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From The Trenches : IndiaS Top Lawyer On His Most Important Cases
Abhishek Singhvi is one of India's top lawyers, a man who has fought some of the country's most important - and dramatic - legal battles. In this fascinating book, he talks about the most important cases he fought - and the bigger questions of law and justice they pose. From the Sabarimala temple case (he argued against the right of women to worship there) to Cyrus Mistry against Tata Sons, the cases in this book touch on issues of free speech, custodial torture, the right to fly the Indian flag, animal rights and state elections. Simply written for the general reader and full of insights, From the Trenches is a book by a legendary lawyer that will both entertain and teach you about law and the judiciary.
- GenresNonfictionLaw
248 pages, Hardcover
Published February 25, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 6, 2020
If you ever wish to read about a true narcissist, look no further and pick this book up. This man loves himself to death.
I was expecting to be disappointed by this book, but I must concede to the fact that it was a fun read. Great for some light reading.
Just 2 issues that I want to address (and this has nothing to do with the book itself, but the law, and I have no other outlet to express this, so):
1. Commercial speech should not be covered under Article 19(1)(a). To think that DRAMS wanted to expand the right for the greater good is false. This case was merely an attempt at self-glorification and to fulfil the best interests of Tata Press. It’s plainly against the principle of judicial precedent (he agrees with this). Additionally, scientific temper has still not been achieved in the country and cannot be said to be a thing of the past. Keeping in mind that contention, there needs to be pre-censorship of advertisements. In the age of internet and the fact that once any info is out there, it cannot be erased, giving commercial speech a free reign would be dangerous.
2. I do not agree with his views on Santhara. While I agree with his contention that the Rajasthan HC failed to elaborate on the constitutional basis of outlawing Santhara, I feel that him being a devout Jain stood in the way of his objectivity to see what Santhara truly is - an act of suicide (at the risk of being called “ignorant” by DRAMS). Yes, attempt to suicide should not be a criminal act, but that does not take away from the fact that both suicide and Santhara stand on the same footing of voluntary acceptance of death. In fact, the latter is more dangerous due to its religious backing and compliance of family members. If the majority of elderly people in Indian society (by his own admission, Jains comprise a miniscule demography) can continue well into their old age, it seems rather ridiculous for such a tiny percentage to be compelled into blindly following what they feel their religion expects out of them for attainment of eternal peace. Also, very contradictory statements provided by him. You can’t invoke Mill’s harm principle in order to condone Santhara and then in the same breath state that suicide should be an illegal act.
But, I digress. Worth a read !
I was expecting to be disappointed by this book, but I must concede to the fact that it was a fun read. Great for some light reading.
Just 2 issues that I want to address (and this has nothing to do with the book itself, but the law, and I have no other outlet to express this, so):
1. Commercial speech should not be covered under Article 19(1)(a). To think that DRAMS wanted to expand the right for the greater good is false. This case was merely an attempt at self-glorification and to fulfil the best interests of Tata Press. It’s plainly against the principle of judicial precedent (he agrees with this). Additionally, scientific temper has still not been achieved in the country and cannot be said to be a thing of the past. Keeping in mind that contention, there needs to be pre-censorship of advertisements. In the age of internet and the fact that once any info is out there, it cannot be erased, giving commercial speech a free reign would be dangerous.
2. I do not agree with his views on Santhara. While I agree with his contention that the Rajasthan HC failed to elaborate on the constitutional basis of outlawing Santhara, I feel that him being a devout Jain stood in the way of his objectivity to see what Santhara truly is - an act of suicide (at the risk of being called “ignorant” by DRAMS). Yes, attempt to suicide should not be a criminal act, but that does not take away from the fact that both suicide and Santhara stand on the same footing of voluntary acceptance of death. In fact, the latter is more dangerous due to its religious backing and compliance of family members. If the majority of elderly people in Indian society (by his own admission, Jains comprise a miniscule demography) can continue well into their old age, it seems rather ridiculous for such a tiny percentage to be compelled into blindly following what they feel their religion expects out of them for attainment of eternal peace. Also, very contradictory statements provided by him. You can’t invoke Mill’s harm principle in order to condone Santhara and then in the same breath state that suicide should be an illegal act.
