Ram Jethmalani, renowned for his exceptional legal expertise and unwavering advocacy, stands as one of India’s most iconic and controversial lawyers. Born on September 14, 1923, in Shikarpur, Sindh (now in Pakistan), Jethmalani’s career spanned more than seven decades, during which he became a towering figure in the Indian legal community. His impact, however, extended beyond the courtroom, with a significant foray into politics, shaping both India’s legal and political landscapes.
Not only was Jethmalani one of the highest-paid lawyers in India, but his reputation for handling some of the most challenging cases also earned him national acclaim. His fees, which were often high, reflected the complexity and public interest in the cases he handled. Jethmalani was frequently hired by high-profile clients, and his Ram Jethmalani fees were widely discussed in the media, with charges ranging from INR 25 lakh to more than INR 1 crore for his services in landmark cases.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Jethmalani became a respected figure, known for his fearless approach to complex legal battles. Jethmalani’s contributions to Indian politics were also noteworthy, having served as the country’s Minister of Law, where he played a key role in shaping legislative reforms.
Jethmalani’s legacy includes representing clients in some of India’s most prominent legal cases, earning high fees for his services. His remarkable journey is marked by both admiration and controversy, but his influence on India’s legal framework and political arena remains undeniable.
He passed away on September 8, 2019, in New Delhi, at the age of 95. Today, his life continues to serve as an inspiration for aspiring lawyers and advocates. In this piece, we explore the multifaceted journey of Ram Jethmalani, delving into his education, landmark cases, political contributions, and the lasting impact he left on India’s legal and political systems.
The Career Journey of Ram Jethmalani
Ram Boolchand Jethmalani’s legal journey began early, as he completed his LL.B. from Bombay University at the age of 17. Over his illustrious career, Jethmalani became known for his fearless approach to high-profile and controversial cases, including his defense in the Jessica Lal murder case, the Harshad Mehta stock market scam, and his representation of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Jethmalani’s career wasn’t just limited to the courtroom; he also made a significant mark in politics, having served as the Union Minister of Law, Justice, and Company Affairs in the 1990s and early 2000s. Apart from his legal and political career, he was also an accomplished author, having written books like Big Egos, Small Men, Conscience of a Maverick, and Maverick: Unchanged, Unrepentant.
One of the most notable aspects of Jethmalani’s career was his willingness to represent controversial figures, including his role as Asaram Bapu’s lawyer Ram Jethmalani in a highly contentious case. Asaram Bapu was accused of sexual assault, and Jethmalani’s defense was a subject of much debate and criticism. Despite the controversy, Jethmalani remained committed to the principle that every individual is entitled to a fair trial.
Famous Cases Of Ram Jethmalani
Ram Jethmalani was involved in numerous high-profile and controversial cases throughout his career. Some of his most famous legal battles include:
- K.M. Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra
This case revolved around naval officer Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati, accused of murdering his wife’s lover. It garnered widespread media attention and was one of India’s last jury trials. Jethmalani was part of Nanavati’s defense team, and while the jury initially acquitted him, the Bombay High Court dismissed the verdict, leading to a retrial. Nanavati was convicted but later pardoned due to public support. - Defense of Harshad Mehta and Ketan Parekh
Involving major stock market scandals, Jethmalani represented Harshad Mehta and Ketan Parekh, who were accused of manipulating stock prices. Jethmalani’s defense brought attention to the need for reforms in India’s securities laws and financial regulations. - Defense of Indira Gandhi’s Assassins
After the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Jethmalani defended the accused assassins, a highly unpopular move in a politically charged environment. Despite their eventual conviction and execution, Jethmalani’s defense was seen as a reflection of his commitment to legal principles. - Jessica Lal Murder Case
Jethmalani represented Manu Sharma, who was accused of shooting model Jessica Lal. The case, initially marked by an acquittal, sparked public outrage and was retried, resulting in Sharma’s conviction. - Defense of L.K. Advani in the Hawala Scandal
Jethmalani defended BJP leader L.K. Advani in the high-profile Hawala scandal, where politicians were accused of accepting bribes via Hawala brokers. Advani was acquitted, thanks to Jethmalani’s effective defense. - Defense of Asaram Bapu
