Shri Ram and Art of Advocacy

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.