Anirudh Mathur

Contact Anirudh : AnirudhMathur@matrixlaw.co.uk | +44 (0)20 7404 3447

Contact Anirudh 's Practice Team (Team M): TeamM@matrixlaw.co.uk

Anirudh is a sought-after barrister with a broad practice spanning international, public, employment, and commercial law. His cases often overlap these areas and frequently involve human rights, jurisdiction, foreign law – including constitutional law, immunity from suit, or group litigation. He combines a strong private practice with extensive pro bono and legally aided human rights work.

Anirudh has versatile experience across the domestic and international legal system. He has presented oral submissions before the International Court of Justice in a landmark case on the right to strike. He undertakes regular trial work at first instance and has been frequently recognised by judges and clients for the quality of his cross-examination. He also regularly appears in the High Court and equivalent jurisdictions, led and unled, and in appellate courts including the Supreme Court and Privy Council. He has acted in thirteen cases before the European Court of Human Rights, securing interim measures in eight, including the order that halted the UK’s first and only Rwanda removal flight. He has experience of international arbitration under a range of institutional rules and has also acted before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, UN Treaty Bodies, and as an advisor on international refugee law in foreign proceedings.

Anirudh was ranked as a ‘Band 2 Junior’ in international human rights law (Legal 500, 2026), ‘Band 5 Junior’ in employment law (Legal 500, 2026) and ‘Rising Star’ in public law (Legal 500, 2024). Alongside full-time practice, he serves as an Expert Legal Advisor to NYU Law School’s Rule of Law Lab, supporting the use of strategic litigation by civil society groups to counter democratic backsliding. His work is shaped by a global upbringing, including a background in India.

Recent Significant Cases

• ‘Rwanda’ litigation: Successfully represented the Claimants against the UK Government’s flagship policy of removing asylum seekers to Rwanda. Anirudh acted at all stages including before the UK Supreme Court (AAA v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] UKSC 42), European Court of Human Rights (NSK v United Kingdom (Application No. 28774/22), and in the constitutional law litigation following the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Act and UK-Rwanda Treaty (YXY v Secretary of State for the Home Department). He was first instructed to draft the Interim Measures application to Strasbourg that halted the first and only removal flight. Led by Raza Husain KC and Phillippa Kaufmann KC.
• ICJ Advisory Opinion on the right to strike: Representing a core party – an International Labour Organisation body – in a landmark ICJ advisory opinion on the scope of the right to strike under an international convention (ongoing). Anirudh will present oral advocacy at the ICJ. With Michelle Butler and others.
• ‘Vybz Kartel’ Privy Council appeal: Successful appeal to the Privy Council challenging the safety of the murder convictions of four Jamaican men, including dancehall star Vybz Kartel. Anirudh was instructed due to comparative constitutional law expertise (R v Campbell & Ors (Jamaica) [2024] UKPC 6). Led by Hugh Southey KC.
• Whistleblowing and judicial proceedings immunity: Acting for the Respondent to a whistleblowing claim. The case involves a question on the applicability of judicial proceedings immunity to an alleged detriment concerning a foreign-seated arbitration. Following the Respondent’s success before the EAT (Erhard-Jensen Ontological / Phenomenological Initiative Ltd v Rogerson [2024] EAT 135) the case is now due to be heard by the Court of Appeal. Led by Edward Kemp KC.
• Same-sex marriage in Bermuda: Representing the National Human Rights Commission, Bermuda, in a high-profile application challenging the revocation of same-sex marriage rights in Bermuda (Ferguson and others v UK (35043/22)) (with Edward Kemp KC).
• ‘Shell’ litigation: Representing two Nigerian communities in claims against Shell regarding extensive pollution in the Niger Delta (ongoing). Led by Phillippa Kaufmann KC and Annaliese Day KC.
• ‘Hedge fund commission’ dispute: Representing the Claimant in a commercial dispute (contract and restitution) about non-payment for work done in promoting an investment fund. Anirudh successfully resisted a wide-ranging strike out application alleging abuse of process (Matrix Receivables Ltd v Musst Holdings Ltd [2024] EWHC 1495 (Ch)). With Nicholas Gibson.
• Group claims by UNISON workers: Representing thousands of term time only school workers, such as dinner ladies and teaching assistants, in Employment Tribunal claims for unpaid holiday pay and part-time worker detriment. These cases arise out of historic failures to pay part time workers’ full entitlements, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Harpur Trust v Brazel [2022] UKSC 21 (ongoing). Anirudh acts as sole counsel.

