Ashis Kumar Chowdhury: A Helping Legal Hand To The Underprivileged
Ashis Kumar Chowdhury
Founding Partner
With over two decades of rich experience representing statutory authorities and individuals in various areas, his expertise extends to civil and criminal litigation, as well as representing corporate bodies and real estate professionals in contractual, employment, and tort disputes, earning the trust and confidence of his clients. Recognized as a leading lawyer at the Calcutta High Court, he is on a new journey as a member of the Supreme Court of India Bar Association, where he frequently appears in the Supreme Court of India, High Court of Punjab and Haryana, and Andaman & Nicobar and High Courts.
In addition to his legal achievements, Ashis Kumar Chowdhury has demonstrated unwavering compassion for society. During the unprece- dented COVID-19 pandemic, he went above and beyond to provide critical support to those affected by the crisis. He facilitated food and medical supplies to over 1,500 families, ensuring that essential needs were met during a time of extreme hardship.
Furthermore, when transportation restrictions stranded 600 people who were unable to return from Tamil Nadu to Kolkata, Ashis arranged for travel, ensuring they could reunite with their loved ones. We have Ashis with us for an exclusive interview.
You have aced many high-profile cases over the years. Could you tell us about a few cases that have stuck with you?
One of the many landmark cases that come to mind is the Black Magic Act case, where I focused on the need for credible evidence and the protection of constitutional freedoms from misuse of superstition related laws. I was involved in the matrimonial dispute between cricketer Mohammed Shami and Hasin Jahan, which attracted national media attention due to its complexity and sensitive allegations.
Then there is the 26,000-teacher recruit-ment scam, where I contributed to significant judicial scrutiny over the selection process and accountability of educational authorities. Many of these cases were constantly reported in leading legal publications and other journals, including citations like 2024 SCC Online (Cal) 7948, 2023 (1) ICC 666, and 2023 Supreme (Online) Cal 105, among others.
What do you consider as the most remarkable recognition and achieve-ments in your journey as an advocate?
I have been recognized as a leading lawyer at the Calcutta High Court, including as one of the “Top Lawyers for Service and Education” and “Best Criminal Lawyers” as per the satisfaction and reviews of my clients. In 2019, AIR Law Academy & Research Centre honored me with “Guest of Honor” for my contributions to legal drafting education.
I have also engaged in memorable discussions with dignitaries such as the Honorable Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, during his tenure as Governor of West Bengal, on safeguarding the legal profession and the role of state support and also established an NGO, namely "Deo Volente Human Welfare Society" to help poor litigants.
More recently, I have embarked on a new chapter as a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association. I now frequently appear before the Supreme Court of India, the High Courts of Punjab and Haryana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other juris -dictions.
You are well-known for your highly ethical practices and intact reputation. How does your decision-making contri-bute to this?
I will tell you about an incident. I came across a case that was not so peculiar. It is quite common for any legal practitioner. A reputed person, along with his wife, approached our chamber,
Then there is the 26,000-teacher recruit-ment scam, where I contributed to significant judicial scrutiny over the selection process and accountability of educational authorities. Many of these cases were constantly reported in leading legal publications and other journals, including citations like 2024 SCC Online (Cal) 7948, 2023 (1) ICC 666, and 2023 Supreme (Online) Cal 105, among others.
When it comes to legal mat-ters, experience matters the most
What do you consider as the most remarkable recognition and achieve-ments in your journey as an advocate?
I have been recognized as a leading lawyer at the Calcutta High Court, including as one of the “Top Lawyers for Service and Education” and “Best Criminal Lawyers” as per the satisfaction and reviews of my clients. In 2019, AIR Law Academy & Research Centre honored me with “Guest of Honor” for my contributions to legal drafting education.
I have also engaged in memorable discussions with dignitaries such as the Honorable Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, during his tenure as Governor of West Bengal, on safeguarding the legal profession and the role of state support and also established an NGO, namely "Deo Volente Human Welfare Society" to help poor litigants.
