Legal Awareness: An Emerging or EMERGENCY career in India

   My friend Nikhil is a Lawyer. He is registered with the Bar Council of his state. His family is happy because he has fulfilled their dream. Moreover, he is a first-class law graduate. [Let me tell you that marks or percentage are peculiar to India. Here a person's calibre is judged solely on the basis of his marks scored or percentage atttained and in the same ratio he derives the ijjat or respect from the society.] Now, what else Nikhil wants? Nevertheless, the gaping question is what he will do now.

   Welcome to India! A country where there is no Age Bar for pursuing a degree in Law. Here, legal graduates proudly use the title Advocate on nameplates, bikes, cars, visiting cards and wedding cards, too. Some are in Property Dealing and with Multinationals, while others are good for nothing. Yet, every Advocate has cards to prove that he is gainfully employed or a Legal Adviser in demand. To be a law graduate in India, one has to pursue the 3-year LLB (Bachelor of Law) course. After the successful completion of the course, one must be registered with or licensed by the Bar Council of the State concerned to practise law. For better results, one needs to intern with a senior Lawyer. Even after years of practice, there is no Job Guarantee or a definite Career Path! Hence, most of the students in their first year of LLB course start calling themselves Advocates or Lawyers (urban students prefer the term 'Attorney'). These nascent Lawyers confront local cops or shopkeepers, flash their college I-cards and threaten them to 'co-operate' and fall in line! (Yes! This is how problems are sorted out in this country. If the problem escalates, these budding Lawyers resort to local political leaders.) But, the question is still intact: Why take up a Law course in India? Are there no better alternatives? And, what sort of people go for it?


   My limited intellect allows me the following broad categories:[You can, however, add, subtract, merge or separate a few as per your convenience.]

1. Useless People: These people are literally worthless, but couldn't accept their status quo. They take up the LLB course to obtain one more degree (or sometimes buy it. Yes! It's possible here.) only to stand tall before their friends and derive some ijjat or respect by designating themselves as Advocates. I bet most of them can't spell the word Advocate correctly in any language! By hook or by crook, they gradually earn their bread and get married. [Being suitably married in India is another luxury, not available to all. Brides are subject to various comparisons and have become objects of show-off.]

2. Potential Law Graduates: These people understand and respect the Legal Profession and things associated with it. Actually, they inherit the legacy from their parents or forefathers who have been successful Attorneys, Judges or Legal Experts. For them, Law is the only profession and all other jobs are invalid. Their belief or idea is not imaginary because they pursue post-graduate courses from abroad and work there for a few years. When they return, they are embraced by everybody who has to do something with Law. Moreover, they cash in on the Network of Professionals set up by their parents.

3. Rape Victims, Abused Girls or the Downtrodden: This is a very serious issue and equally surprising as well. I'm as clueless as you are! How can a sheer Law Degree after three years avenge the injustice done to you? Some rape victims believe that such a qualification will pave the way for them to retaliate the humiliation they have suffered. How true is this and how many victims have been successful in doing so? I simply don't know. Another case is of those girls who are exploited in the name of marriage. Their partners or boyfriends consummate the relationship with them on fake promises of marriage, but seldom marry them. Soon the girl hears the news of his marriage to a girl from a 'respected' family and the next day we read the news of self-immolation by the spurned girl! However, some girls don't commit suicide. They lodge a complaint with the nearest police station and inform the media. They openly vow to seek revenge and decide to PURSUE A LAW DEGREE to punish their ex-lover. Apart from those who are victimised in a way or other, the rest feel that only a LAW Degree can help them raise their voice and force the authorities concerned to take up their issues.

[Even I used to feel that Traffic Police, Government Clerks and Cops treated Lawyers with 'due' respect and never asked them for 'Bribes'.]

4. Property Dealers, Student Leaders at Universities and Goons: Possessing a Law degree has become the tacit precondition for being a Property Dealer - the intermediary of Real Estate in India. If you have nothing to do and want to earn money, go get a law degree and start the Property Dealing Business. It is a slow process and gradually you will comfortably earn your living. You can also set up a shop and pursue a law degree part-time; by the time, you establish yourself in the business, you also attain your degree. In India, it is believed that College or University politics is the window to National Politics. Hence, those who are eager to enter the Indian Political Arena polish their skills at university campus and get ample time. The process continues or is stretched by attaining more and more degrees until one gets that big chance to Contest Assembly Elections. By the time, these leaders become well-known, they have 'amassed' so many degrees that their followers call them 'Highly Educated'. And, sooner or latter, these people decide the Future of India and control the army of Bureaucrats who have gone through several competitive exams! I think (I'm not sure) India is the only country where goons or would-be goons will outnumber innocent people in acquiring law degrees. That is to say, here more Defendants are law graduates or law post-graduates when compared with Plaintiffs.