International Law

Anirudh has a busy practice in public international law, private international law, and cases involving comparative constitutional law. He is ranked as a Band 3 Junior in international human rights law (Legal 500, 2025). His work draws on his global upbringing and legal experience.

Anirudh’s public international law work includes cases before international tribunals, as well as domestic litigation involving public international law issues. Notable cases include:

• Advisory Opinion on the Right to Strike under ILO Convention No.87: Representing the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) in a landmark ICJ advisory opinion on the right to strike under ILO Convention No. 87 (ongoing). The IOE is a core party to the dispute. Anirudh will present oral advocacy at the ICJ. With Michelle Butler and others.
• ‘Rwanda’ litigation (AAA v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] UKSC 42; NSK v United Kingdom (Application No. 28774/22); YXY v Secretary of State for the Home Department): Represented the lead Claimants in their challenge to the UK Government’s flagship policy of removing asylum seekers to Rwanda. The case involved substantial issues of international refugee law, the law of treaties, and – at one point – international aviation law. Led by Raza Husain KC and Phillippa Kaufmann KC.
• Brejza & Ors v Poland: Representing third-party interveners in a case before the European Court of Human Rights, challenging the former Polish government’s use of Pegasus spyware against opposition politicians. The intervention focuses on violations of the right to free elections, under Article 3 Protocol 1 (A3P1) of the European Convention on Human Rights, and broader international legal standards. Leading a team of English and foreign lawyers.
• AA v Greece: Representing multiple refugee applicants in a case before the European Court of Human Rights, against Greece, challenging pushbacks in the Aegean Sea. The case raised issues of international refugee law and international maritime law.
• Request for Advisory Opinion (Chile and Colombia): Acted in the high-profile Advisory Opinion on Climate Change in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
• Advisory Work on International Refugee Law: Supporting constitutional litigation in a foreign jurisdiction, regarding whether the constitution in question contains a right to non-refoulement. Anirudh supported the litigation with expertise on international refugee law.
• Acting as a researcher to the Independent International United Nations Fact-Finding Mission to Myanmar.
• Acting as Tribunal Secretary in an UNCITRAL Arbitration.
• Advising on state immunity in a dispute arising from a commercial transaction between the foreign State and an investor.

Anirudh’s private international law expertise arises from a number of complex international group claims before the English courts, as well as jurisdiction disputes in commercial litigation. These include:

• Brazilian ‘Orange Juice’ Cartel (Viegas and Sanches & Ors v Cutrale & Ors): Representing the Claimants (over 1,500 Brazilian orange farmers) in establishing jurisdiction against two orange juice tycoons in a Brazilian competition law case. The case arises from anti-competitive activities by individuals and companies involved in orange juice production. Led by James Ramsden KC, and then Alain Choo-Choy KC.
• HRH Okpabi v Royal Dutch Shell: Representing two Nigerian communities of approximately 40,000 villagers in claims concerning extensive environmental damage caused by oil spills in Rivers State, Nigeria. Led by Phillippa Kaufmann KC and Annaliese Day KC (formerly by Richard Hermer KC).
• Limbu v Dyson: Representing a group of migrant workers in a claim against Dyson regarding liability for abuse by a third-party supplier. Anirudh prepared the evidence in the jurisdiction challenge. Led by Richard Hermer KC.
• Mariana v BHP: Representing the Claimants in the Fundão Dam litigation at jurisdiction stage (junior counsel in team led by Charles Hollander KC). This multi-billion-pound commercial group action arises from the collapse of a Brazilian dam.
• Acting for parties making and resisting service out applications in the context of broader commercial proceedings. Led by James Ramsden KC.
• Acting for the Claimants in resisting a jurisdiction challenge to a claim brought against a State.

