Delhi HC judges discuss role of literature in advocacy at Women Lawyers Forum Literary Club meet

Delhi High Court judges, Justice Jasmeet Singh and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju on Friday observed that an exposure to literature can help lawyers in courtroom advocacy, while taking part in the first book discussion hosted by the Literary Club of the Delhi High Court Women Lawyers’ Forum..During the event, the judges were asked for their opinion on the role of literature in advocacy and the importance of reading for lawyers."What I feel is that in advocacy, wit, humor and presence of mind really matter. A person who is well read will always have something to add in the argument. It only comes with the exposure you have to literature," Justice Singh said.He also shared that he prefers to read books in paperback form, rather than in their digital avatars.“I’ve tried to read through Kindle, but I like the feel of the paper, the smell of the paper of a new book,” Justice Singh said. .Justice Ganju added that it is important for lawyers to read books, not just to expand their vocabulary, but also to relax and expand the horizons of one's mind. “If we are continuously reading our files and our papers only, then we are unidimensional. To expand your vocabulary, it's very important to read books. Instead of being in front of the screen, read a book. It is much more relaxing. It lets your mind wander,” Justice Ganju said.She also shared a poignant memory with the gathering.”My father used to say that your screen completely envelops you so it doesn't permit you to your mind to wander. A book is exactly the opposite. When you are reading, your mind is wandering. You are imagining what is happening in the book. Reading is very important for the development of the mind," she explained..Justice Jasmeet Singh had been asked to review the book Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh: India's Lonely Young Women and the Search for Intimacy and Independence written by Shrayana Bhattacharya. Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju was asked to read and review the book Liberty After Freedom: A History of Article 21, Due Process and the Constitution of India written by advocate Rohan Alva..Justice Singh shared that he had read the book on his way to Coorg last weekend. “I didn't know that Shah Rukh Khan is considered as such a romantic and that there is a Shah Rukh fan club," he remarked. Justice Singh delved into the plot line of the book and an analysis of the characters.“The common link amongst all characters is that they are looking for some somebody to understand them, for a person to love them. I am not able to reconcile with the fact that women characters in the book who are well-educated, liberated and opinionated, are still not able to find love in their life. I thought it's the other way round!” Justice Singh exclaimed. .Justice Ganju shared her thoughts on Rohan Alva’s book, Liberty After Freedom.“The book traces the narrow interpretation of Article 21. It suggests that freedom and liberty are not the same thing. One can be free from the foreign rule, but still struggle with the question of personal liberty. It lays out how the evolution of Article 21 happened step by step, case by case. It beckons us as to how much reinterpretation is too much. The book also forces us to confront another question - what happens when rights are defined not by lawmakers but by judges?” she observed..The authors were called to talk about their books at the meeting as well. The President of the Delhi High Court Bar Association, Senior Advocate N Hariharan and its Vice President, Senior Advocate Sacchin Puri, were also among the dignitaries present. The forum plans to conduct monthly book discussions.