The Missed Opportunity:

   What most Law Graduates don't realise that Law is a Profession that provides a plethora of opportunities apart from the traditional jobs. The following Fields have tremendous scope for career growth and self-fulfilment:

1. Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO): Owing to the reluctance or unavailability of law Graduates, most LPO companies are forced to hire other graduates and train them to develop their Legal Aptitude and Acumen. These graduates work as para-legals and have usurped the jobs of Law Graduates.

2. Legal Writing and Documentation: Again the same case here - Law graduates being unavailable or uninterested, other graduates are hired and trained to do the needful. With litigation on the rise and the huge urge to legalise everything, people want professionals who can document and legalise their contracts or agreements. This new area is totally untapped and companies from other fields have already diversified themselves in legal writing. However, the scope is still there because they cost too much and the personal interaction or assurance is almost absent. All you need is to brush up your Communication and Writing skills before setting shop at competitive prices in your locality.

3. Consultancy: India is a country where if you go to a Psychologist, you are Mad; Sexologist, you are HIV positive. Now, the first thought that strikes your mind is Who will pay for 'Soothing Words' in India. Let me remind you that times and things have changed. We are living in a Globalised World. Every country is a global village. Litigation and Conflicts are ever increasing. Everybody wants to play safe and therefore needs the right legal advice. The professional agencies are really costly and have their own tantrums. Common people also require legal services, but at affordable costs. All you need is to find your niche, something that interests you (no need to pursue another 2-3 year course from abroad; being a law graduate is suffice), say Cyber Law, Consumer Affairs, Family Law (to handle divorce cases), Property law or Inheritance Disputes (but not Corporate Law because every Company has its own army of Lawyers). Read more books on it and after 6 months you'll be confident enough to face your clients. Then, rent a small room acquainted with 1 table, 4 chairs and your laptop. You need some publicity, not professionals; word-of-mouth is enough. Charge moderately, but charge every piece of advice. Gradually, you will develop into an affordable Lawyer.

[Note: You won't argue the case for your client in the court, but you'll only advice them and recommend them Lawyers plus do the Primary Documentation. It depends upon your mood; you can at last become a full-fledged Lawyer.]

4. Law Officer: Most public sector banks and companies need Law Officers for legal documentation. As I already said most Lawyers are mere degree holders or those potential professionals who follow in the footsteps of their parents; hence, there is no competition here. All you need is a slight reading to crack the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and write an essay on topics like Dwindling Indian Economy, Women Emancipation in India, Law as a career in India etc. If you like, you can continue with this job till you retire because the remuneration is attractive. Otherwise, you can venture out on your own after having some experience. After all, you get a lot of respect, too.

Why no 'Law Industry'?

   In today's world, we have all kinds of industries including Education, Medicine and War Industries. Plus, there are miscellaneous Lobbies such as Doctors', Corporate and Bureaucrats' lobbies. [Remember: Even prostitutes have their own lobbies and Prostitution has evolved into a full-fledged legal industry in many countries.] But, we don't have any practical Lawyers' Lobby. Surprisingly, even charismatic Lawyers don't view Law as a reliable industry. More or less, Law has been reduced to a part-time or secondary activity. It is badly bifurcated and terribly segmented in India. At last, young Lawyers find themselves lost in the commotion of Bar Council Elections and Demonstrations! A credible 'Legal Lobby' can eventually call the shots in any State or Territory. Law books, stationery, tailor-made Case Materials, Customised Legal Solutions and Softwares have the capability to erect a new Industry. Consequently, Law can be developed into a Brand with T-shirts, pens, books and Bikes! We just need one dedicated movie to brainwash or re-program minds.

[If Lawyers won't use their wit and logic to salvage their pride, who else will do the honours?]


   Thus, you see the potential of a Law Degree. You need to have faith in yourself and your profession. Hone your Presentation Skills and Legal Aptitude. Soon you'll become the darling of your industry. So, focus on your fundamentals and customise your skills. In addition, you can start Legal Blogging (not to earn, but to polish your Legal Awareness and awaken the Common Man).

   We are living in a knowledge-based economy, where every initiative has the potential to translate itself into a Lucrative Opportunity.

[Criticising the Government, Society or the World won't solve your problems.]

R U Living in A "Controlled-Environment"?

Q: What do you mean by 'Controlled Environment'?
A: By Controlled Environment, I refer to the World which is highly predictable and largely stereotyped. The world where everything is fixed and already decided. There are a fixed set of actions, reactions, remarks, taunts, styles, mannerisms and this-is-the-way-things-are-done-here-dude attitude. This leaves no room for creativity and auto-expression. It is indirectly binding on every person living in that circle. Isn't it restriction of your freedom of Self-Expression?