Anirudh is frequently sought-after for cases involving comparative constitutional law:

• R v Campbell & Ors (Jamaica) [2024] UKPC 6: Successful appeal to the Privy Council on the safety of the murder convictions of four Jamaican men, including dancehall star Vybz Kartel. The issue raised novel issues under the Jamaican Constitution.
• HRH Okpabi v Royal Dutch Shell: Anirudh focussed on viability of environmental causes of action under the Nigerian Constitution and African Charter in a four-week preliminary issues trial. Led by Phillippa Kaufmann KC.
• Ferguson and others v UK (35043/22): Representing the Bermuda National Human Rights Commission in a high-profile application challenging the revocation of same-sex marriage rights in Bermuda, raising complex issues of constitutional interpretation under the Bermudan constitution.
• Anirudh has a substantial legal background in India, during the course of which he has worked on several pieces of landmark constitutional litigation before the Indian Supreme Court.

Anirudh has acted in thirteen applications to the European Court of Human Rights in five years of practice. He has extensive experience of requests for interim measures, having acted in eight successful requests – including the request which halted the first and only Rwanda removal flight.

Anirudh serves as an Expert Legal Advisor to Stanford Law School’s Rule of Law Lab, which aids civil society groups in using strategic litigation to counter democratic backsliding in various countries.

Public Law and Human Rights

Anirudh has experience in a wide range of public law and human rights matters across all stages of proceedings, including pre-action advice, interim relief, and appeal. He was ranked as a ‘rising star’ in administrative and human rights law (Legal 500, 2024) after only three years in practice.

He has a particular interest in the intersection of public law with international law, asylum law, equality law, and commercial law. He also has experience in unlawful detention claims and damages claims.

• ‘Rwanda’ litigation (AAA v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] UKSC 42; NSK v United Kingdom (Application No. 28774/22); YXY v Secretary of State for the Home Department): Successfully represented the Claimants against the UK Government’s flagship policy of removing asylum seekers to Rwanda. Anirudh acted at all stages including before the UK Supreme Court, European Court of Human Rights, and in the constitutional law litigation following the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Act and UK-Rwanda Treaty. Led by Raza Husain KC and Phillippa Kaufmann KC.

• ‘Manston House’ litigation (HT v Secretary of State for the Home Department; AA v Secretary of State for the Home Department): Represented Claimants held at Manston House, a short-term holding facility, who were subjected to grave conditions of overcrowding that gave rise to a ‘humanitarian catastrophe on British soil’. Anirudh successfully acted in a first legal action for unlawful detention and mistreatment, which led to the emptying of Manston House. He then acted in a second legal action, leading to the establishment of the Manston Independent Inquiry. Led by Laura Dubinsky KC.
• ‘Manston House’ unlawful detention group action (AAA v Secretary of State for the Home Department): Representing a group of almost 100 Claimants in a group claim for unlawful detention and misfeasance in public office.
• Ferguson and others v UK (35043/22): Representing the Bermuda National Human Rights Commission in a high-profile application challenging the revocation of same-sex marriage rights in Bermuda, raising complex issues of constitutional interpretation under the Bermudan constitution.
• Re VAT Judicial Review: Advising on prospects for Judicial Review in a VAT-related challenge.

Please see ‘international law’ for details of public law and human rights work relating to the European Court of Human Rights, offshore jurisdictions (such as Jamaica), and for expertise on comparative constitutional law.

Employment Law

Anirudh’s employment law cases often intersect with other legal areas. He has a particular interest in claims involving equality law, human rights or public policy issues, and jurisdictional disputes. He has substantial experience of commercial employment law (including on restrictive covenants and team moves, following a pupillage supervised by Craig Rajgopaul KC) and tort-based employment claims brought by senior executives. He regularly appears before the EAT (unled and led).

