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House Of Dharma
House Of Dharma
Vinayak, Akshay and Prashanth with their parents (seated), Dr Rakesh and Nishana Panday
Vinayak, Akshay and Prashanth with their parents (seated), Dr Rakesh and Nishana Panday
Vinayak Panday and Priscilla Pundit
Vinayak Panday and Priscilla Pundit

A Legacy of Law, Love, and Service: Celebrating 55 Years of Jay Pundit & Co.

Fifty-five years ago, in the heart of Stanger, a young, determined attorney named Jayprakash Pundit, fondly known as Jay Pundit, planted the seeds of what would become one of KwaDukuza’s most respected legal institutions — Jay Pundit & Co. His vision, passion, and relentless commitment to justice laid the foundation for a firm that has stood the test of time, growing not just in reputation but in the hearts of the community it serves.

From its humble beginnings on Rood Street (now Mahatma Gandhi Street), Jay Pundit & Co. has grown into an institution that has shaped the legal landscape of KwaDukuza and inspired generations across South Africa.

Jay Pundit began his legal career serving articles in Durban under the guidance of Mr RP Singh, a period that not only refined his professional skills but also led to the meeting of his life partner, Priscilla Singh – the daughter of Mr RP Singh.

Their story is one of shared purpose — two brilliant legal minds united by a commitment to service and excellence.

Priscilla Pundit, celebrating 50 years in practice, she is one of the earliest and longest-practicing female Indian attorneys, conveyancers, and notaries in South Africa — achieving this in an era when women, particularly women of colour, faced immense barriers to education and professional advancement. Motivated by her father’s belief in her potential, Priscilla broke through these barriers and paved the way for generations of women in law.

Throughout their careers, Jay and Priscilla were not only formidable legal minds but also generous mentors. They trained and inspired countless attorneys and professionals, instilling in them the values of discipline, meticulous preparation, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

After Jay’s passing in 2016, Priscilla continued to serve clients with the same dedication, ensuring the firm’s ethos and reputation endured.

Today, their daughter, Nishana Panday, stands at the helm as Partner and Principal Attorney. A legal force in her own right, Nishana’s expertise spans litigation, family law, mediation, criminal law, and municipal legal work. She carries forward the belief that the legal profession is more than just a career – it is a calling to be a voice for the voiceless, a guardian of truth, and a force for fairness in society. To her, the true power of law lies not only in winning cases, but in its ability to bring about transformative change, champion human rights, and bridge the gap between justice and those who seek it.

With Nishana’s husband, Dr Panday, and their son, Vinayak Panday, also in the legal profession, the firm now proudly celebrates four generations of lawyers – a rare and remarkable legacy.

This year, the firm moved into its new premises at 138 Mahatma Gandhi Street, a building steeped in personal and historical significance. Formerly the home of Nishana’s paternal grandfather, Mr Beesham Jungbahadur Pundit, the building now carries the name House of Dharma.

The word dharma, with roots in Sanskrit meaning “to hold” or “to support,” reflects the essence of stability, law, and righteousness. It was with this in mind that the name was chosen – a tribute to the enduring principles that have guided Jay Pundit & Co. since its founding.

The 55th anniversary was marked with a glamorous celebration at Zimbali Country Club, where giants of the legal profession gathered to pay tribute to the firm’s history. Colleagues, clients, and friends shared stories of Jay’s boundless energy, meticulous approach, and the deep respect he commanded. Old friends and colleagues recounted how the firm shaped their careers, inspired their values, and stood as a constant pillar of professionalism. There was a sense that this was not merely the celebration of a business, but of a legacy — one built on trust, service, and the belief that the law is a noble calling. Messages of congratulations poured in from across the globe, honouring a small-town law firm whose impact has reached far beyond its borders.

Amidst the celebration, Nishana Panday stood as a shining embodiment of the family’s legacy — a leader who carries forward the firm’s values with passion and purpose. As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the legacy of Jay Pundit & Co. lives not only in the cases it has won, but in the lives it has touched, the professionals it has nurtured, and the community it continues to serve with honour.

From its humble beginnings on Rood Street to its present home in the House of Dharma, Jay Pundit & Co. has stood as more than just a law firm – it has been a pillar of justice, a mentor to countless professionals, and a source of hope for those seeking fairness.

Fifty-five years on, the values of integrity, service, and excellence that Jay and Priscilla built into its foundation continue to guide every case, every client, and every courtroom appearance.

This anniversary is not only a celebration of history, but a promise for the future – that the spirit of dharma will continue to live on through the next generation and beyond. Here’s to the legacy that was built, the lives it has touched, and the many more it will inspire.

To Jay Pundit & Co. – 55 years of law, legacy, and leadership… and the journey continues.

08 Aug 2025
Author Jemendra Haripershad
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