Q: But, what's ...
A: Before you throw another question, let me narrate you a page from my friend, Raman's Office Life. Read the following carefully:
Raman Shastri enters the office. He is greeted by his colleagues and juniors. He responds to them in a very reserved and formal way. Thereafter, he heads towards the Boss' cabin. He seeks permission and says Good Morning with his mouth wide open and a broad smile on his face. Now, the Boss responds to Raman the same way Raman responded to his colleagues and juniors a few minutes before. Raman's Boss gestures him to have a seat and immediately starts discussing business details. Meanwhile, the Boss also reminds Raman that he is 5 minutes late.

[In fact, Raman was not late, but his Boss was early. Whenever he reaches office before Raman, he thinks Raman is not in time!]

   This incident is not exclusive to the Corporate World. You will find stereotyped reactions and responses everywhere including but not limited to Gossip between two friends, Husband-Wife daily interaction, Teacher-Student discussion and a Dialogue between two brothers.


The basic objections are:

1. Why can't Raman flash a full-fledged smile when he meets his juniors?

2. Why can't Raman greet his friends more heartily?

3. Is he following a Pecking-Order? If yes, what has he gained by the same? Moreover, his Boss treats him like a pet Dog!

4. Oh! Yes! - for something really Great and Oh! Shit! - for something really Sad. Don't you have new or different words to express yourself? Everytime you resort to the same cliche to say your say!

5. Unfortunately or Fortunately, the Real world is entirely different and diverse, where you will find all sorts of people rammed in the same crowded train. Your Virtual World at its best is good only when you a part of it; otherwise, you don't exist!
Now, please complete your question.

Q: What's the problem with this Virtual or Controlled World?
A: Once you step out of your Office, Circle, Network or such controlled environments, you find that actually there is No Script. There are no Rules or Protocols regarding general behaviour in a bus or a train. Everything is Spontaneous and Unpredictable. A lot depends on personal whims and fantasies. There you will meet people who don't have an axe to grind and they call a spade a spade. Moreover, you have no colleagues or juniors to greet you with fake smiles and a boss who wishes to know your every personal and professional thought.

Q: What's the source of such Unwanted Virtuality? From where does it come to Control our World?

A: Movies, Corporate Offices, Neighbours, TV Serials and Blindly imitating the so-called Superior Cultures or Countries. Now, they will teach us How to Live and React. What a Pity!

Q: Then, what's the way out?
A: Choose to live in the Real World. Face different people and experience the diversity. There is no substitute for Reality. The transition from Reality to Controlled Environment is sweet, but fake. However, the re-transition from Virtuality to Reality is really Harsh and Bitter. Today or tomorrow, Virtuality will rudely throw you at the threshold of Reality. Hence, the sooner you embrace Reality, the better it is.

Q: So, how can I change the world?
A: This is nearly impossible. Nobody can change the world. Besides, there is no need to change the world. The world has its own Dynamics. The best you can do is to change yourself. Just don't drown yourself into Virtuality. Hold Reality tightly and wade through Virtuality. that's all required from your side. Bye.

DemoCracy: A Logical Fallacy

   Democracy is all about voting. It is a system in which people choose their representatives. The majority always wins and the minority vote share is neglected. First, you ponder over a motion or belief and finally vote for or against it. It is your choice - the people's choice; not what a King or an Autocrat desires.


Now, consider the following cases:

a) A will support Z if A is fond of Z's policies. In order to choose Z, A expects some favours from Z. Atleast, Z should not do anything against A. The moment Z goes against A, A may vote against Z. In short, it is about coincidence of thoughts and wants. If like-minded people form a majority, nobody can stop them from being the powerful faction or group.

b) Suppose I'm a thief and you are a police officer. I commit a robbery and you arrest me. If party A says, "Robbery is not a crime and we'll legalise it," I'll vote for party A. If party Z says, "Robbery is a heinous crime. The convict should be hanged till death," why should I support party Z? Tell me. Moreover, being a police officer, you'll certainly vote for party Z.

c) Crime is the precondition for the very existence of police. If thieves outnumber police, more police officers will be required. If police officers outnumber thieves, there will be no crime and hence no requirement of police. Gradually, there will be no robberies and hence no police will be required because the society would have attained that 'self-discipline' where no external regulation is required. Hence, the police officers will look for some other jobs. Thus, the police officers will support that party which does not fire them inspite of zero crime in the city!


   Democracy - that's simple - it's about favours, like-minded people and majority. The only relief is that there are no Autocrats and Self-styled Rulers. It is rightly said that we don't have a better 'Ruling System'. Democracy is a logical fallacy with infinite shortcomings.

[We all are eagerly waiting for the better Alternative.]