Shri Ram
chose Angad, son of Raja Bali, to be his emissary to Raavan, highlighting the
futility of a looming war that threatened the lives of about 50 million
warriors. This decision initially faced opposition from Laxman and Sugreev,
particularly because Shri Ram had recently slain Raja Bali. However, Shri Ram
convinced them by detailing Angad's exceptional qualities as an ambassador
which are must for every good advocate.
Presentation: Angad’s
demeanor, attire, posture, and body language struck the perfect balance
between humility and confidence. His approach was that of a seeker – engaged
but not passive, straightforward but not arrogant, and casual yet alert.
Delivery:
Angad’s speech delivery was meticulously balanced. His speech pace enabled
clear understanding, and the pitch of his voice was pleasing and
well-modulated. He articulated each word impeccably, ensuring clarity and ease
of comprehension.
Emphasis and Pausing: His
mastery in emphasizing key words and strategically pausing during speeches
allowed the audience to absorb and reflect on his words. This skill
demonstrated his self-confidence and understanding of the audience’s
perception.
Body Movements:
Unlike many speakers who use excessive gestures, Angad maintained a composed demeanor.
He engaged directly with his audience, establishing eye contact and keeping
their attention focused on the content of his speech.
Knowledge and Humility:
Renowned for his intelligence, Angad was well-versed in the Vedas, Puranas, and
Upanishads, and deeply understood the political and social contexts of his
times. Despite his profound knowledge, he displayed remarkable humility,
speaking only what was relevant to the matter at hand.
Client Representation: In
representing his patron, Angad consistently protected his interests,
maintaining integrity and dignity without allowing personal biases to influence
his advocacy.
Concluding Effectively:
Understanding the art of communication, Angad knew precisely when to conclude
his submission and when to sit down, ensuring his message was delivered and comprehended effectively.
In my nearly 48 years at the
Supreme Court, I have observed, interacted and briefed the top senior advocates,
each possessing unique talents and contributing significantly to the field of
law.
Mr. C.K. Daphtary,
the second Attorney General of India, was distinguished for his wit and
presence, even as age slowed him down.
Mr. Lal Narain Sinha,
the fifth Attorney General, showcased exceptional precision and humility in the
Rangnath Reddy Case. His arguments were so captivating that judges paid extra
attention, ensuring they didn’t miss a word.
Mr. Nani Palkiwala in
the Minerva Mills Case, representing the State of Rajasthan, had a unique
talent for simplifying complex legal matters with relatable examples and had a
commanding grasp of facts and figures.
Mr. Ashok K. Sen,
the longest-serving Law Minister, had a phenomenal memory, recalling intricate
details of briefs and cases years later. His knowledge spanned across statutes
and judgments, and his personal library was a testament to his dedication to
law.
Mr. F.S. Nariman's
ability to distil complicated issues to their core principles was remarkable,
as was Mr. Soli Sorabjee's court craft, which I witnessed in many cases.
Justice S.C. Agarwal, my
first senior and a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, was known as
the walking encyclopedia of Supreme Court Judgments. His memory for citations
was extraordinary.
Mr. R.K. Garg,
emphasized the Supreme Court's role in societal change, advocating for National
Socialism as a constitutional goal. His perseverance in constitutional
jurisprudence was unparalleled.
Mr. P.R. Mridul, an
expert in the English language and oratory, had an unmatched command of the
language. He diligently practiced new words and applied them effectively in his
arguments, reminding us that law is not merely about knowledge but its
application to specific facts.
Advocacy is the manifestation of spiritual
energy rooted in truth and justice. This energy is essential for the
development of a conflict-free society living in harmony, dedicated to a higher
cause.
