In the bustling city of Mumbai, where the corridors of power often echo with stories of ambition and struggle, one woman decided to carve her own path. Not content with merely observing the injustices around her, she took up the challenge of dismantling them. This woman is Adv Abha Singh, a former civil servant turned fearless advocate at the High Court of Judicature in Mumbai. Her journey from a secure government job to becoming a torchbearer for social justice is not just inspiring—it’s revolutionary.
Driven by a deep sense of fairness, Adv Abha has become a formidable force in the fight for gender equality, human rights, and legal reform. But her impact doesn’t stop in the courtroom. Through her NGO, Rann-Samar Foundation, she extends her mission to those who can’t afford legal assistance, proving that justice should never be out of reach. From launching her book, “Stree – Dasha aur Disha,” to educating women about their legal rights, Adv Abha Singh’s life story is one of resilience, purpose, and relentless advocacy for the voiceless.
Early Life and Youth
Adv Abha was born in an era when societal expectations for women were still largely conservative. However, her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of justice, courage, and an ambition to break traditional barriers. Singh’s early education laid the foundation for her future endeavours as she pursued her higher studies with a passion for public service and law.
Her academic background includes degrees in law and public administration, which would later serve as the bedrock for her career. Raised with values of hard work and resilience, Singh always had a keen interest in addressing social inequalities, particularly issues surrounding women’s rights and gender justice. These values not only shaped her career as a civil servant and lawyer but also informed her work as a social activist. The lessons from her youth instilled in her a lifelong commitment to standing up for the underprivileged and challenging the status quo.
Professional Journey
Adv Abha’s professional journey is a blend of public service, legal advocacy, and social reform. Before becoming a lawyer, Singh had a distinguished career as a civil servant. She served as an officer in the Indian Postal Service, where she spearheaded various reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the public sector.
However, her true calling lay in the field of law. After leaving the civil services, Singh pursued a legal career with a focus on public interest litigation, women’s rights, and social justice. Today, she is a well-known advocate practising at the Bombay High Court, where she has been involved in several landmark cases, particularly those related to gender equality and human rights.
Her shift from the civil services to the legal profession was not without its challenges. It required immense courage to step out of a secure government job and take on a more direct role in fighting for justice. However, Singh’s persistence paid off, and she soon became a renowned lawyer known for her ability to take on challenging cases and her deep understanding of the intricacies of Indian law.
Challenges
Throughout her career, Adv Abha has faced numerous challenges, both personal and professional. As a woman navigating the male-dominated spheres of civil service, law, and activism, Singh had to overcome societal biases and systemic discrimination. Early in her career, she often found herself battling gender stereotypes, but she used these experiences to fuel her determination to bring about change.
In the legal world, where established networks often favour the privileged, Singh’s transition from civil servant to lawyer presented unique difficulties. The legal profession, particularly at the higher judiciary levels, is competitive and requires exceptional tenacity. Nevertheless, her dedication and perseverance allowed her to build a reputation for being fearless, particularly when advocating for marginalized individuals.
Additionally, her work as a social activist brought its own set of challenges. Fighting for the rights of women and the underprivileged often means confronting powerful societal structures, but Singh has consistently remained undeterred. Her work with the Rann-Samar Foundation has frequently brought her into contact with individuals and groups resistant to change, but she has continued to push forward, driven by her commitment to justice.
Achievements
Adv Abha’s achievements are both numerous and significant. As a lawyer, she has been involved in several high-profile cases and public interest litigations that have advanced the cause of justice. Her advocacy for gender equality has led to important legal victories, and her efforts to educate women about their legal rights have made a tangible difference in many lives.
One of her most notable contributions is the publication of her book, Stree—Dasha aur Disha. This book provides legal knowledge to women by showcasing real-life cases and their outcomes. It serves as an educational tool, helping women understand their rights and empowering them to seek legal recourse when necessary.
Through the Rann-Samar Foundation, Singh has provided legal assistance to countless individuals who otherwise would not have access to professional lawyers. One of the most remarkable initiatives under the foundation is the construction of toilets in rural areas, contributing to public health and dignity, especially for women.
Her work has earned her national recognition as a thought leader on gender issues, and she continues to be an influential voice in the fight for women’s rights and social justice in India.
Advocacy and Social Work
As a social activist, Adv Abha’s work goes beyond the courtroom. Her NGO, Rann-Samar, focuses on providing legal aid to those who cannot afford it, ensuring that justice is accessible to all. The foundation’s work in rural areas, particularly its efforts to construct toilets and improve sanitation, has had a significant impact on public health and women’s safety in underdeveloped regions.
Through her advocacy, Singh has become a vocal proponent of women’s empowerment, frequently addressing issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and workplace inequality. Her ability to marry her legal expertise with her passion for social justice has made her an influential figure in India’s ongoing battle for gender equality.
Advice to Aspiring Lawyers and Social Activists
Adv Abha’s advice to aspiring lawyers and social activists is simple but profound: “Never give up on your sense of justice, and always stand up for the truth, no matter how difficult the road.” She emphasizes the importance of integrity and persistence in the face of adversity, encouraging young professionals to stay committed to their principles even when the odds seem insurmountable.
She also believes that one must be well-educated and informed about the law in order to effect meaningful change. “Knowledge is power,” she often says, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with legal developments. Singh encourages young people to get involved in social causes early in their careers and to use their skills to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Advocate Aditya Pratap: Continuing the Legacy
Adv Abha’s son, Advocate Aditya Pratap, is following in her footsteps with an equally impressive legal career. An alumnus of the prestigious NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, Aditya joined the bar in 2013. Since then, he has built a strong reputation by practising civil and criminal law. He appears before various courts, including the Bombay High Court, Supreme Court, City Civil and Sessions Courts, and the National Green Tribunal.
Aditya has earned multiple accolades, including the Mumbai Achievers Awards (2020, 2024), and has been honoured by prestigious institutions like Nirma University, Ahmedabad and MIT University, Pune. As a member of the Bombay Bar Association, Aditya continues to contribute significantly to legal discourse in India. His dedication to general litigation and integrated expertise in civil and criminal law make him a rising star in the legal community.
