A M Iktear Uddin (Anik)
A M Iktear Uddin[1], widely known as Advocate Anik, was born in 1984 and is a distinguished advocate and co-founder of Prime Legal. He plays a crucial role as a partner at several prestigious law firms, including Vidhikaray and OLQ Online Legal Experts, and provides expert advice to numerous companies on their advisory boards.[2]
Anik has built a notable career handling high-profile legal cases, including his role as Special Public Prosecutor in a prominent double murder trial in JP Nagar. He also serves as a Special Public Prosecutor for Karnataka, managing complex cases involving severe crimes. Among his achievements is securing over ₹1 million in compensation for a client in a significant consumer case. Additionally, he provides expert counsel to fintech firms on major Enforcement Directorate investigations, involving cases worth up to ₹2,500 crores. His extensive experience includes managing over 30,000 cases nationwide, with a specialization in cybercrime.
Currently, Advocate Anik is immersed in full-time legal practice, representing clients in High Courts and other judicial forums across India. He also guides legal teams as a consultant for more than 50 startups in diverse sectors, such as manpower, IT, transportation, fintech, tourism, talent acquisition, and employment. In 2009, he co-founded Prime Legal with his partner and spouse, Ayantika Mondal, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. For more insights into his career and contributions, you can explore his interviews and professional profiles.[3][4]
Personal life and Education
Advocate Anik was born in a small village in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal. His parents, Abdul Jalil and Nanda, faced an early tragedy with Nanda's passing in 1986, shortly after Anik’s birth. Nanda, who converted to Islam and was known as Shanaz Parvin alias Anwara, left behind a legacy of dual-faith upbringing. Anik’s father also passed away soon after, leaving Anik to grow up amidst both Muslim and Hindu traditions, instilling in him a profound respect for both cultures.
In 1999, Anik relocated to Bangalore from West Bengal. He completed his 10th grade in 2001 and pursued his Pre-University Course (PUC) until 2003. Anik then enrolled in a 5-year LL.B program at Bangalore University, graduating in 2008. He furthered his education with an LL.M. in Business Law - Corporate Law at the University Law College (ULC), affiliated with Bangalore University, where he achieved a First Class distinction and secured the 2nd rank upon completing the course in 2010. Anik remains a proud alumnus of ULC.
After graduation, he registered with the Bar Council of Karnataka and has been actively practicing law since 2010, representing clients in various courts, law enforcement agencies, and other legal forums.
On October 5, 2014, Anik married Ayantika Mondal, his LLB classmate. Ayantika is a distinguished lawyer with a strong academic background, hailing from a respected family. As a Catholic Christian, she continues to practice her faith alongside her professional pursuits. For more insights into Advocate Anik's life and career, you can watch his interviews.[5][6]
Career
He began his career in 2006, providing administrative support to a law firm in Malleswaram until 2008. During this time, he co-founded and managed Legal Troubleshooting with a partner Ayantika Mondal, Advocate, specializing in property title verifications and navigating various data protection laws. Alongside his entrepreneurial venture, he also held a part-time lecturer position at School of Business.[7]
In 2010, he joined Deshraj and PC Reddy Chambers located in Gandhi Nagar, Bangalore, a law firm established in 1984, where he worked until July 2012. He then transitioned to Dell India Pvt Ltd as a Legal Associate in 2012. he co-founded Prime Legal, initially established in 2009 by him and another partner Ayantika Mondal.[8]
From 2015 to 2019, he served as Associate Director at ANI Technologies Pvt Ltd known as Ola cabs and group companies Like Foodpanda.com, Ola feet, Ola Money etc overseeing legal affairs and law enforcement across associated companies. He returned to Prime Legal in 2019, expanding partnerships with various law firms, including Prime Legal, Vidhikarya, and other national firms and also become part of advisory board for many companies.
Currently, alongside his full-time legal practice representing clients in various cases across High Courts and different courts in India, He heads legal teams as a consultant for several companies, specializing in the fintech and recruitment sectors. Advocate Anik handles law enforcement issues for multiple companies, representing cases before the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, CCB, and the Fraud Prevention Unit under the Ministry. He actively participates in discussions with various agencies. He has played a key role in managing legal matters for cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges, receiving widespread praise for his support to globally renowned cryptocurrency exchanges.
He has been actively supporting numerous NGOs and has been awarded for his contributions. Through his pro bono work with Taalsah and other NGO he has successfully helped recover over 100 girls from human traffickers and has facilitated the deportation of many victims girls from Bangladesh, Nepal, Russia, and Afghanistan with court and Ministry of Home Affairs orders.[9][10]
Advocate Anik has made significant contributions in handling cases across a wide spectrum of legal areas, including Civil Law, Criminal Law, NDPS, Cyber Crime, Corporate and Commercial Law, Family Law, Intellectual Property Law, Labor and Employment Law, Consumer Law, Company Law, and more. His exceptional track record and numerous positive reviews attest to his expertise and success in these fields.[11][12]
Interviews
Advocate Anik has been featured in exclusive interviews with leading media outlets such as Business Standard, Deccan Herald, The Print, Hindustan Times, ED Times, and ANI News. These interviews have provided insights into pressing issues like cybercrime victim rights and contemporary legal challenges.
