Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched two books authored by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on May 14, 2026. Titled The Bench, the Bar, and the Bizarre and The Lawful and the Awful, the volumes compile humorous and unusual courtroom anecdotes from across various international jurisdictions. The launch highlights the evolving intersection of judicial traditions with modern challenges, including the rise of artificial intelligence in the legal sphere.
Overview of the Literary Launch
The book launch event was held at the Bharat Mandapam, the iconic International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) in New Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was joined by the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, to release the two volumes. The event saw the attendance of several legal luminaries, including judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, senior advocates, and government officials.
Amit Shah lauded the literary contribution of Tushar Mehta, who has served as the Solicitor General of India since 2018. The Minister noted that while legal proceedings are often viewed as dry and formal, Mehta’s work brings out the lighter, more human side of the courtroom. The release of the books on Mother’s Day added a personal dimension to the event, as the author dedicated the works to his mother.
Insights into the Books: Law Meets Humor
The two books, The Bench, the Bar, and the Bizarre and The Lawful and the Awful, are collections of true stories that highlight the often overlooked humor and absurdity found in legal battles. Tushar Mehta explained that the anecdotes were gathered from diverse international jurisdictions. Interestingly, the author chose to exclude cases involving Indian courts and judges. This decision was made to ensure he could continue his legal practice in India without any reservations or potential conflicts.
Beyond the humor, the books delve into serious contemporary issues. A significant portion of the work examines the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technologies to the future of the judiciary. Amit Shah emphasized that while technology and justice must work in harmony, the legal community must also understand the associated risks to ensure that the core principles of justice remain intact.
Strategic Importance: Executive-Judiciary Synergy
During his address, the Home Minister touched upon the broader theme of the relationship between the executive and the judiciary. He remarked that mutual respect between these two pillars of the state is essential for the strengthening of Indian democracy. The joint presence of the Home Minister and the Chief Justice of India at the launch served as a symbolic representation of this synergy.
The Minister also highlighted that such literary works help in demystifying the law for the common citizen. By showcasing the human side of legal practitioners and judges, the books contribute to a more approachable image of the justice system. This is seen as a positive step toward increasing public engagement and trust in legal institutions.
About Bharat Mandapam: The Venue for Global Events
The launch took place at Bharat Mandapam, which is India’s premier International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC). Located at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the complex was inaugurated in 2023 and gained worldwide recognition as the venue for the G20 Summit under India’s presidency.
The architecture of Bharat Mandapam is inspired by traditional Indian elements, such as the shankha (conch shell). It is designed to host large-scale international conferences, trade fairs, and cultural events. As a state-of-the-art facility, it represents India’s growing capacity to host global-standard events and serves as a symbol of the country’s modern infrastructure.
The Office of the Solicitor General of India
The Solicitor General of India (SGI) is the second-highest law officer in the country, subordinate to the Attorney General of India. While the Attorney General’s office is a constitutional post under Article 76, the office of the Solicitor General is a statutory one, governed by the Law Officers (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1972.
The primary role of the SGI is to assist the Attorney General and represent the Government of India in the Supreme Court and various High Courts. The SGI is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a specific tenure, typically three years. Tushar Mehta has held this significant post since October 2018, having received multiple extensions in his tenure.
Key Takeaways
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched two books, The Bench, the Bar, and the Bizarre and The Lawful and the Awful, on May 14, 2026.
- The books are authored by Tushar Mehta, the Solicitor General of India, and published by Rupa Publications India.
- The launch event took place at the Bharat Mandapam, the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) in New Delhi.
- The books focus on humorous courtroom anecdotes from international jurisdictions and discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the judiciary.
- The Solicitor General of India is a statutory post, and the incumbent assists the Attorney General, who holds a constitutional post under Article 76.
