Leaders

In the quiet alleys of Varanasi, where tradition meets timeless wisdom, a young girl unknowingly began a journey that would one day shape India’s corporate legal landscape.

Dr Suhita Mukhopadhyay, now the Head of Legal & Compliance at Blue Energy Motors, is a leader whose foundation was built on curiosity, resilience, and a deep respect for the rules that hold businesses together.

Her early years took her from Varanasi to Ranchi, where she studied at the esteemed Loreto Convent. A subsequent move to Kolkata opened new intellectual horizons.

At Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration, Suhita discovered her passion for commercial studies and the regulatory frameworks that power industries. This interest naturally drew her toward the rigorous world of corporate law.

She went on to complete her B.com, Company Secretaryship, LLB, and LLM, investing years of disciplined training before becoming a certified Company Secretary.

Having worked across several leading legal firms and major listed entities, Suhita’s professional excellence has earned her several recognitions, including a doctorate and the Rashtriya Padma Bhushan Samman.

Tell us about your professional journey in the legal domain.

I began my career in listed companies as a Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, and over the years, my journey has been quite diverse, moving between leading legal firms and major listed entities.

I gained the experience of practicing corporate law and appearing before key tribunals and had the opportunity to appear before India’s first dedicated corporate law tribunals, NCLT & NCLAT which significantly enriched my legal perspective. I also served as the Company Secretary of the Calcutta Stock Exchange for nearly three years.

My aspiration to work in India’s financial capital brought me to Mumbai, where I joined Blue Energy Motors, an organization driving sustainable mobility.

Introduce us to Blue Energy Motors and your role as the Head of Legal & Compliance. How does your work shape the company’s vision?

Blue Energy Motors is the first Indian OEM truck manufacturer to introduce truly green, advanced heavy-duty trucks. We began with LNG-powered vehicles and are now developing heavy-duty electric trucks with innovative battery-swapping technology, disrupting the commercial transport sector and shaping the future EV ecosystem.

I work across three core spheres: corporate governance and board advisory, regulatory compliance for the company and its subsidiaries, and legal oversight of fundraising and private equity transactions.

I also handle day-to-day legal matters, including drafting and reviewing contracts and working with external legal counsel. By strengthening governance, reinforcing regulatory discipline, and ensuring compliance at every level, I contribute to shaping the company’s long-term strategic vision.

What unique legal challenges do you encounter as a legal leader, and how do you navigate them effectively?

Navigating the multi-layered regulatory landscape surrounding clean energy and alternative fuels is one of the toughest challenges we encounter. As an automotive company, we must comply with stringent automobile regulations while also meeting evolving environmental and pollution control laws.

Additionally, India’s energy regulations, especially those related to battery swapping, battery waste management, and alternative fuels, are still in a nascent and evolving stage.

As early movers, we are constantly adapting to new policies, technological shifts, and digital compliance requirements.

What compliance frameworks, governance practices, and legal strategies do you prioritize to support innovation and responsible growth at Blue Energy Motors?

I firmly believe that strict adherence to laws and regulations is not just a requirement; it is a core business strategy. No business can grow or attract investment without strong compliance. For us, transparency, board-level accountability, and regular audits are essential.

We also ensure consistent engagement with stakeholders and investors, because governance, compliance, and communication must work together. These elements build trust, demonstrate discipline, and ultimately attract serious, long-term investors.

How do you foresee the future of legal and compliance leadership in India’s sustainable mobility sector?

Today, the role of legal and compliance leadership has evolved far beyond being mere watchdogs or gatekeepers. We are now an integral part of the strategic decision-making process, supporting investment, driving innovation, and enabling sustainability.

The sector is rapidly changing, with overlapping regulations across transportation, energy, and environ­mental domains. India has also strengthened ESG gov­ernance, with SEBI introducing extensive disclosure requirements under ESG and BRSR reporting. These frameworks guide how companies operate responsibly and transparently.

Looking ahead, key regulatory trends include carbon market regulations, carbon credit mechanisms, and evolving EV and LNG guidelines, such as battery swapping and battery waste-management rules. Green finance is also emerging, allowing sustainable companies to access capital at lower interest rates.

Looking back, which professional achievements stand out in your journey? What’s your success mantra?

In 2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs awarded me an honorary doctorate in Corporate Laws, and in 2024, the World Human Rights Protection Commission honoured me with the Rashtriya Padma Bhushan Samman. I also serve as a council member of the Commission.

Earlier, I was an Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, and in early 2025, I was awarded the prestigious Fellowship of ICSI. I also contribute to the institute’s Publication Committee Task Force and have served as an Independent Director in a few companies. Alongside my corporate role, I enjoy writing and have authored several articles across different domains.

My success mantra is: embrace lifelong learning.

Dr Suhita Mukhopadhyay, Head - Legal & Compliance, Blue Energy Motors

Dr Suhita Mukhopadhyay is the Head of Legal & Compli­ance at Blue Energy Motors, bringing over two decades of expertise in corporate law, governance, and regulato­ry strategy. A Fellow of ICSI and an honorary doctorate awardee in Corporate Laws, she has led legal functions across listed companies, legal firms, and capital market in­stitutions, including the Calcutta Stock Exchange. At Blue Energy Motors, she strengthens governance, drives com­pliance across emerging clean-energy regulations, and supports strategic investments in sustainable mobility. A council member of the World Human Rights Protection Commission and a published author, she champions life­long learning, resilience, and women’s leadership.