Professional Experience:
Nithya is a highly accomplished legal professional with extensive experience in research, litigation, policy development, and advocacy, focusing on human rights and social justice. With expertise spanning constitutional law, gender inclusivity, disability rights, and access to justice, their career reflects a strong commitment to systemic reform and empowering marginalized communities.
As a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Law and Policy Research, Nithya plays a pivotal role in managing multiple research and advocacy projects in the areas of gender, disability, caste and queer rights. This included developing legal resource books to assist marginalized groups in asserting their rights, and spearheading reforms for women's leadership in the judiciary. Under this project, Nithya was responsible for mobilizing women lawyer networks, research and data collection, and advocating for gender-responsive mechanisms in the Indian judiciary. As a project lead, she oversees junior researchers, coordinates national-level consultations, and manages grant writing, fundraising, and communications efforts.
Previously, she served as a Legal Consultant at the National Law School of India University, where she advised on litigation and policy matters, enhancing student welfare and workers' rights. She developed the NLSIU Inclusion and Expansion Policy, significantly broadening access to education for marginalized communities. Her role also included restructuring university staff policies to ensure fairness and transparency.
Nithya’s experience as an Associate at Ashira Law Advocates & Solicitors and Chambers of Jayna Kothari saw her involved in high-impact constitutional litigation, including a successful challenge to adultery laws before the Supreme Court of India. Her advocacy in public interest litigation covered issues such as employment rights for persons with disabilities, reproductive rights for women, and transgender rights. She also provided legal aid in cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and sexual harassment.
Her commitment to international human rights was evident in her time at the Human Rights Clinic, Columbia Law School, where she contributed to the Yemen Mental Health Project. She assessed the impact of armed conflict on civilian mental health and engaged with global health experts, humanitarian agencies, and diplomats in Amman, Jordan.
Nithya also brings experience as an Independent Lawyer, advising clients on family, property, health, and animal welfare law. Earlier, as a Legal Officer at the HIV/AIDS Unit of Lawyers Collective, she played a crucial role in litigation concerning HIV discrimination, access to medicines, and LGBT rights. She contributed to the passage of the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014, a landmark anti-discrimination law, and advocated for affordable medicines in the face of intellectual property barriers.
Additionally, her academic contributions include a faculty position at the National Law School of India University, where she taught a course on Economic and Social Rights under International Human Rights Law, integrating her practice experience into the curriculum.
Nithya’s professional journey showcases an unwavering commitment to legal advocacy, strategic research, and policymaking aimed at advancing justice and equity. Her leadership in litigation, legislative reform, and academic engagement positions her as a formidable force in driving systemic change.