The recent unveiling of Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran’s new book, 14 Lawyers: Portraits from the Bar, was a remarkable event that united prominent figures from the legal and literary community. The book, which was introduced on a Friday evening, provides an insightful look into the lives of 14 lawyers who have profoundly impacted India’s Supreme Court over the years. These individuals have shaped India’s legal framework, yet their stories remain largely undocumented beyond legal journals and courtroom anecdotes.
Although Ramachandran did not speak at the launch, the event featured a panel discussion that included notable personalities such as former Supreme Court Justice Madan Lokur, Senior Advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan, author and former diplomat Pavan Varma, and writer Mahmood Farooqui. The discussion was deftly moderated by Senior Advocate Prashanto Chandra Sen.
The Event Unfolds
Advocate Shibani Ghosh commenced the evening with a welcome address, noting the symbolic use of colors on the book’s cover. She explained that the black represents Ramachandran’s alignment with the Dravidian movement and the Black Lives Matter movement, while the red signifies his leftist political inclinations.
Panel Discussion Insights
Moderator Prashanto Chandra Sen opened the discussion by highlighting Justice Rohinton Nariman’s foreword, which categorizes the book’s subjects as ‘seamen lawyers’ and ‘gentlemen lawyers’ based on their courtroom demeanor. Despite these distinctions, Sen emphasized a common thread among the 14 lawyers: their unwavering courage and conviction. He stressed the importance of learning from these legal pioneers, especially in an era where commercialism and digital distractions prevail.
Justice Madan Lokur shared anecdotes about Justice VM Tarkunde, who boldly opposed the judicial supersession during the Emergency and refused to appear before Chief Justice AN Ray. Lokur also spoke about other legal luminaries such as SN Kackar, Lal Narayan Sinha, and TR Andhyarujina, highlighting their courtroom prowess and personal integrity.
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Reflections from Pavan Varma and Nitya Ramakrishnan
Author Pavan Varma, a contemporary of Ramachandran, praised the book for capturing the elegance and ethical dedication of its subjects. He notably commended Frank Anthony’s courage in Parliament, reflecting on the significance of addressing crucial national issues.
Senior Advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan discussed the legacies of RK Garg and MK Ramamurthi, acknowledging their contributions to Indian law and civil liberties. She also praised Shyamala Pappu and Gobinda Mukhoty for their groundbreaking work in gender justice and civil rights. Ramakrishnan lauded the book for its balanced portrayal of these figures, blending admiration with honest critique.
Mahmood Farooqui’s Closing Remarks
Wrapping up the discussion, Mahmood Farooqui contextualized the book within the broader tradition of lawyer-leaders like Gandhi and Nehru. He appreciated the book for its dual role as a social history and a series of personal narratives. Farooqui noted the narrative closure provided by focusing on deceased lawyers, offering a complete picture of their legacy.
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The event concluded with Shibani Ghosh announcing Ramachandran’s forthcoming project—a history of the Privy Council as the final appellate court for British India—indicating more insightful contributions from the esteemed author in the future.
