During a Supreme Court hearing, Justice JB Pardiwala questioned a lawyer about presenting a weak case, only to learn that it was his first argument in the apex court. The lawyer revealed that he had served 20 years in the Indian Air Force, including a posting in Bhuj, before joining the legal profession. Surprised, the bench asked if he was a pilot, to which he clarified that he worked as a technician and legal head in the Air Force.
New Delhi: A unique courtroom exchange took place in the Supreme Court when Justice JB Pardiwala questioned a lawyer about presenting a weak case, only to discover that it was his first-ever argument in the apex court.
The lawyer, a former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, who served for 20 years before transitioning to the legal profession.
During the hearing, the advocate introduced his arguments, but Justice Pardiwala immediately questioned the strength of the case, asking,
“Why such a weak case?”
The lawyer did not give up and kept presenting his arguments. This made the judge ask why he joined the legal profession so late. The advocate then shared that he had served in the Air Force for 20 years, including in Bhuj, a place important for defense and military history.
Surprised by the revelation, the Supreme Court bench asked,
“Pilot?”
To which the advocate clarified that he had served as a technician and legal head in the Air Force. His legal journey began after retiring from the armed forces, showing a remarkable shift from military service to courtroom advocacy.
The exchange highlighted the diverse backgrounds of professionals entering the legal field. Many retired defense personnel choose law as a second career, bringing discipline, analytical skills, and strategic thinking from their military experience into their legal practice.
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This incident also highlights the Supreme Court’s keen scrutiny of cases and arguments presented before it. While the lawyer’s first case may have been considered weak, his background in the Air Force legal department suggests a strong foundation in law, which could contribute significantly to his career in advocacy.
As India witnesses an increasing number of ex-servicemen entering the legal field, this case serves as an inspiring reminder that career transitions can happen at any stage of life, and dedication to justice knows no boundaries.