WILL Feature: When Law and Journalism Meet Across Borders
In a world increasingly defined by global conversations and cross-border challenges, meaningful exchanges between legal professionals and journalists carry a significance that extends beyond professions and national boundaries. Such a moment was recently witnessed during an interaction between noted Bangladeshi journalist Sumi Khan and Indian Supreme Court Advocate Dr. Ajay Kumar Pandey, a meeting that reflected a shared commitment to truth, justice, and public service.
Sumi Khan is among Bangladesh's most respected journalists, known for her independent voice, courageous reporting, and unwavering commitment to issues of public importance. Over the years, her work has earned her recognition as a journalist who consistently champions accountability, transparency, and democratic values.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Pandey, an Advocate practicing before the Supreme Court of India, is equally at home in the courtroom and the public arena. A lawyer, author, columnist, television commentator, and former international journalist, he has spent decades engaging with issues that shape law, governance, and society. His professional journey includes reporting assignments across South Asia and the Gulf region, bringing to his legal career a rare understanding of both the media and the justice system.
The interaction was marked by discussions on journalism, legal developments, democratic institutions, and the evolving challenges facing both professions in contemporary society. It also revived memories of Dr. Pandey's journalistic engagements in Bangladesh, including his interactions with political leaders, diplomats, and members of the legal fraternity during his reporting assignments in the region.
The meeting was featured by the Worldwide Independent Lawyers League (WILL), an international network that connects lawyers and allied professionals across jurisdictions, fostering professional collaboration and strengthening access to legal expertise worldwide.
A significant role in expanding the organisation's footprint in India has been played by Dr. Pallavi Divekar, President of WILL India. A distinguished Advocate and Solicitor, Dr. Divekar has been instrumental in building bridges between Indian legal professionals and the global legal community. Her leadership has contributed to the growth of WILL India as an active platform for professional networking, legal dialogue, and international cooperation.
At the global level, WILL is led by its founder, Marco Buscema, an eminent Italian lawyer whose vision transformed a simple idea into an international legal movement. What began as an effort to help individuals and businesses access trusted legal assistance beyond their home jurisdictions has evolved into a worldwide network spanning numerous countries. Under his leadership, WILL has emerged as a respected platform promoting professional excellence, international cooperation, and the rule of law.
The interaction between Sumi Khan and Dr. Ajay Kumar Pandey serves as a reminder that while lawyers and journalists may work in different arenas, both professions share a common responsibility—to seek facts, uphold accountability, and contribute to a more informed and just society. In that sense, the meeting represented not merely a professional exchange, but a celebration of values that transcend borders.




