Books
THE CASE THAT SHOOK INDIA - BY PRASHANT BHUSHAN
Prashant Bhushan was born on the 15th of October, 1956. He is an Indian PIL (public interest litigation) lawyer in the Supreme Court of India.
Prashant Bhushan’s parents were Shanti Bhushan and Kumud Bhushan. He was the oldest amongst their four children. Prashant Bhushan’s wife is Deepa Bhushan, a former lawyer. They have three sons. His main areas of interest have been human rights, environmental protection and accountability of the public servants.
Prashant Bhushan wrote “The Case that Shook India” while he was still a student.
It was one of the most historical judgements in Indian legal history.
The book is based on the case that lay aside Indira Gandhi's election in the year 1974. The case was long and went on to be quite a complicated judicial issue. The case has been explained and written by the author, Prashant Bhushan, in a very systematic order. He has successfully explained it in a clear manner and has written it in layman’s language.
The book is a complete thriller. One can get cold creeps while reading the book, especially the most anticipated chapters, such as the ones concerning the verdicts and also the happenings outside the courts. What makes the book even more interesting is that the proceedings led to an Emergency. It thus went on to become more critical. During the court proceedings in the High Court, only some people were present and during the Supreme Court proceedings, Emergency was already declared, so the case became condemnatory and as a result, nothing could be published due to press censorship. So, the book gives us first-hand details on all that transpired at that time. The book serves as an exemplary reference for all law people.
This book throws light on an important event that took place in the history of our country. Thus, it’s very important for us to know about what all had happened, how it happened what the final outcome was.
The first half of this book focuses on Indira Gandhi's trial in the Allahabad High Court. It reveals all the terrific courtroom drama. The second half of the book mainly covers the Supreme Court proceedings. This is where the book gets more and more intriguing, technical and difficult to understand.
This book serves as a gospel to all those who have no connection with Law in any sense whatsoever. However, to those interested or connected to the law, this book and this case are like a preamble of the law. It is a landmark case, one that all must know. The book takes us into the very courtroom in which this landmark case was fought. It provides us with unbiased facts about the case despite the fact that the book is written by the son of the very Advocate who was the prosecutor. Reading this book gives you a first-hand experience of all that took place then. It leaves readers with a thrilling and eye-opening experience.
To sum it up, the book talks about one of the most momentous events that occurred in the history of India i.e., the election of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi was declared void by a High Court. Apparently, this decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, which ultimately overturned the decision of the High Court. The book discloses all that happened in the intervening months.
Shanti Bhushan, the author's father, represented Raj Narain, who filed the suit against Indira Gandhi. Shanti Bhushan fought the case in both the HC and SC.
The way the same incident/factoid is used by both the prosecution and defence to support their respective stand is outstanding, to say the least. The way the counsel for either side argued over the separation of powers between the arms of the Government i.e., the legislature and the judiciary, as well as the constituent power is incredible. The arguments, counter-arguments, rebuttals not only display the skills of the counsels but also make it more interesting to read.
The book is overall extremely interesting. It unfolds the triumph of the judiciary (in the HC judgement) and the subsequent sheer abuse of power. The book is very engaging. It constantly increases everyone’s level of curiosity. It is a sensational piece of work. Everyone indeed must give it a read. This book is perfect for every student of democracy, as well as anyone interested in modern Indian history.