Solicitor General Tushar Mehta launched two books focused on legal humour during an event in Delhi on May 10, 2026 [1].
The release of these volumes highlights a rare intersection of high-level judicial administration and literary wit, offering a glimpse into the human element of the Indian legal system.
The two books [1] are titled “The Bench, the Bar and the Bizarre” and “The Lawful and the Awful.” The texts feature humorous anecdotes from courtroom settings, blending legal practice with laughter [1]. While some reports focus on the books as a collection of courtroom stories, others indicate the content includes legal humour from foreign jurisdictions [2].
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant attended the launch and made light-hearted remarks regarding how the busy law officer managed to find the time to write. He praised Mehta's approach to the legal profession, noting that he entered hallowed halls of legal world armed with nothing but sharp quips and a keen eye, Surya Kant said [3].
The Chief Justice further noted that the writing shows law is shaped not only by judgments but also by human drama and wit, Surya Kant said [2]. His comments underscored the idea that the rigid structure of the law is often balanced by the personalities of those who practice it.
Home Minister Amit Shah also attended the event. During his remarks, he highlighted the relevance of the books to India's democracy and discussed the role of artificial intelligence within the judicial system, Amit Shah said [2].
The event served as a celebration of Mehta's contribution to legal literature, framing the law not just as a series of statutes and rulings, but as a lived experience. The presence of the country's highest judicial and political figures suggests a shared appreciation for the role of levity in the demanding environment of the courts.
“The writing shows law is shaped not only by judgments but also by human drama and wit.”
The public endorsement of these works by the Chief Justice and Home Minister signals a cultural shift toward humanizing the judiciary. By highlighting 'human drama and wit' alongside the integration of AI, the leadership is acknowledging that while the legal system is evolving technologically, the human element remains central to the administration of justice.
