Uttar Pradesh has long produced some of India’s finest legal minds advocates. Whose work ranges from landmark constitutional battles to public interest petitions and government representation. From the historic corridors of the Allahabad High Court to the intense arguments of the Supreme Court. These lawyers have shaped not just state law but national legal debates. Here’s a look at ten of the most respected and talked about advocates from the state. Each known for their courtroom skill, integrity, and influence.
Prashant Bhushan Advocate was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Where he completed his early education before graduating in law from Allahabad University. Over the years, he has emerged as one of India’s most fearless public interest lawyers. Known for cases involving corruption and judicial accountability. Among his major victories was the 2G spectrum case, which led to the cancellation of telecom licences and exposed large-scale irregularities. Based originally in Allahabad, his practice later moved to the Supreme Court in Delhi. He became a viral figure in Indian legal circles after being held guilty of contempt of court for his tweets about the judiciary, sparking a national debate on freedom of speech.
Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay Advocate, also from Prayagraj, began his schooling in a local government institution before earning his law degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University. Known as the “PIL Man of India,” he has filed numerous public interest petitions, including those seeking electoral reforms and uniform civil code. His notable wins include court directions on speedy trial reforms. His legal practice connects deeply with Uttar Pradesh, though his reach extends to the Supreme Court. He went viral for filing a petition against the Places of Worship Act, claiming it discriminates against Hindus and violates the Constitution.
Subodh Markandeya Advocate, originally from Kanpur, pursued law from Allahabad University and became one of the most respected senior advocates in constitutional matters. He has represented both the central and state governments in the Supreme Court and High Courts. Among his remarkable wins was his role as amicus curiae in the Tihar Jail reform case, which led to landmark improvements in prison administration. Practicing primarily in Delhi but rooted in UP. His viral moment came when his submissions on judicial transparency gained wide attention across legal circles.
Kanhaiya Lal Misra Advocate was an iconic figure in Uttar Pradesh legal history. Educated in Allahabad, he served as the Advocate General of UP for almost two decades after Independence. He won several high-profile constitutional cases that shaped early Indian administrative law. His career was based in Allahabad, where he mentored generations of lawyers. Though his era predated social media, his public speeches on justice and the rule of law remain quoted widely even today, giving him a timeless kind of “viral” legacy.
Kapil Sibal Advocate, though born in Punjab, has long been associated with Uttar Pradesh as a Rajya Sabha representative. He studied at St. Stephen College and later earned an LL.M. from Harvard Law School. His career includes major wins in cases like the Triple Talaq verdict and the Vodafone tax dispute. Based in Delhi, Sibal remains politically active in Uttar Pradesh. He went viral after passionately arguing against the government in the Pegasus surveillance controversy, which national media widely covered.
Ashok Bhushan Advocate, born in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Completed his schooling in the region before graduating from Allahabad University with a law degree. Before becoming a Supreme Court judge, he had a long career as an advocate at the Allahabad High Court. Handling civil and constitutional cases with distinction. One of his most recognized judicial contributions was part of the Ayodhya verdict bench. Though known more as a judge, his early advocacy in UP courts earned him deep respect. He went viral after his reappointment to lead the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal following retirement, a rare honour for any former judge.
Amit Saxena Advocate, based in Allahabad, completed his schooling locally before rising to become an Additional Advocate General for Uttar Pradesh. His work includes representing the state in critical constitutional and administrative cases. He has successfully defended the state stance in land acquisition and service-related disputes. Practicing in Allahabad, he became popular after being appointed to represent UP in the Supreme Court. Marking him as one of the most influential lawyers from the region.
Anoop Trivedi Advocate, another Additional Advocate General for Uttar Pradesh, studied law at Lucknow University after finishing school in the city. Over his career, he has represented the government in several key criminal and civil cases. Earning a reputation for strong courtroom presence. Based in Lucknow, he played a major role in defending the UP government policies in the High Court. His viral recognition came with his appointment to the AAG post in 2025, a move that was widely discussed across state legal forums.
Subodh Pathak Advocate, from Lucknow, started his legal studies at Lucknow University and went on to build a strong practice in civil, criminal, and notary cases. Known for his courtroom discipline, he has handled several successful property and contract disputes. His practice remains local but influential across the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court. He went viral on social media when a client land dispute case, which he won after years of litigation, was featured in a regional news segment about legal perseverance.
Anuj Kudesia Advocate, also among the recent appointees as Additional Advocate General, studied law at Banaras Hindu University after schooling in Varanasi. He has represented the UP government in policy-related and constitutional matters before the High Court. Among his successful cases are those involving school management regulations and public service disputes. Based in Lucknow, his rise in the legal fraternity was rapid. His viral moment came when his strong arguments in a school fee regulation case earned praise from both the bench and public on social media.
