Bring the truth out in the open
RETHINKING JUDICIAL REFORMS: REFLECTIONS ON INDIAN LEGAL SYSTEM (Universal Law, Rs 395) by Kaleeswaram Raj is an analysis of the issues affecting the judiciary. The book not only includes discussions on whether judges could formulate a code of conduct for the media, but also highlights landmark constitutional cases. Raj includes a chapter on judicial appointments. He analyses the erstwhile National Judicial Appointments Commission Act and the collegium system and criticizes both. He points out the conceptual flaw in the NJAC legislation. "While the Constitution Amendment Act created space for the new NJAC," says he, "its composition for the purpose of voting... was designed not by the amended Constitution, but by a statute, namely the NJAC Act".
It is interesting to note how the author attempts to provide solutions to all the problems discussed in the book. He also does a comparative study between the features of the Indian judicial system and those of the British judiciary. The book is well-researched and can be considered an academic resource.
MISSION OVERSEAS: DARING OPERATIONS BY THE INDIAN MILITARY (Juggernaut, Rs 299) by Sushant Singh talks about three of the army's interventions in foreign lands. Although the Union government has turned down almost every request from foreign powers for military aid by claiming that it only sends soldiers under the United Nations flag, India has conducted military missions abroad. These are rarely publicized. Of the few interventions, the author discusses in detail Operation Cactus in Maldives, Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka and Operation Khukri in Sierra Leone.
Singh takes into account military reports and eyewitness accounts to present a clearer picture of these deliberately-forgotten operations. Of particular interest is the discussion on the political games played by each participant in these conflicts. The author does not only throw light on the interventions, but also analyses the reasons that led to the emergencies. For instance, he comments on the double roles played by the Indian government as well as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam that aggravated the Sri Lankan crisis. The unbiased commentary is worthy of praise.
THE WHISTLER (Hodder, Rs 399) by John Grisham is the latest legal thriller by the ace writer. It deals with a relevant contemporary issue - whistle blowing. Lucy Stolz is a lawyer who works for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. A debarred lawyer, Greg Myers, tells them about a person who wishes to blow the whistle on a corrupt judge. It is discovered that the judge in question, Claudia McDover, has connived with the mafia to build a casino on Native American land. The crooked developers have also taken over the land in the vicinity of the casino, and McDover has helped the smooth passing these illegal, lucrative deals in return for cash and other perks.
Readers have to be patient as the novel has a slow start. But once the investigation picks up pace, it keeps one riveted. The plot is relevant because it mirrors a problem that is becoming increasingly apparent in the world today: on the one hand, the space for dissent, free speech and transparency is shrinking, while at the same time the clamour to protect whistle-blowers is growing. Grisham has written at length about rogue lawyers and juries; a thriller centred around a judge makes for a refreshing change.
THE DIFFERENCE: WHEN GOOD ENOUGH ISN'T ENOUGH (Portfolio, Rs 199) by Subir Chowdhury describes the qualities one requires to be successful in business. According to the author, great leaders must possess the STAR qualities - in other words, they must be straightforward, thoughtful, accountable and have resolve. The author uses anecdotes from his professional life as well as the business world to make his point.
