Overview
Varsha is a specialist public law barrister, with a particular emphasis in mental capacity, mental health law, and community care.
She is a member of the Attorney General’s London C Panel of Junior Counsel.
Background
Varsha graduated from Cambridge University with an MA/MSci (Hons) in Natural Sciences (Biochemistry) and an MPhil in Molecular Biology.
She subsequently worked for a number of years in bioethics research and policy at the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. There she researched and prepared major reports on the ethical issues regarding dementia, neurotechnologies that intervene in the brain, and biofuels. She also prepared papers on a range of other ethical issues, including the ethics of paediatric clinical trials and global health inequalities.
Given her background, Varsha has a strong interest in bioethics and healthcare law.
Public law
Varsha has acted as junior counsel in both judicial review and appellate cases. These range from mental health law to prison law (see below for list of cases).
In addition, as sole counsel, Varsha has experience advising on challenges regarding Care Act assessments and bringing HRA claims by prisoners who have experienced delay within the parole system.
Reported Cases
R (on the application of CXF) v Central Bedfordshire Council (1) NHS North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (2) [2018] EWCA Civ 2852
Appeal regarding whether s.117 Mental Health Act 1983 (concerning the provision of after-care services) applies to escorted leave into the community (junior counsel for local authority led by Mike O’Brien QC).
AM (Pakistan) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] EWCA Civ 180
Appeal concerning Art 8 and the reasonableness test in s.117B(6) Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and para 276ADE(1) of the Immigration Rules (junior counsel for AM led by Dr S Chelvan)
R (on the application of Hussain) v The Parole Board [2016] EWHC 288 (Admin)
Substantive judicial review concerning the Parole Board’s delay in providing oral hearings; arguing breach of ‘James’ systems duty and breach of the Art 5 ancillary duty (junior counsel for claimant led by Philip Rule)
Appointments
Attorney General’s London C Panel of Junior Counsel
Court of Protection Bar Association (CPBA): Elected committee member
RESPECT counsellor at No5 (providing advice and support to No5 members/staff affected by inappropriate behaviour)
Awards
BPTC Major Scholarship, Inner Temple (2013)
GDL Exhibition and Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Scholarship, Inner Temple (2012)
Selected by Harvard Kennedy School of Government, European Molecular Biology Laboratory and European School of Molecular Medicine to attend E4S (postgraduate summer school on science and society) (2008)
MPhil Studentship, BBSRC (2007)
Memberships
Advocate
ALBA
CoPPA
CPBA
HRLA
YLAL
Qualifications
BPTC, City Law School: Very Competent
GDL, City Law School: Commendation
MPhil Molecular Biology, Pembroke College, Cambridge University
MA/MSci (Hons) Natural Sciences, Pembroke College, Cambridge University: 2.1
