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DJS 2024 Topper Bhavya Phutela Rank 33 Interview
October 23, 2025
Overview: "While most people look at the judiciary as a job, I see it as a purpose. A way to serve. A way to understand people. A way to ensure the law reaches those who need it most.”
These are the words of Bhavya Phutela Rank 33, Delhi Judicial Services (DJS) 2024 topper, a young law graduate from National Law University, Delhi, whose academic journey, corporate detour, and return to public service paints a picture of clarity, courage, and conviction.
In this blog, we dive into her story- a journey that mirrors the aspirations of thousands of law graduates in India trying to find the right fit between courtroom, classroom, and constitution.
The Beginning: Life at NLU Delhi and Corporate Temptations
Born and brought up in Delhi, Bhavya had always been drawn to law and justice. But like most students at top law schools, placements and corporate dreams were part of the conversation.
“While preparing for the judiciary was always in my mind, I was curious about how the corporate world functions. Coming from NLU Delhi, where most of my peers were eyeing top firms, I decided to experience that space before making a long-term commitment to the judiciary.”
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Bhavya secured a job at EY (Ernst & Young) in the contract drafting team, working on various agreements- particularly for a client like Caterpillar.
She handled contracts related to sale and purchase of heavy equipment, and even housing/rental arrangements for employees. While she wasn't directly involved in employment contracts, the experience gave her insight into negotiation dynamics, client expectations, and the subtle legal loopholes often exploited in practice.
The Decision to Quit: When Corporate Law Wasn’t Enough
After a year, Bhavya made a bold decision—she resigned.
“It was a good learning experience, but I knew it wasn’t my calling. I didn’t feel fulfilled. I wanted to do something more grounded, more impactful. That’s when I decided to prepare seriously for the judicial services exam.”
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In 2022, she appeared for the Delhi Judicial Services Examination. She cleared the prelims, but couldn’t make it past the mains. Rather than be disheartened, Bhavya used the experience as motivation and decided to strengthen her foundation further by enrolling in a postgraduate LL.M. programme at her alma mater—NLU Delhi.
LL.M. Thesis: Advocating for Disability Rights at the Workplace
Bhavya’s dissertation was a reflection of both academic depth and social consciousness. Titled as a comparative study of disability rights at the workplace, it analysed the frameworks under:
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 1990
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (India)
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She highlighted three key distinctions between Indian and American laws:
- Origins & Legacy: The ADA was the first legislation in the world to systematically codify rights of persons with disabilities at the workplace, setting a global precedent.
- Inclusivity vs. Affirmative Action: While U.S. laws focus on non-discrimination and workplace accommodation, Indian law goes a step further by offering reservation- a form of affirmative action.
Scope of Application: Indian law, as Bhavya rightly pointed out, still lacks enforceability in private organizations. “Inclusivity,” she said, “should not be a government-only mandate. Private sectors must also be brought under the ambit of mandatory compliance.”
Why Judiciary, and Not Litigation?
A common question asked to judiciary aspirants is: “Why not litigation?” For Bhavya, the answer was deeply personal and also reflective of her personality.
“Litigation is powerful. It helps one client at a time. But it also demands a certain lifestyle and hustle that I felt I wouldn’t do justice to. I’m someone who enjoys reading the law, staying updated, and understanding broader policy. I felt the judiciary offers me that scope, along with the power to bring change systemically.”
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When asked about how judges contribute to social service, her response was thoughtful:
“A judge is not a social worker. But justice is social service. Through the Legal Services Authorities Act, and other schemes, judges can uphold the rights of the poor and underrepresented. Ensuring equal access to justice is itself an act of service.”
Quick Legal Glimpses: Testing Her Understanding
During the interaction, Bhavya was asked several technical questions to assess her legal knowledge. Here’s a glimpse of some responses:
On Specific Performance of Contracts:
Bhavya rightly explained that courts can enforce specific performance of a part of a contract, especially if the unperformed part does not affect the intent of the contract. Her answer reflected an understanding of Section 12 of the Specific Relief Act.
On Amendment of Pleadings:
She mentioned Order 6 Rule 17 CPC, stating that amendments can be made before the commencement of trial, and in some cases, later—if new facts come to light that were not originally known. She correctly added that such amendments must not change the “nature of the suit.”
On Declaratory Decrees:
When asked whether a declaratory decree can be granted without seeking further relief (like an injunction), Bhavya attempted the question and explained that once ownership or right is declared, further relief may become implied. While not a perfect answer, it showed her thinking and application.
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On Juvenile Law and Breach of Trust:
Though she stumbled a bit on the difference between juvenile under CrPC and JJ Act, she was confident in applying Section 405 IPC (Criminal Breach of Trust) to a hypothetical involving misuse of property by a security guard—demonstrating her ability to connect legal theory with real-life cases.
Conclusion: A Strong Candidate with a Deep Sense of Purpose
Bhavya is not just another judiciary aspirant. She is a reflection of what the judiciary needs today—a legally sound, socially aware, and morally grounded individual. Her journey from drafting contracts to interpreting the constitution has been deliberate, introspective, and inspiring.
If there’s one line that sums her up, it’s this:
“Judges don’t just decide cases—they decide lives. And I want to be someone who does it with fairness, empathy, and clarity.”
Pragati Pragi
Content writer
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