Adv. Mita Banerjee | Expert's Insights April 25' Magazine Edition

Some tales aren’t merely spoken—they are deeply felt. Advocate Mita Banerjee is one such story. A renowned advocate, tireless social activist, Padma Shri nominee, and passionate champion of the marginalized, Mita has walked through fire—metaphorically and emotionally—emerging each time stronger, sharper, and more resolute. Kolkata was where she first uttered the words "Your Honour," a tiny girl wrapped in her father’s oversized coat. Her dream of standing tall in courtrooms was sown early. The child who once mimicked lawyers grew up to become one of India’s fiercest legal defenders. Her father, a supportive pillar, fueled her fire by standing beside her when the world often turned away—once even giving ₹80,000 for the treatment of an elderly woman in need. Her mother, with her strict grace, balanced Mita’s upbringing with discipline and warmth.

Mita’s journey began not with accolades but with moments. As a young student, she excelled in debates, extempore contests, and cultural competitions, consistently securing the first position at Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College between 2002–2005. She later earned a law degree from Utkal University and a diploma in psychotherapy to better understand the human psyche—because, for Mita, law was not just about statutes; it was about healing.

Despite her impressive credentials, the legal world was unwelcoming. Gaining entry into the prestigious Calcutta Bar Library Club was a battle against deeply entrenched patriarchy. She was often dismissed, at times even asked to leave her files outside courtrooms. But Mita didn’t break. As she once said, "You fight the system not just in court, but within its very walls." That resilience became her signature. Her legal practice today spans a wide spectrum—rape victims, abused children, transgender rights, animal cruelty, environmental law, and white-collar crimes. In every fight, she has stood for the voiceless. One particularly harrowing case involved a nine-year-old boy who was brutally assaulted by a family member. Mita wasn’t just his lawyer; she became his protector. Often refusing payment, she treats each client not as a case file but as a life that deserves dignity.

Beyond courtrooms, Mita’s activism has touched countless lives. She personally funds food drives for the homeless, conducts last rites for unclaimed bodies, and runs legal awareness camps in neglected villages, even in conflict-ridden areas like Bastar. Recognition, when it came, was hard-earned and richly deserved. Mita Banerjee has been honored with more than 25 national and international awards. She was conferred the Oasis World Record for being the most prominent social activist and was among the selected intellectuals to present ideas at the G-20 Summit under Jan Bhagidari, aiming for a Guinness World Record for speech relay. She also participated in the G-20 Summit in New Delhi as a speaker and guest of honor—an extraordinary honor for an independent practicing advocate. Mita’s passion for global diplomacy and peace has also seen her represent India at the United Nations General Assembly on two occasions. Her work was further recognized when she received a Letter of Appreciation from the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan in New Delhi and was honored with the Global Peace Award by the United Nations Global Peace Council.  Her commitment to empowerment, particularly of women, has been acknowledged with several prestigious honors, including the India’s Iron Lady Award, the Mother Teresa Pride Award, and the Top 100 Influential Indians Award by Mast Influential Advocate. 

She also received the National Pride Award for Excellence in Advocacy, supported by India's Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and the International Chamber of Commerce. Her social contributions have been celebrated with awards like the Rajiv Gandhi Icon Award, the Prithvi Ratna Award, and the Peter Drucker Management Excellence Award. She has been named one of the Top 30 Emerging Leaders by the Hindustan Times and was honored with the International Social Honourable Award by the World Charity Welfare Foundation.

Mita Banerjee’s leadership extends beyond the courtroom into policymaking and global initiatives. She has been appointed Country Vice-Chairperson (India) for Project 100 and the International Women Parliament, a testament to her standing in international circles. Through every laurel, Mita remains grounded in her values. Her association with organizations like the High Court Bar Association of Calcutta, the Bar Library Club (Barristers’ Club), and the Alipore Bar Association reaffirms her deep commitment to the legal fraternity.

Her clientele, which includes notable personalities such as Maharaja Sourendra Narayan Singh Deo Ji of Panchakote Raj, Purulia, is a proof to her credibility and trustworthiness.  Yet, behind every award and every courtroom victory lies a heart that beats for the invisible—the transgender community, street children, abandoned animals, the homeless, and victims society often forgets. To them, Mita Banerjee is not just an advocate; she is a voice, a shield, and sometimes, the only family they have. When asked what keeps her going in the face of overwhelming odds, Mita smiles and says, "The law can punish, but kindness can heal. I try to do both."