More recently, I have embarked on a new chapter as a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association. I now frequently appear before the Supreme Court of India, the High Courts of Punjab and Haryana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other juris -dictions.
You are well-known for your highly ethical practices and intact reputation. How does your decision-making contri-bute to this?
I will tell you about an incident. I came across a case that was not so peculiar. It is quite common for any legal practitioner. A reputed person, along with his wife, approached our chamber,
seeking to initiate a false case against his own elderly parents.
As I have a deep sense of my duties and their wishes were against my morals and principles, I firmly refused to take up the matter, for which, the couple became aggressive and began making false and defamatory statements against me. So, I addressed this issue by taking appropriate legal action against them. I have also never accepted any case from any person who has been involved in illegal trafficking matters.
Could you speak about the advisory areas covered in your firm?
When it comes to legal matters, experience matters the most. As among Kolkata's top lawyers, we bring over 25 years of dedicated legal expertise to our clients. Our seasoned professionals are well-versed in a variety of legal domains, ensuring clients receive comprehensive and informed guidance. For instance, in banking and finance, we help clients navigate complex financial legal matters.
Our commercial and corporate law teams support businesses of all sizes in achieving goals and ensuring compliance. In construction law, we assist contractors, developers, and property owners with project-related legal needs. The consumer law practice protects both consumers and businesses. Our firm provides strong defense and strategic advice in criminal cases,dedicated support in employment disputes and compassionate solutions in family law matters.
In addition to legal services, our firm has trained over 1,500 law students through internship programs, many of whom have gone on to serve as Judges in various District Courts across India, while others have built successful legal careers abroad. This mentorship is a matter of pride for us, as we believe in shaping not just cases, but future legal minds. Across all fields, we, as top lawyers in Kolkata, are committed to protecting rights, resolving challenges, and helping clients succeed.
Ashis Kumar Chowdhury, Founding Partner, Chowdhury & Associates Advocates
With more than two decades of experience as a Kolkata high court advocate, Ashis founded Chowdhury & Associates Advocates with a vision to raise public awareness on societal issues, advocate legal reforms, assist victims, and support those who need a voice. He has handled numerous high-profile cases and is a familiar face in the media, appearing in debates and talk shows, including magazines.
As I have a deep sense of my duties and their wishes were against my morals and principles, I firmly refused to take up the matter, for which, the couple became aggressive and began making false and defamatory statements against me. So, I addressed this issue by taking appropriate legal action against them. I have also never accepted any case from any person who has been involved in illegal trafficking matters.
Could you speak about the advisory areas covered in your firm?
When it comes to legal matters, experience matters the most. As among Kolkata's top lawyers, we bring over 25 years of dedicated legal expertise to our clients. Our seasoned professionals are well-versed in a variety of legal domains, ensuring clients receive comprehensive and informed guidance. For instance, in banking and finance, we help clients navigate complex financial legal matters.
Our commercial and corporate law teams support businesses of all sizes in achieving goals and ensuring compliance. In construction law, we assist contractors, developers, and property owners with project-related legal needs. The consumer law practice protects both consumers and businesses. Our firm provides strong defense and strategic advice in criminal cases,dedicated support in employment disputes and compassionate solutions in family law matters.
In addition to legal services, our firm has trained over 1,500 law students through internship programs, many of whom have gone on to serve as Judges in various District Courts across India, while others have built successful legal careers abroad. This mentorship is a matter of pride for us, as we believe in shaping not just cases, but future legal minds. Across all fields, we, as top lawyers in Kolkata, are committed to protecting rights, resolving challenges, and helping clients succeed.
Ashis Kumar Chowdhury, Founding Partner, Chowdhury & Associates Advocates
With more than two decades of experience as a Kolkata high court advocate, Ashis founded Chowdhury & Associates Advocates with a vision to raise public awareness on societal issues, advocate legal reforms, assist victims, and support those who need a voice. He has handled numerous high-profile cases and is a familiar face in the media, appearing in debates and talk shows, including magazines.