The Story of an Advocate who charges 16 Lakh per Hour| StudyIQ Legal

Summary

Harish Salve, a legendary Indian lawyer, has shaped some of the most high-profile legal cases in the country, from defending India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the ICJ to pushing for cleaner air in Delhi by advocating for CNG adoption. Known for his unmatched preparation, clarity, and integrity, Salve has battled not just in court but against systemic challenges, from retrospective taxation to market disruptions. His philosophy of ‘preparation, patience, and presence’ has made him a respected figure, showing that true conviction lies in precision, not noise. His story is a testament to the power of discipline, resilience, and unwavering patriotism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Harish Salve is a legendary Indian lawyer known for his unmatched preparation, discipline, and patriotism, taking on landmark cases like Kulbhushan Jadhav and Vodafone tax case.
• 😀 Despite failing his chartered accountancy exams twice, Harish Salve turned failure into motivation, eventually becoming one of India's top legal minds.
• 😀 His first real legal test came in 1981 when he argued a case before the constitutional bench, earning recognition for his sharp arguments.
• 😀 Harish Salve has consistently used his legal expertise for the greater good, such as advocating for cleaner air in Delhi by pushing for the shift to CNG for public transport.
• 😀 He represented India at the International Court of Justice in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case for just one symbolic rupee, emphasizing his sense of patriotism over financial gain.
• 😀 Harish Salve's journey to becoming India's courtroom legend started in his youth, where he learned valuable lessons from observing nature and survival in the wilderness of the Melghat Tiger Reserve.
• 😀 He stood at the heart of the 2007 Vodafone case, arguing against retrospective taxation and winning the case after 17 days of rigorous arguments.
• 😀 Harish Salve's legal style is based on three principles: preparation, patience, and presence. He believes in clarity over shouting in court.
• 😀 He has argued major cases involving billion-dollar deals, sports tribunal disputes, and significant tax issues, always standing firm with a clear, disciplined approach.
• 😀 Harish Salve lives by the mantra that 'failure is not fatal,' using each setback as fuel to refine his legal skills and build an unshakable reputation.

Q & A

Who is Harish Salve and what makes him stand out in India's legal landscape?

Harish Salve is a renowned Indian lawyer who gained fame for his preparation, patriotism, and unyielding commitment to justice. He is known for his role in significant cases like defending India at the ICJ in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, advocating for the switch to CNG in Delhi, and representing Vodafone in a landmark tax case. His reputation as a courtroom legend is built on his meticulous approach and clear arguments.

What inspired Harish Salve to become a lawyer?

Harish Salve's journey to law was deeply influenced by his family and the environment he grew up in. His grandfather was a criminal lawyer, his father was a chartered accountant, and his mother was a doctor. However, his most profound teacher was nature itself, particularly the forest of Melghat, where he learned lessons in patience, observation, and survival — skills that later shaped his legal career.

How did Harish Salve's early life shape his legal career?

Harish Salve's early life, which involved spending weekends in the Melghat Tiger Reserve, taught him critical lessons about survival, patience, and observation. These skills were later translated into his legal career, where his preparation and focus became his strongest assets. His failure in the chartered accountancy exam also taught him resilience and led him to pursue law, which ultimately shaped his path to greatness.

What is the significance of Harish Salve's 'one rupee' fee?

Harish Salve is known for his symbolic fee of just one rupee in some of his most high-profile cases, including defending India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice. This gesture underscores his patriotism and commitment to causes greater than money, reflecting his belief that not all battles in court are about financial gain.

How did Harish Salve contribute to the improvement of air quality in Delhi?

In the 1990s, Harish Salve played a pivotal role in pushing for the switch to CNG as the primary fuel for public transportation in Delhi. He argued before the Supreme Court as a friend of the court, representing the people of Delhi, and helped ensure that the government followed the Court's order, leading to a significant reduction in pollution and improvement in air quality.

What was Harish Salve's role in the Vodafone tax case?

Harish Salve defended Vodafone in the landmark tax case, where the Indian government sought to tax a transaction involving Vodafone's acquisition of Hutchison's Indian assets. Salve argued the case for 17 consecutive days, ultimately securing a victory for Vodafone. However, despite the court's ruling, the Indian Parliament changed the law retrospectively, highlighting the unpredictable nature of legal and political battles.

How did Harish Salve handle the challenge of retrospective taxation after the Vodafone case?

After the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of Vodafone, which stated that no tax should be levied on the transaction, the Indian Parliament passed a law that retrospectively imposed tax on such deals dating back to 1962. Harish Salve’s handling of this case showed the complexities and challenges that lawyers face when legal victories are undermined by political actions.

What does Harish Salve's legal approach emphasize?

Harish Salve's legal approach emphasizes three key principles: preparation, patience, and presence. He is known for his deep study of the cases he handles, his ability to remain patient in the courtroom, and his sharp focus on the facts and arguments that matter. He believes in clarity and respect for the truth, often avoiding unnecessary confrontation.

What lessons did Harish Salve learn from his failure in chartered accountancy exams?

Harish Salve's failure in the chartered accountancy exams not once, but twice, taught him resilience and redirected him towards law. Rather than being broken by failure, he adapted and used it as a stepping stone to success. This experience reinforced his belief that setbacks are not permanent and can be transformed into opportunities for growth.

What is Harish Salve's impact on the legal profession in India?

Harish Salve has had a profound impact on India's legal profession. His reputation for preparation and clarity has set a benchmark for aspiring lawyers. He is widely respected for his integrity, his focus on public interest cases, and his ability to argue complex issues in a clear and concise manner. His contributions have made him a role model for many young lawyers in India.