Notable Cases and Contributions
Anik's legal acumen and dedication are exemplified in his handling of pivotal cases, including:
- Writ at High Court: petitioned before the Hig Court of Karnataka, leading to the issuance of notice to the Bangalore Mediation Centre, showcasing his strategic litigation skills.
- Minor Rape and Murder Case: Played a crucial role in seeking justice for a tragic incident involving the abduction, gang-rape, and murder of a 12-year-old by two Ola drivers.
- Preet Vihar Doctor Abductions Case: Provided critical legal and technical assistance in the rescue mission of a doctor abducted by an Ola cabbie, culminating in a daring rescue operation after a shootout in Meerut.
- Hello Cab Crime Series on Preet Vihar Abductions Case: the case was featured at crime series "Hello Cab," where his insights into complex legal scenarios were highlighted.
- Assisting Police for Suitable Actions: Actively collaborated with law enforcement agencies, including addressing community concerns and complaints involving Ola services.
- Revoking the Ban on Ola: Strategically intervened to overturn a government ban on Ola with 24 hours, ensuring the continuity of essential services and safeguarding stakeholders' interests during regulatory challenges.
- Road Safety Work: Championed road safety initiatives in partnership with the District Legal Services Authority and Gurugram Police, notably participating in campaigns like the 'One Life' Safety Awareness Campaign to promote safer driving practices.
- Resolving Strikes: Demonstrated adept crisis management skills in resolving strikes involving Ola driver-partners, fostering dialogue and achieving agreements that restored operational stability.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
During his tenure at various law firms and companies, Advocate Anik collaborated extensively with state police departments. Notable cases include the 12-year-old girl's rape and murder case in Kolkata, and the Preet Vihar abduction case, where he provided critical assistance to law enforcement teams, earning recognition and appreciation. His involvement was featured in the crime series "Hello Taxi" on Crime Petrol.
Recognition and Awards
Anik's exceptional legal contributions have garnered recognition from prestigious platforms including he has awarded for best lawyer in Bangalore, Daily hunt, Borok Times,Scoop360,Tripura 360 News, Indian Times Express, Hindustan Pioneer, Weekly Mail, Entrepreneur Story, Daily Mail Express, Express Hunt, Times Ticker and Prime 24 Seven.
- Email appreciation from Superintendent of Police, CID, Cyber Crime, Hyderabad (27.02.2016).
- Email appreciation from Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID, Cyber Crime, Bangalore (27.03.2016).
- Letter of appreciation from the Government of Telangana, Police Department (21.10.2016).
- Letter of appreciation from the Special Task Force, Bhopal (05.11.2016).
- Letter of appreciation from the Anti-Terrorism Squad, Gujarat State (12.07.2017).
- Special thanks and appreciation letter from the Government of West Bengal, Cyber Crime, Birbhum (27.12.2018).
Corporate Affairs and Crisis Management
Advocate Anik is renowned for his crisis management skills and has played a pivotal role in resolving significant strikes to restore business normalcy. He has actively participated in developing state laws on taxis and bike taxis, launching initiatives like jute bags at Gurgaon court, and celebrating Road Safety Month with the police.[13]
- Revoking Government Ban: Advocate Anik played a crucial role in revoking a government ban on a company and clarifying issues with media and government departments (Deccan Herald, 2023) .
- Road Safety Initiatives: He has been involved in road safety awareness campaigns, collaborating with the District Legal Services Authority and police (India Blooms, 2023) .[14]
- Strike Management: Advocate Anik successfully managed strikes to normalize business operations for companies he advised (Times of India, 2023) .
References
- ↑ www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/double-murder-in-park-shocks-residents-of-jp-nagar/article68080511.ece
- ↑ https://www.business-standard.com/content/press-releases-ani/exclusive-interview-with-advocate-anik-shedding-light-on-cyber-crime-victim-rights-and-the-path-from-filing-a-complaint-to-recovering-funds-124061900546_1.html
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-hc-orders-notice-to-bangalore-mediation-centre/articleshow/45993435.cms
- ↑ https://citytoday.media/2021/01/05/ozone-shelters-fined-10-lakh-by-the-courts-on-customer-complaint
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/12-year-old-picked-up-gangraped-and-killed-by-2-ola-drivers/articleshow/53945583.cms
- ↑ https://www.business-standard.com/content/press-releases-ani/exclusive-interview-with-advocate-anik-shedding-light-on-cyber-crime-victim-rights-and-the-path-from-filing-a-complaint-to-recovering-funds-124061900546_1.html
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/kidnapped-by-ola-cabbie-doctor-freed-after-shootout-in-meerut/articleshow/59673423.cms
- ↑ https://www.gettyimages.in/detail/news-photo/iktear-uddin-legal-advisor-of-ola-speaks-with-drivers-of-news-photo/652085100?adppopup=true
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/ola-agrees-to-demands-of-striking-driver-partners/articleshow/63916941.cms
- ↑ https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/ola-keeps-shuttle-service-despite-2005805
- ↑ https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/ola-to-be-back-on-streets-as-govt-liftsban-725165.html
- ↑ https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/woman-complains-ola-goes-cops-681064.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtxSfrOI7Zo
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/kidnapped-by-ola-cabbie-doctor-freed-after-shootout-in-meerut/articleshow/59673423.cms