But, I digress. Worth a read !
September 23, 2022
Abhishek Singhvi in addition to being a long time spokesperson for the Congress Party, is also one of India’s most pre-eminent lawyers. In his slim book, “From The Trenches”, Singhvi provides a glimpse into the eclectic nature of some of the most seminal cases argued by him in the Apex Court of India, the Supreme Court. A mixture of the aesthetic and asinine, these cases touch the lives of the common man in ways that are not ordinarily perceived. From Constitutional Law to Corporate Law the bouquet of cases make for some fascinating reading and involuntary introspection.
The book begins with a dissection of one of the most fundamental concepts dealt with by our Constitution, namely the freedom of speech as embedded within the provisions of Article 19(1)(a). The Government Telephone Company, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) filed a suit before the Bombay High Court alleging that Tata Press must be restrained by a Court order from publishing a Yellow Pages Directory. The Bombay High Court granted MTNL the injunction. Singhvi engaged by Tata Press, filed an innovative Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court arguing that the freedom of speech included within its ambit, commercial speech as well. Expressing oneself in a positive vein about something, Singhvi argued, must also be expended to issued involving commercial motives. Singhvi was treading uncharted territory because this issue was already decided by a larger Bench of the Supreme Court in an earlier case, Hamdard Dawakhana v Union of India. However, this case drew persuasive precedence from an American case, Lewis J, Valentine v F.J.Christensen, which was subsequently overruled. Arguing that the nature of request being made by Tata Press was completely new and distinguishable from the Hamdard Dawakhana case, Singhvi managed to get Tata Press a stupendous win.
Yet another Tata case involved Singhvi representing the TATA Group before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal in the now infamous ouster of the late Cyrus Mistry from the Board of Directors. In this case Singhvi succeeded the Court/Tribunal in overthrowing the contention of oppression and mismanagement raised by Cyrus Mistry and concluding that the sacking of Mistry was purely on commercial, administrative and governance grounds.
Arguably the most interesting case dealt with by the book involved the right of the Jain community to continue the practice of ‘santhara’. Santhara or Sallekhana is a ritual under which a person voluntarily accepts death at the end of a long and contended life. This decision is reached by the concerned person with total acceptance of his family, when the practioner has either reached old age or suffers from a terminal illness or has become an involuntary victim of a natural calamity. A petitioner called Nikhil Soni filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Supreme Court alleging that the practice of Santhara was akin to suicide or even the pernicious and now abolished practice of Sati and hence must be put an end to. He even argued that all the family members acquiescing the practice of Santhara must be booked under the provisions of Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code dealing with abetment of suicide. In Nikhil Soni v Union of India, Singhvi, an ardent Jain himself, was engaged by the Jain community to argue the case for them. Singhvi argued that the petitioner by virtue of being ignorant of the traditions and customs of the oldest religion in India, being not a Jain himself, had wrongly equated Santhara with suicide. A religious practice that causes harm or hurt to others is rendered impermissible under the Indian Constitution. However the Jain tradition belittles the act of suicide as harm caused to oneself and hence unacceptable. In just 3 sentences, the Apex Court dismissed the PIL and restored the practice of Santhara to its rightful pedestal.
The book contains other interesting cases such as the Jallikattu and Sabarimala verdicts, where the Supreme Court Judgments was met with unmitigated uproar and emotional outrages. Singhvi also recounts some unbelievable exchanges in the Courtroom transpiring between counsel and Judge. For example, when the brilliant lawyer G. Ramaswamy was vociferously arguing a point, Justice Kuldeep Singh interrupting him said, “Mr. Ramaswamy, how can we accept this point? Do you think we are fools?”. Ramaswamy, without batting an eyelid, retorted, ‘My Lords, I don’t know what to say. If I say, yes, I will be guilty of contempt. If I say no, I will be guilty of perjury.’ After a pregnant pause, the entire courtroom, the judges included broke into peals of laughter that carried on for more than a whole minute.
