In conversation with Indian Startup Times, Mr. Hraday Singh, Head of Legal at Rivigo by Mahindra Logistics( subsidiary of Mahindra Logistics Limited) and a Mahindra Group Company shared his remarkable journey from the intense world of courtroom litigation to the strategic corridors of corporate law. With over a decade of experience spanning litigation, compliance, and corporate advisory, he reflects on the evolving legal and regulatory ecosystem in India, particularly for startups and emerging businesses.
The Transition: From Litigation to the Corporate World
Mr. Singh began his professional journey after graduating from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Law School in 2015, holding a prior degree in Information Technology. “Right after law school, I joined a boutique law firm, Eunomia Law Associates,” he recalled. “It was a hardcore litigation practice — criminal, civil, matrimonial, recovery, cheque bounce cases — everything under the sun.”
Although he always aspired to enter the corporate space, Mr. Singh’s initial years in litigation shaped the foundation of his legal expertise. After almost four years of practice, he transitioned to a corporate role as a legal consultant with Biba Apparels Private Limited. “The change was drastic. From arguing before judges, I moved to advising CFOs, CEOs, and boards on legal matters,” he said.
His journey later took him to Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, where he handled litigation for the entire North Zone, gaining deep exposure to large-scale corporate governance and advisory. Today, as Head of Legal at Mahindra Logistics’ group company, Rivego Logistics, he leads the legal and compliance verticals, managing everything from commercial contracts and ESG compliance to regulatory strategy. “I take pride in developing the compliance practice from scratch at this organization,” he added.
Why Litigation Experience Still Matters
Reflecting on his early years, Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of courtroom experience for every law student. “Every law graduate should spend some time practicing at the lower or high courts,” he advised. “It builds the foundation for understanding how the law actually operates.”
He explained that those who directly enter corporate roles often lack the practical nuances of court procedures, which can hinder effective advisory work. “When you’ve practiced, you think like an advocate — always anticipating what could go wrong in a clause or how you’d defend it later. That mindset makes you a sharper corporate counsel,” he said.
A Glimpse into His Inspiration
Interestingly, law was not Mr. Singh’s first career path. “I was initially pursuing engineering in Information Technology,” he shared. “But during that time, I got inspired after visiting the Supreme Court and reading the book Legal Eagles. It made me realize that law offered the kind of intellectual challenge I was looking for.”
A proud alumnus of BHU, he also mentioned his admiration for writer and fellow alumnus Satya Vyas. “He’s a senior of mine — I’ve met him a few times when he visited campus. I’m a big fan of his novels like Banaras Talkies and Chaurasi,” he said with a smile.
The Changing Legal Landscape in India
Discussing India’s current legal environment, Mr. Singh noted a major shift in corporate attitudes toward compliance. “Earlier, companies saw legal departments as a cost center. But that mindset has changed. Today, even startups are investing in governance and compliance to avoid unforeseen risks,” he observed.
He pointed out that organizations now prioritize in-house legal teams to ensure regulatory readiness across ESG, labor, and statutory compliances. “There’s a growing realization that compliance isn’t a burden — it’s protection,” he emphasized.
Policy Changes and Their Impact
According to Mr. Singh, recent regulatory reforms have significantly reshaped the business environment. “The changes in GST have impacted all industries, simplifying processes and benefiting customers directly,” he said. He also highlighted the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act as a landmark development that will redefine privacy and data management for startups and tech-driven businesses.
“The codification of labor laws,” he added, “is another awaited reform that will bring clarity to service industries dependent on third-party contract labor.”
Common Legal Mistakes Startups Make
Drawing from his extensive experience, Mr. Singh shared valuable advice for startup founders. “The biggest mistake I see is poor documentation,” he cautioned. “Startups are focused on growing fast, but they often overlook proper agreements, compliance, and legal hygiene.”
He noted that many founders use generic or outdated contract templates, which can cause major issues later. “Every contract — especially NDAs, IP clauses, or termination conditions — should be customized. A missing clause can tie you down for years,” he explained.
Mr. Singh also urged startups to maintain clear employment terms and compliance structures. “Whether it’s labor laws or data privacy, ignoring these can lead to bigger challenges later. Having a legal expert onboard isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity,” he concluded.
Closing Thoughts
Mr. Hraday Singh’s journey reflects the power of adaptability and the depth of learning that comes from embracing both courtroom practice and corporate counselship. His insights serve as a reminder that in a fast-evolving legal and regulatory landscape, foresight, compliance, and clarity remain the strongest pillars of sustainable growth — especially for the startups shaping tomorrow’s India.
Interview Conducted By: Tanishka Dutt