• Erhard-Jensen Ontological / Phenomenological Initiative Ltd v Rogerson: Acting for the Respondent to a whistleblowing claim, regarding the applicability of judicial proceedings immunity to an alleged detriment of commencing an abusive overseas-seated arbitration. The case is now on appeal to the Court of Appeal after the Respondent’s success before the EAT. Led by Edward Kemp KC.
• Lu v Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP: Acting for one of two solicitors’ firms who are respondents to claims for discrimination and sexual harassment. The claims raise complex issues over judicial proceedings immunity. Anirudh acts unled in certain appeals to the EAT, and led by Matthew Purchase KC in other appeals.
• Senior Executive v FinTech Company: Acting for a senior executive in a tort-based employment claim that involves complex cross-border issues. Led by James Laddie KC.
• Tate v Yellowcoat Holdings Ltd: Acting for family-business Respondent, in six figure discrimination and ‘some other substantial reason’ unfair dismissal claim brought by former Director. The employment claim occurs in the context of broader civil disputes.
• Group Claims by UNISON Workers: Representing thousands of term time only school workers, such as dinner ladies and teaching assistants, in Employment Tribunal claims for unpaid holiday pay and part-time worker detriment. These cases arise out of historic failures to pay part time workers’ full entitlements, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Harpur Trust v Brazel [2022] UKSC 21 (ongoing). Anirudh acts as sole counsel.
• Jennings & Ors v Harrow School: Acting for the Respondent in defending group claims about equal pay and discrimination, brought by a group of matrons.
• Multi-week ET trials: recent experience as sole counsel includes defending a large financial institution from six-figure discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal claims following a two-week Employment Tribunal trial, and successfully defending a FTSE-100 Respondent following a two-week trial from six-figure discrimination claims. In both trials Anirudh was directly commended by the Judge for the quality of his oral advocacy including his cross-examination.
• Successfully obtaining a stay of ET proceedings at the beginning of a trial, in light of concurrent High Court fraud proceedings valued at £1.5m (as sole counsel)
• Obtaining a successful settlement for a claimant dancer in a trade union victimisation and holiday pay claim brought against her former bar (advising pro bono as sole counsel, against a leading KC and senior junior).
• Acting for a Claimant in a case regarding the territorial jurisdiction of the Employment Tribunal and the human rights law relevant to this. Led by Edward Kemp KC.

Commercial Law

Anirudh has a strong practice in commercial dispute resolution and international commercial arbitration. He has a particular edge in commercial cases that intersect with other practice areas. His commercial work is almost invariably cross-border, drawing on his global upbringing, understanding of commercial practices across different cultural contexts, and a strong academic background in economics. He has particular interest in cases involving India or Indian parties.

Recent significant cases include:

• Matrix Receivables Ltd v Musst Holdings Ltd: Representing the Claimant in contractual and restitutionary claims for work done in promoting an investment fund in Europe and the USA. Anirudh successfully resisted a wide-ranging strike out application alleging abuse of process ( [2024] EWHC 1495 (Ch)). With Nicholas Gibson.
• Brazilian ‘Orange Juice’ Cartel (Viegas and Sanches & Ors v Cutrale & Ors): Acting successfully for the Claimants (over 1,500 Brazilian orange farmers) in establishing jurisdiction against two orange juice tycoons in a Brazilian competition law case. The case arises from anti-competitive activities by individuals and companies involved in orange juice production. Led by James Ramsden KC, and then Alain Choo-Choy KC.
• Acting for a Claimant in a multi-million pound bonus dispute, which raised issues regarding contract formation. Led by David Reade KC.
• Acting for a high-net-worth commercial party in an ongoing international civil fraud claim (junior counsel).
• Mariana v BHP: Acting as part of the Claimants’ core team in the Fundão Dam litigation at jurisdiction stage (junior counsel in team led by Charles Hollander KC). This multi-billion pound commercial group action, arising from the collapse of a Brazilian dam, was one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases for 2020.
• Acting for the Claimants in resisting a jurisdiction challenge to a claim brought against a State in respect of a commercial transaction.

Group Litigation

Anirudh has rare experience of group litigation across every area of practice: before the High Court (KBD, Commercial Court, and TCC) in the context of business and human rights, competition law, and unlawful detention claims; before the Employment Tribunals; and before the European Court of Human Rights.

