the Supreme Court.

He has also served as Special Counsel for the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and for the Government of Gujarat, handling sensitive and precedent-setting matters. Beyond this, he has represented statutory and autonomous bodies such as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and the Association of Indian Universities, reflecting institutional confidence in his advocacy and judgment.

A significant part of Bajpai’s reputation rests on his work in mines, coal, environment, and tax law. His representation of State Governments in coal-mining disputes before the Mines Tribunal has led to notable outcomes against some of India’s largest mining companies.

He has also appeared in landmark matters shaping Indian jurisprudence across domains - ranging from international taxation and treaty abuse, to tribunal reforms, healthcare regulation, and criminal commercial liability under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Across these cases, his role has consistently reflected doctrinal clarity, strategic foresight, and a strong sense of institutional balance.

Beyond the Courtroom

Currently the Managing Partner of Vardharma Chambers, located at Golf Links, Lutyens’ Delhi, Bajpai leads a practice that consciously blends public service with private advocacy. The name Vardharma (in pursuit of justice for all) is not merely symbolic; it mirrors his belief that fair outcomes must be achieved through fair procedures.

Outside court, he remains deeply engaged with the profession and the public. He is a frequent participant in televised legal debates, a judge at national and international moot court competitions, and an active contributor to legal discourse on public policy. He has also briefed senior constitutional authorities, including the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and Additional Solicitors General of India, and has advised judicial benches on complex legal questions.

An alumnus of The Indian Law Institute, where he earned his LL.M., Bajpai continues to value academic engagement. He has participated in international seminars and conferences on environmental law, disaster management, international trade, constitutional interpretation, and human rights.

He currently holds the honorary position of Vice President of the Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP) and is a member of leading professional bodies including the Supreme Court Bar Association, Delhi High Court Bar Association, Bar Association of India, NGT Bar Association, and NCDRC Bar Association.

A Vision Anchored in the Constitution

For Bajpai, lawyers are, in his own words, “the foot soldiers of our Constitution.” He believes that access to justice must go beyond procedural entry points and address structural inequities, state power, and systemic reform. Drawing inspiration from Lord Denning’s view that an advocate is a minister of justice equally with the judge, his work consistently reflects a balance between advocacy and institutional integrity.