“From The Trenches” is a rousing read and a delicious appetizer for all those eager and bold enough to wade into the immensely complicated, yet astoundingly rich and fertile landscape of India’s judicial world.
The book begins with a dissection of one of the most fundamental concepts dealt with by our Constitution, namely the freedom of speech as embedded within the provisions of Article 19(1)(a). The Government Telephone Company, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) filed a suit before the Bombay High Court alleging that Tata Press must be restrained by a Court order from publishing a Yellow Pages Directory. The Bombay High Court granted MTNL the injunction. Singhvi engaged by Tata Press, filed an innovative Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court arguing that the freedom of speech included within its ambit, commercial speech as well. Expressing oneself in a positive vein about something, Singhvi argued, must also be expended to issued involving commercial motives. Singhvi was treading uncharted territory because this issue was already decided by a larger Bench of the Supreme Court in an earlier case, Hamdard Dawakhana v Union of India. However, this case drew persuasive precedence from an American case, Lewis J, Valentine v F.J.Christensen, which was subsequently overruled. Arguing that the nature of request being made by Tata Press was completely new and distinguishable from the Hamdard Dawakhana case, Singhvi managed to get Tata Press a stupendous win.
Yet another Tata case involved Singhvi representing the TATA Group before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal in the now infamous ouster of the late Cyrus Mistry from the Board of Directors. In this case Singhvi succeeded the Court/Tribunal in overthrowing the contention of oppression and mismanagement raised by Cyrus Mistry and concluding that the sacking of Mistry was purely on commercial, administrative and governance grounds.
Arguably the most interesting case dealt with by the book involved the right of the Jain community to continue the practice of ‘santhara’. Santhara or Sallekhana is a ritual under which a person voluntarily accepts death at the end of a long and contended life. This decision is reached by the concerned person with total acceptance of his family, when the practioner has either reached old age or suffers from a terminal illness or has become an involuntary victim of a natural calamity. A petitioner called Nikhil Soni filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Supreme Court alleging that the practice of Santhara was akin to suicide or even the pernicious and now abolished practice of Sati and hence must be put an end to. He even argued that all the family members acquiescing the practice of Santhara must be booked under the provisions of Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code dealing with abetment of suicide. In Nikhil Soni v Union of India, Singhvi, an ardent Jain himself, was engaged by the Jain community to argue the case for them. Singhvi argued that the petitioner by virtue of being ignorant of the traditions and customs of the oldest religion in India, being not a Jain himself, had wrongly equated Santhara with suicide. A religious practice that causes harm or hurt to others is rendered impermissible under the Indian Constitution. However the Jain tradition belittles the act of suicide as harm caused to oneself and hence unacceptable. In just 3 sentences, the Apex Court dismissed the PIL and restored the practice of Santhara to its rightful pedestal.
The book contains other interesting cases such as the Jallikattu and Sabarimala verdicts, where the Supreme Court Judgments was met with unmitigated uproar and emotional outrages. Singhvi also recounts some unbelievable exchanges in the Courtroom transpiring between counsel and Judge. For example, when the brilliant lawyer G. Ramaswamy was vociferously arguing a point, Justice Kuldeep Singh interrupting him said, “Mr. Ramaswamy, how can we accept this point? Do you think we are fools?”. Ramaswamy, without batting an eyelid, retorted, ‘My Lords, I don’t know what to say. If I say, yes, I will be guilty of contempt. If I say no, I will be guilty of perjury.’ After a pregnant pause, the entire courtroom, the judges included broke into peals of laughter that carried on for more than a whole minute.
“From The Trenches” is a rousing read and a delicious appetizer for all those eager and bold enough to wade into the immensely complicated, yet astoundingly rich and fertile landscape of India’s judicial world.