Significant before the High Court include:

• Brazilian ‘Orange Juice’ Cartel (Viegas and Sanches & Ors v Cutrale & Ors): Acting successfully for the Claimants (over 1,500 Brazilian orange farmers) in establishing jurisdiction against two orange juice tycoons in a Brazilian competition law case. The case arises from anti-competitive activities by individuals and companies involved in orange juice production. Led by James Ramsden KC, and then Alain Choo-Choy KC.
• HRH Okpabi v Royal Dutch Shell: Representing two Nigerian communities of approximately 40,000 villagers in claims concerning extensive environmental damage caused by oil spills in Rivers State, Nigeria. Led by Phillippa Kaufmann KC and Annaliese Day KC (formerly by Richard Hermer KC).
• ‘Manston House’ litigation (HT v Secretary of State for the Home Department; AA v Secretary of State for the Home Department): Represented Claimants held at Manston House, a short-term holding facility, who were subjected to grave conditions of overcrowding that gave rise to a ‘humanitarian catastrophe on British soil’. Anirudh successfully acted in a first legal action for unlawful detention and mistreatment, which led to the emptying of Manston House. He then acted in a second legal action, leading to the establishment of the Manston Independent Inquiry. Led by Laura Dubinsky KC.
• Limbu v Dyson: Representing a group of migrant workers in a claim against Dyson regarding liability for supply chain abuse. Anirudh prepared the evidence in the jurisdiction challenge. Led by Richard Hermer KC.
• Mariana v BHP: Acting as part of the Claimants’ core team in the Fundão Dam litigation at jurisdiction stage (junior counsel in team led by Charles Hollander KC). This multi-billion pound commercial group action, arising from the collapse of a Brazilian dam, was one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases for 2020.

Before the Employment Tribunal:

• Group Claims by UNISON Workers: Representing thousands of term time only school workers, such as dinner ladies and teaching assistants, in Employment Tribunal claims for unpaid holiday pay and part-time worker detriment. These cases arise out of historic failures to pay part time workers’ full entitlements, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Harpur Trust v Brazel [2022] UKSC 21 (ongoing). Anirudh acts as sole counsel.
• Jennings & Ors v Harrow School: Acting for the Respondent in defending group claims about equal pay and discrimination, brought by a group of matrons.

Before the European Court of Human Rights:

• AA v Greece: Acting pro bono in relation to an application before the European Court of Human Rights challenging pushbacks in the Aegean Sea, brought by multiple refugee applicants against Greece. The case raised issues of international refugee law and international maritime law.
• Current confidential proceedings against a Member State regarding democratic backsliding in the country.

Anirudh also has extensive experience in de facto group litigation, via strategic litigation – where a single claimant is used to bring a policy challenge.

Background, Scholarships & Other

Education

• 2018 – 2019: Pupillage, at a leading public and commercial law set
• 2016 – 2017: Bar Professional Training Course (City University)
• 2015 – 2016: GDL (City University), Distinction, Top of year
• 2014 – 2015: MSc International Development (LSE), Distinction, Top of year
• 2011 – 2014: BA Philosophy Politics and Economics (Balliol College, Oxford)

Scholarships and prizes

• Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, Best Team (decided by Tribunal including Sir Peter Cresswell) (2019)
• Inner Temple, Sir Joseph Priestley Award (2017)
• City University, 3 Verulam Buildings Prize for Best Overall Performance in GDL (2016)
• Inner Temple, GDL Major and BPTC Princess Royal Scholarships (2015 and 2016)
• LSE, Prize for Best Overall Performance in MSc (2015)
• Balliol College (Oxford), Various Scholarships and Prizes (2012 and 2013)

Other relevant experience and interests

• Trustee of Good Chance, a theatre company and human rights charity (2018 – ).
• Intern at the Bank of England (2010).
• Hindi (fluent); Spanish (basic); German (basic).

Anirudh is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. In order to provide legal services to his clients, including advice and representation services, Anirudh needs to collect and hold personal data. This includes his clients’ personal data and the personal data of others who feature in the matter in which he is instructed. To read Anirudh’s privacy notice in full, please see here.

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