June 17, 2018:
Name of Legal Stalwart: Advocate Manan
He is Currently practising at Punjab and Haryana High Court. He is a first generation lawyer of humble personality and high ideals.
The Interviewer is, Gargi is a 2nd year student of University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University. She is currently interning with LatestLaws.com.Q1) Tell us something about your early childhood and schooling.
A: I was born in a small town of Rajpura in Punjab. Rajpura is also known as the ‘Gateway to Punjab’. I completed my schooling from a Convent school there. My parents always tried to inculcate in me values of hardwork, honesty, loyalty and sincerity since my childhood days.
Q2) Are you a first generation lawyer?
A: Yes
Q3) When did you decide to pursue law as a profession and why?
A: after passing class 12th, I was very clear that I wanted to do something that was based on my passion and strength. Since early childhood I had a penchant for debating and thinking out of the box solutions. I was praised for my good command over languages, particularly English. And my scores in exams vindicated that I am a voracious reader. Also I wanted a profession that was very dynamic. Therefore, after much brain storming, I zeroed into law as it offered me all the aforesaid things. Also, it is considered as the noblest profession.
Q4) How was your experience in law school?
A: I am an alumni of Panjab University. It was a fantabulous experience. I learnt nuances of law. I also had a chance to interact with budding legal professionals and other people with different mindsets.
However, I firmly believe that it would have been better if more practical skills were imparted at the graduation level itself.
Q5) How do you think that the law school education has changed since then?
A: Change is the only constant thing. So is with the legal education. I feel that these days students are more pro-active. The profile of students entering a law school has also become more broad-based.
Q6) Would you like to share the experience of your first day in court?
A: I distinctly remember my first day in court. As soon as I entered the hallowed gates of the court, I was very excited that finally my hardwork has started to bear fruit. At the same time I was over awed by the personalities of the reverend judges and the advocates. At the end of the first day, I was a bit scared also since I could hardly understand the intricacies of the law points being applied. But I decided to follow my dreams and work harder.Q7) Please share two or three memorable cases in your professional journey?
A: my very first case continues to stay in my mind for obvious reasons. I literally had butterflies in my stomach and my legs were trembling with fear. But the Honorable judge was very magnanimous to listen to me patiently although I know that I had been struggling to be coherent and loud.
And in another case (that was related to land dispute), the honorable judge praised me for working hard. When I came out of the court room, fellow lawyers praised my arguments. But that was not all. The client blessed me with an amulet to keep negatives at a bay.
Q8) Please share three strengths of the Indian Legal System which make it the strongest pillar of democracy?
A: 1) The judiciary has kept itself neutral and independent. This is what our constitutional fathers had wanted.
2) Again, the judiciary has fulfilled its role of the constitutional watchdog by exercising its power of judicial review when there has been overstepping of the constitutional limits.
3) Many lawyers do not charge fee from poor clients (Pro- Bono Work). This has made justice accessible to even those people of India who lack financial resources. Justice is an inevitable part of a democratic setup.
Q9) What according to you are the areas where the legal system of the country needs to improve?
A: Although, it may sound clichéd, the backlog of cases needs to be reduced. The courts are overburdened with cases.
Secondly, it cannot be over emphasized that rooting out nepotism will certainly help attract the best talent in litigation as many law graduates take up other professions because they are unable to get a seat in a lawyer’s office as a junior lawyer.
Thirdly, remuneration is not enough in the initial years. Young lawyers are not able to manage their own expenses let alone helping their families financially. So, this needs attention.
Q10) What is your wisdom and success mantra for young legal professionals?
A: I would like to tell that there is not any one way to look at a problem. Think out of the box. Discard tunnel vision. This will give them an edge over others having a unidirectional approach to a case.
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