August 28, 2023
From the Trenches provides a captivating glimpse into India's legal battles, as seen through the eyes of legal luminary Abhishek Singhvi and co-author Satyajit Sarna. The book transcends mere case summaries, exploring deep legal philosophy and societal implications.
The blurb previews eight pivotal cases, showcasing the complexity of India's legal landscape and Singhvi's remarkable career. The book's fusion of legal analysis with societal insights makes it a valuable resource for legal enthusiasts. It underscores the importance of comprehending complex legal issues shaping society while also celebrating the role of lawyers in upholding justice and democratic values.
In brief, From the Trenches is an intellectually stimulating read, shedding light on India's legal intricacies. It's highly recommended for anyone intrigued by law, justice, and the role of legal professionals in shaping a nation's path. I fully endorse this book and invite fellow readers to explore its profound legal narratives.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
The blurb previews eight pivotal cases, showcasing the complexity of India's legal landscape and Singhvi's remarkable career. The book's fusion of legal analysis with societal insights makes it a valuable resource for legal enthusiasts. It underscores the importance of comprehending complex legal issues shaping society while also celebrating the role of lawyers in upholding justice and democratic values.
In brief, From the Trenches is an intellectually stimulating read, shedding light on India's legal intricacies. It's highly recommended for anyone intrigued by law, justice, and the role of legal professionals in shaping a nation's path. I fully endorse this book and invite fellow readers to explore its profound legal narratives.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
April 16, 2020
Just very recently I have started developing this interest in law. How it happened? I don’t know. Why it happened? Maybe it’s just too intriguing to see a fight between the pragmatic and dogmatic. And I believe it’s this fascination that made me stumble upon this book.
Mr Singhvi provides a delightful insight into some of the highly controversial and prominent cases that have gripped the country. It’s captivating to see how the loopholes of constitution are weeded out to deliver justice. Though highly opinionated, but this book definitely raises questions that are beyond the law and question the fundamentals of human belief. In all a very informative read.
Mr Singhvi provides a delightful insight into some of the highly controversial and prominent cases that have gripped the country. It’s captivating to see how the loopholes of constitution are weeded out to deliver justice. Though highly opinionated, but this book definitely raises questions that are beyond the law and question the fundamentals of human belief. In all a very informative read.
February 22, 2023
We all have heard about some most talked legal battles of India as in Sabrimala temple case, Jallikattu festival ban in Tamilnadu, Santhara (religious practice of Jain community), legal fight between Tata sons and Cyrus Mistry and so on. About these most talked legal cases we only knows what we saw on TV or read in newspapers. In this book 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝘼𝙗𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙠 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙝𝙫𝙞 , the author makes you understand the legal procedure behind all these cases, which is really interesting and very informative.
As it is said that one who is into the profession, knows what kind of hard work it needs to make it work, it's a book which will gave you a little bit of reference of the hard work and proceedings that goes behind in any legal case. This book is full of insights and is easy to understand as for a common reader/ non- lawyer.
Mr. Singhvi not only talks about the popular legal battles but he also talks about some not so popular cases, about which we possibly don't heard anything but they indirectly affected our rights. As it talks about freedom of speech, right to fly our National Flag, freedom from custodial violence, Presidential rule in Uttarakhand and Karnataka state. This book is very important and the way author has explained each eight stories in a simple language is applaudable.
If you are interested to know about these legal battles then it's a must read.
As it is said that one who is into the profession, knows what kind of hard work it needs to make it work, it's a book which will gave you a little bit of reference of the hard work and proceedings that goes behind in any legal case. This book is full of insights and is easy to understand as for a common reader/ non- lawyer.
Mr. Singhvi not only talks about the popular legal battles but he also talks about some not so popular cases, about which we possibly don't heard anything but they indirectly affected our rights. As it talks about freedom of speech, right to fly our National Flag, freedom from custodial violence, Presidential rule in Uttarakhand and Karnataka state. This book is very important and the way author has explained each eight stories in a simple language is applaudable.