In a controversial case, Jethmalani defended self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who was accused of sexually assaulting a minor at his ashram. Bapu was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018. - Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case
Jethmalani represented some of the accused in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by the LTTE. The case ended in convictions, but debates continue over its fairness. - Defense of Amit Shah in Sohrabuddin Encounter Case
Jethmalani defended BJP leader Amit Shah, who was accused of involvement in the extrajudicial killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh. Shah was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. - Defense in the 2G Spectrum Case
In the complex 2G spectrum case involving corruption in mobile license allocations, Jethmalani defended key accused individuals, resulting in many acquittals and sparking widespread debate about corruption in governance. - Defense of Jayalalithaa in Disproportionate Assets Case
Jethmalani defended Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in a case involving accusations of accumulating wealth beyond her known income sources. The case saw legal battles, with Jayalalithaa initially convicted and later acquitted
Lawyer Ram Jethmalani Fees and Income
Ram Jethmalani was renowned for charging high fees for his legal services. Ram Jethmalani’s fees often started at INR 25 lakh per hearing or more per hearing, and in some high-profile cases, exceeding INR 1 crore. His fees reflected the complexity and public interest in the cases he handled, and his reputation as one of India’s highest-paid lawyers was evident in his fee structure. In landmark cases such as the Jessica Lal murder case, where he reportedly charged around ₹1 crore, and his defense of political figures like L.K. Advani in the Hawala scandal, Jethmalani’s charges were consistently high.
Though exact details of his fees in the K.M. Nanavati case are not well-documented, its societal impact would have warranted a significant fee. Beyond legal practice, Jethmalani also earned from consultations, public speaking engagements, and legal education seminars, showcasing his broad expertise. According to his 2014 financial disclosure to the Election Commission, his wealth was considerable. He had liquid assets worth ₹59.6 crores, including ₹10 lakhs in cash and a bank balance over ₹2 crores. Jethmalani also invested ₹21 crores in shares, owned vehicles worth ₹26 lakhs, and held residential properties valued at ₹5 crores, including a house in Gurugram and a building in Mumbai. He had no debts, reflecting his financial stability and prudence.
Key Life Lessons from Ram Jethmalani for Aspiring Lawyers
Ram Jethmalani’s illustrious career offers valuable lessons for aspiring lawyers:
- Continuous Learning
Jethmalani emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, even for seasoned professionals. Aspiring lawyers should never stop evolving and adapting to new legal developments. - Mastering the Core of Legal Issues
Jethmalani believed in understanding the root cause of a case before formulating legal strategies. This thoroughness became a key factor in his success. - Law as a Profession, Not a Business
Despite his high fees, Jethmalani saw law as a service rather than a business. His commitment to pro bono work demonstrated his dedication to social justice. - Hard Work and Dedication
Jethmalani’s tireless work ethic was key to his success. Aspiring lawyers should be prepared to invest significant time and effort in their careers. - Adaptability
Jethmalani showed that the legal profession is constantly evolving. A successful lawyer must be adaptable, learning from both younger and more experienced colleagues. - Persuasion and Communication
Jethmalani was a master at presenting compelling arguments. Lawyers must develop strong communication skills to persuade judges and juries effectively. - Social Justice Commitment
Jethmalani’s willingness to defend marginalized clients at low fees underscores the need for lawyers to advocate for social justice. - Defending the Underdog
Jethmalani often defended controversial or unpopular figures. His courage to take on such cases shows the importance of standing up for the principles of justice. - Challenging Legal Norms
Throughout his career, Jethmalani frequently challenged established norms. Aspiring lawyers should not be afraid to question the status quo in the pursuit of justice.
Conclusion
Ram Jethmalani’s contributions to Indian law and politics have left an indelible mark. His boldness, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to the law make him a role model for future generations of lawyers. Jethmalani’s fearless defense of controversial clients, his political involvement, and his unwavering belief in justice continue to inspire and influence the legal landscape in India.
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