Our Founder: Adv. S. B. Talekar

S. B. Talekar is a luminary of the Indian legal profession. With a career spanning over four decades, he has earned a formidable reputation for his courtroom prowess, profound understanding of constitutional law, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His journey from a distinguished academic to one of the country's most respected litigators has left an indelible mark on Indian jurisprudence.

Academic Foundations & A Legacy in Litigation

After graduating in law from ILS Law College, Pune, and completing his master's from the University of Pune, Mr. Talekar began his career as a lecturer at University Law College, Bangalore, and ILS Law College, Pune. This academic grounding instilled in him a meticulous attention to the nuances of law and a commitment to thorough research—traits that would become the hallmark of his legal practice.

He joined the Bar at the High Court of Bombay, Bench at Aurangabad, in 1983. His intellectual rigor and exceptional advocacy skills quickly established him as a leading counsel. His practice is remarkable for its sheer breadth, extending from the High Courts and the Supreme Court to a vast array of specialized tribunals, including the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT), Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), and various Cooperative, Labour, and School Tribunals. This varied experience has endowed him with a unique and integrated understanding of different branches of law.

Over the years, Mr. Talekar's expertise has been sought by numerous governmental and public bodies. He has served as a special counsel for the State of Maharashtra and has been on the panel for esteemed institutions such as the Shirdi Sansthan, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), and the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).

Landmark Constitutional & Election Cases

Mr. Talekar has been at the forefront of some of the most significant constitutional battles in recent history.

• Maratha Reservation Act: He was the first to articulate the foundational legal challenge to the SEBC Act, 2018, before the Bombay High Court, based on the 102nd Constitutional Amendment. His contentions were ultimately accepted by the Supreme Court of India, which declared the state act ultra vires.
• Maharashtra Dance Bar Ban: In the challenge to the ban on dance bars, his arguments before the Bombay High Court were pivotal in setting aside the ban, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court.
• High-Profile Election Petitions: He has handled sensational election petitions, including the challenge to the election of Member of Parliament Shri. Yashwantrao Gadakh, and successfully defended former Chief Minister Shri. Sharad Pawar against a notice issued under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Championing Public Interest

A deep commitment to social justice has been a constant throughout Mr. Talekar's career. He has filed numerous Public Interest Litigations (PILs) on a pro bono basis that have led to significant societal changes.

• Establishment of National Law Universities: In an unwavering pursuit to establish a law school of national repute in Aurangabad, he filed a PIL in his personal capacity. This action paved the way for the establishment of three National Law Universities in Maharashtra, a unique distinction for the state.
• Prisoner Rights During COVID-19: His letter to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court regarding the plight of prisoners during the pandemic was converted into a suo motu PIL. His strenuous efforts were instrumental in securing the release of thousands of prisoners on emergency parole and temporary bail.

Service to the Bar and Community

Mr. Talekar has demonstrated an enduring commitment to the legal fraternity. He served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa and held the chair as President of the Aurangabad High Court’s Bar Association for an unprecedented four consecutive terms. He has frequently been appointed as amicus curiae by the High Court to assist in complex matters and was a member of the government-constituted committee to review the state's caste laws.