If you are interested to know about these legal battles then it's a must read.
July 8, 2023
It's always very insightful to read about law and judicial machinery. When it comes to India, a democracy as big as it is, courts and its judicial system play a crucial role in maintaining the democratic balance.
Abhishek Singhvi, a prominent Indian lawyer known to have fought some of the most famous and exciting legal battles, discusses a few in this book. These cases directly or indirectly affect ordinary citizens and have been in the news during their time. The cases cover a wide range of topics like freedom of expression in commercial speech, freedom to fly the Indian flag, custodial torture, entry of women of a certain age in Sabarimala temple, the practice of Santhara in Jainism, Cyrus Mistry vs. Tata Sons, government tactics during elections and animal rights in cases like Jallikattu and slaughterhouses. The subjects are varied, insightful, and entertaining.
Written for lay people, special care has been taken to explain a few essential legal terms at the beginning of the book so that regular readers can understand them easily in later chapters. The language has been kept as lucid as possible, and legal procedures have been explained in straightforward terms that anyone can understand. Each case raises important questions about society, individual rights, government's role, etc. Fast-paced with short to medium-length chapters, this book can be read in a single weekend. I recommend it to everyone interested in reading about
Abhishek Singhvi, a prominent Indian lawyer known to have fought some of the most famous and exciting legal battles, discusses a few in this book. These cases directly or indirectly affect ordinary citizens and have been in the news during their time. The cases cover a wide range of topics like freedom of expression in commercial speech, freedom to fly the Indian flag, custodial torture, entry of women of a certain age in Sabarimala temple, the practice of Santhara in Jainism, Cyrus Mistry vs. Tata Sons, government tactics during elections and animal rights in cases like Jallikattu and slaughterhouses. The subjects are varied, insightful, and entertaining.
Written for lay people, special care has been taken to explain a few essential legal terms at the beginning of the book so that regular readers can understand them easily in later chapters. The language has been kept as lucid as possible, and legal procedures have been explained in straightforward terms that anyone can understand. Each case raises important questions about society, individual rights, government's role, etc. Fast-paced with short to medium-length chapters, this book can be read in a single weekend. I recommend it to everyone interested in reading about
December 26, 2022
Abhishek Singhvi is a well known name in India,in the field of law.He has fought various cases at the top most level that has affected lives of many citizens.
This book briefs us about 8 of his cases that has either changed the shape of law or has deeply affected the people or both.The choice of 8 cases are very much varied.The choice ranges from religious to political and much more.The author focuses on the legal perspective of the cases rather than telling it in a usual storytelling way.Although i have very less knowledge about the law,i still found the book very much interesting.
Another interesting thing is that even if you won't be agreeing to some of the authors' views, you will think of better ways to keep your point smoothly without any grudge for the opposite party.Personally i too felt that many a times my views weren't the same of authors',especially where he describes the case of Santhara,a practice of Jains where they accept death in a natural way by stopping consumption of food.
This book while describing the scenarios in the state of Karnataka and Uttarakhand,somewhere gives us a hope that even in these dark times you can atleast attempt to fight against the inequalities and the hatred that is being spread with the tool of law.
It was informative, entertaining and an interesting read.
This book briefs us about 8 of his cases that has either changed the shape of law or has deeply affected the people or both.The choice of 8 cases are very much varied.The choice ranges from religious to political and much more.The author focuses on the legal perspective of the cases rather than telling it in a usual storytelling way.Although i have very less knowledge about the law,i still found the book very much interesting.
Another interesting thing is that even if you won't be agreeing to some of the authors' views, you will think of better ways to keep your point smoothly without any grudge for the opposite party.Personally i too felt that many a times my views weren't the same of authors',especially where he describes the case of Santhara,a practice of Jains where they accept death in a natural way by stopping consumption of food.
This book while describing the scenarios in the state of Karnataka and Uttarakhand,somewhere gives us a hope that even in these dark times you can atleast attempt to fight against the inequalities and the hatred that is being spread with the tool of law.
