The interviewer, Princess Kalyani is a 3rd year student of National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi.
Introduction
Senior Advocate Ajit Kumar, is a graduate from Delhi University is currently serving as the Chairman of the Jharkhand Bar Council. Apart from that, he is also the much esteemed Advocate General of the Jharkhand High court, at Ranchi.
Mr. Ajit Kumar has argued several cases before the high court and is widely known for his humble, down to earth nature. He is a first generation lawyer from his family and has worked hard to establish the name and repute that he enjoys today.
Enrollment number of the Jharkhand State Bar Council: 17/95
Address: H-60 H.H Colony, Ranchi.
Q1. Sir, tell us something about your early childhood and schooling?
I started my education in Gumla. My schooling started with St. Ignatius High School in Gumla. I then changed my schools in 9th standard. I completed my 10th from SGD Patliputra High School in Patna. I did my intermediate from St. Columbus College. However, I had to change my school again. I finally finished my 12th standard from St. Xavier College in Patna. Although I changed so many schools, I would like to state that all that each of these schools have contributed equally to my education as well as my personality.
Q2. Are you a first generation lawyer?
Yes I am a first generation lawyer. In fact, I did not even know one person when I entered the court. I did not have anyone in the legal industry when I first started.
Q3. Where did you finish your higher studies form? How did you enter the legal profession?
I completed my graduation from Delhi University. I was then preparing for the UPSC exams. However I got into the LLB course of Delhi University, while I was preparing for UPSC. Although I was not very interested in law in the beginning, I gradually gained a lot of interest in this profession in the later years of my education.
Law in Delhi University was a very enriching experience. The entire outlook of the college along with the competitive atmosphere was very conducive to the growth of the mindset of the students. The university played an important role not only on my career but also in my personality.
Q4. Sir, do you think that law education has changed since then? How?
Ans. Yes, I think law has changed a lot over the years. Legal education in my time, used to be restricted to only books. We did not have any moot court competitions or internships. In fact, the research culture as well as the entire competitive attitude of the students in debates and moot courts is rather new and refreshing. I wouldn’t say that the entire legal education in our times was very limited. However, the horizons of legal education have expanded quite a lot over the years.
Q5. How was your first day at court?
Ans. The first day of court was a very eye opening experience for me. In fact, I could hardly understand what was going on in court. The entire legal language and the culture in the courts was very alien to me. I did not know anyone in court. I was almost on the brink of regretting my decision of getting into Law in my first few weeks of court. However, things picked up for the good and I am glad that I entered this field.
Q6. Can you tell us about your 2-3 memorable cases?
Ans. Oh yes. I have dealt with several cases in my profession. However, the two cases that remain close to my heart are the cases that I dealt with early on, in my career.
The first case that I remember vividly was this case of a poor man, who was given the death sentence. The man did not have the resources to engage a senior advocate at the time. I stepped in to help him. After convincing the judge about his financial conditions, I was finally allowed to argue the case even though I was not a senior at the time. The man was then acquitted. It was one of my first major achievements in the profession.
Another memorable case was about this woman who was a sweeper with the municipal corporation. She had been wrongfully fired from her job. She did not have enough money to get a lawyer. I ended up helping her out for free. However, around 6 months later, Times of India interviewed the woman about the case. When asked about how she managed to pay a lawyer, she responded that she did not have to hire a lawyer because her “son” ended up arguing the case for her. That was a sentimental moment for me.
Q7. What are the strengths of the legal system that make it a strong pillar of democracy?
I think the independence of judiciary from the executive and legislature while the three governing bodies still maintain mutual respect, is a very strong pillar of democracy. Our country boasts a very great relationship between the executive, legislature and judiciary. Another important thing that makes our legal system an important pillar of democracy is the concept of judicial review.
Q8. What according to you are the legal areas which need to be changed?
There are several improvements that could be brought into the Indian judicial system. The biggest problem that our country is facing right now is the pendency of cases. There are several cases piling up every day in the courts. Of these pending cases, several of them are cases that already have judicial decisions on them. I think it is important to bring out a mechanism that, in cases which have a similar judicial decision already, should be tried like we try second appeals. The major legal issue should be heard, since the facts are already similar to a case that the court has already laid down a judgment for. A proper mechanism derived for this could help reduce the workload of the judiciary.
Another suggestion would be to increase the use of computers, especially in the lower courts. The use of computers for research could help the lawyers a lot.
Q9. What success mantra you would like to give to young professionals of this field?
Ans. There are immense possibilities in the legal profession. Diligent reading and sincerity can take you a long way. It is important to take interest in the thing that you are being taught. Attend courts regularly to understand the proceedings. Listen carefully and focus, when in court. Sincerity and hard work can take you places, when it comes to law.
Q 10. To what do you owe your success?
Ans. I have never let my happiness depend on where I stand in terms of success. I am just as happy right now as I was when I was new lawyer in court. It is important to not let success get to your head. It is important to be humble and grounded, if you want to get ahead in life.
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