It was informative, entertaining and an interesting read.
Read
April 3, 2022'From the Trenches' is a quick read. The book touches down on the practical aspect of the court judgements from a few hand-picked cases of political significance that have ramifications even to a citizen level.
The book is written in a simplified manner and tried to annotate terms from the legal glossary in a way comprehendible to a common man. It attempted to expose the fact that judges in India, these days, are cautious to pitch against the government's interest by rendering legally sound verdicts that may pester the executive due to its power in deciding their career progression. The bitter experience that Justice K.M Joseph had to go through is nicely laid down by Singhvi.
Although a partisan by political inclinations, Singhvi, by this book, had tried to throw some light into the shadowy facts of Indian legal systems and the myriad ways to circumvent the challenges resulting from various judgements that could challenge the governments, a striking example is the workaround solution made to nullify the verdict made in the 'jallikattu' case by amending the legislation.
A good book for any reader who wanted to hear from a senior legal counsel of India who had the opportunity to associate with the legal luminaries of India.
The book is written in a simplified manner and tried to annotate terms from the legal glossary in a way comprehendible to a common man. It attempted to expose the fact that judges in India, these days, are cautious to pitch against the government's interest by rendering legally sound verdicts that may pester the executive due to its power in deciding their career progression. The bitter experience that Justice K.M Joseph had to go through is nicely laid down by Singhvi.
Although a partisan by political inclinations, Singhvi, by this book, had tried to throw some light into the shadowy facts of Indian legal systems and the myriad ways to circumvent the challenges resulting from various judgements that could challenge the governments, a striking example is the workaround solution made to nullify the verdict made in the 'jallikattu' case by amending the legislation.
A good book for any reader who wanted to hear from a senior legal counsel of India who had the opportunity to associate with the legal luminaries of India.
January 6, 2023
From the Trenches is a compilation of selected eight of India's top lawyer, Abhishek Sanghvi's most important and high profile cases. These cases range from animal welfare, women's right to worship, human rights, government feuds and many important cases that took Indian media by storm during their respective trial period. Being aware of most of these cases, reading about the court room drama with factual arguments was informative. The language is technical in few places. That's when the fundamental concepts explained in the introduction help to understand the cases and arguments better. This book can be a great pick for those who are interested in legal matters.
November 30, 2022
Ace lawyer Abhishek Singhvi reflects upon some very important cases he has been involved in. Many of them have had constitutional implications while some like Tata Mistry case will go down as storied precedents.
An interesting but brief book which keeps the reader looking for more. While the readers might have read about the mentioned cases in the news, the authors have not delved deep into case history and case law. This makes it a simple and fresh read and not a heavy academic tome. Non lawyers can easily reflect and read about the significant cases, Mr. Singhvi was involved.
An interesting but brief book which keeps the reader looking for more. While the readers might have read about the mentioned cases in the news, the authors have not delved deep into case history and case law. This makes it a simple and fresh read and not a heavy academic tome. Non lawyers can easily reflect and read about the significant cases, Mr. Singhvi was involved.
December 13, 2022
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Amazing book written by one of the top legal minds of the country. Honest take on issues of Bharat like Sabarimala temple, free speech, Santhara practice of jain community, Jallikattu, horse trading of politicians and many more +.
Written in a very simple language for the understanding of the general masses this book can teach you a lot of things regarding the big dramatic legal battles of the country in current days.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to non fiction readers.
Thank you ✨🙏
Amazing book written by one of the top legal minds of the country. Honest take on issues of Bharat like Sabarimala temple, free speech, Santhara practice of jain community, Jallikattu, horse trading of politicians and many more +.
Written in a very simple language for the understanding of the general masses this book can teach you a lot of things regarding the big dramatic legal battles of the country in current days.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to non fiction readers.
Thank you ✨🙏
March 29, 2020
Wonderful 'law' book. Not too technical and well explained. Some chapters may seem boring but others like the Tata Sons case, the Uttarakhand and Karnataka President's rule cases are page turners. Most of the cases are from recent memory so anyone up to date on the news will associate immediately. Happy to get another perspective on these cases (albeit the author's), other than whats seen on main stream media.
September 15, 2022
A short and interesting book about some of the popular court cases in India.
I had always a curiosity about knowing things that is running behind the scenes. And this book deals good with the behind the scenes story.
It's Author Dr. Singhvi writes about the background and some court facts of some of the interesting court cases of India. Like: Sabrimala temple case, karnatka election case, & Tata sons. vs cyrus mistri case.. and few others.
I had always a curiosity about knowing things that is running behind the scenes. And this book deals good with the behind the scenes story.
It's Author Dr. Singhvi writes about the background and some court facts of some of the interesting court cases of India. Like: Sabrimala temple case, karnatka election case, & Tata sons. vs cyrus mistri case.. and few others.
September 18, 2023
Reads like a breezer. Seminal constitutional law cases (and one commercial) told in a storyteller and lucid prose. Dr Singhvi really breaks down the intricate and technical constitutional cases into a tale that a laymen can read and enjoy. The prose, at times lacking innovation, is still delightful to read. For lawmen and laymen alike, the book is a light but enjoyable read you can pick up while unwinding.
March 17, 2024
A book for both the laymen and lawmen. A great account of eight huge cases within the Indian Legal System all argued by the maestro himself. The fluidity in the style of writing will keep you hooked and wanting more after every chapter. Various aspects of litigation at the Supreme Court like epistolary jurisdiction, limitation to Article 19, as well as strategizing litigation from Company law at the NCLAT level to Anti-defection law at the Supreme Court make it a great read.
April 27, 2020
Mr. Singhvi, one of the prolific lawyers in India, puts up the account of some of his famous and successfully fought cases in the Indian Courts. The book is written in a very simple language, making it digestible for a non-lawyer as well. The author gives you the background of each of the cases, making it a more interesting read.
March 16, 2020
This book is good for a quick layman summary of some important cases that Dr. Singhvi (DRAMS) has argued.
There aren’t major insights or tidbits, nor any big takeaways from this book, since it isn’t a proper legal work really. It’s a casual, quick and small read which I would recommend borrowing.
There aren’t major insights or tidbits, nor any big takeaways from this book, since it isn’t a proper legal work really. It’s a casual, quick and small read which I would recommend borrowing.
August 16, 2020
Very, very well written, a great read from the finest legal minds of our times. He is no preacher, nor dogmatic, just a truthful narration of his version of the cases- read it to improve your understanding of the law. BRAVO!!!
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May 16, 2025Done with reading #FromTheTrenches by #AbhishekManuSinghvi.
A great source to read about some of those cases from the recent times, which would have predefined judgements in the future.
People interested in "politics" must read to understand nuances of #India's legal framework.
A great source to read about some of those cases from the recent times, which would have predefined judgements in the future.
People interested in "politics" must read to understand nuances of #India's legal framework.
March 21, 2020
enlightening for the lay person. Explains some of the cases he fought in a simple language.
August 3, 2020
Selection of landmark cases by Abhishek Singhvi which explains the complex nature of jurisprudence in India and the fine art of looking at the merits of each case for things unsaid and unspoken
November 20, 2022
Worth reading
June 29, 2024
I wish it were longer and more exhaustive. Truly addictive for anyone who can appreciate the profession in discussion.
September 30, 2024
Simple yet thought provoking read for professionals and non-professionals.
July 5, 2020
Short summary of eight popular cases fought by Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
Most of them are of national importance. He has just touched the tip of the iceberg in each of the cases.
Could have been more elaborate on each of these cases.
Nevertheless an enjoyable read.
Most of them are of national importance. He has just touched the tip of the iceberg in each of the cases.
Could have been more elaborate on each of these cases.
Nevertheless an enjoyable read.
January 25, 2022
It was more like reading a story than reading cases. Good for light reading. People who want in-depth analysis into the cases may not like it
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews