‘Lawyers can play a unique role in world peace’

A gold medallist in BSc (LLM), Mukund Sarda has done his doctorate in constitutional law from Osmania University (Hyderabad). He also gave a presentation on the ‘Impact of Mumbai’s terror attacks’ at the Oxford University, UK. He has co-authored the book ‘Cases & Materials on Evidence Law’. He talks to Chaitraly Deshmukh on the importance of law and shares about his experience with students who encourage him to practise law as a profession.

How important is the role of law and lawyers in India?
Ignorance of law is no excuse. Every aspect of human relations is governed by law; therefore its knowledge is a must for every citizen. With the advent of globalisation and IT revolution, the future of legal profession is very bright and challenging.
The law practitioners and scholars have a unique role to play for enriching global economy, justice for all and promote world peace. Quality lawyers are in great demand in our country. Though end numbers of lawyers are practising at the lower courts, there is still room for the best lawyers at the top.

What is your message to those who aspire to pursue law as a career?
Pursuing legal education should not be an accident, but a passionate choice. The love for justice, sensitive attitude towards the problems of society and empowerment of disabled should be the prime concern for those who aspire to make a career in the field of law. One must understand that practising law is not for self-benefit, but for society’s benefit.

Before making a choice to pursue a career in law, it is necessary to asses one’s interest to serve the nation, ability to study the subject, communication skills, command over English, update on latest developments in law, mood of market, the area of expertise one wants to practise in and right education from a reputed school of law.

What prompted you to co-author a book based on law?
The book that I have co-authored Cases and Materials on Evidence Law comprehensively covers the legislation and the latest landmark judgments of the Supreme Court of India, Privy Council and various high courts.

It is basically meant for lawyers, teachers and students of law. In today’s world of information and technology, how difficult it is to appreciate the evidence is one of the features of the book.
Analysis of the landmark cases is provided under each and every section as case studies are the best method of understanding the law.

Is the current syllabus in the law schools really close to what is being practised?
The Bar Council of India has recently redesigned the syllabus emphasising on the need for practical training and compulsory internship at par with the syllabus of National Law Schools.
However, the classroom teaching is always different from courtroom teaching. The subject taught in classes builds the basic foundation of students, which helps them to understand the nature and content of law. The practical aspect of law and justice can be best understood once a student joins the Bar Council.
I also feel that the gap between classroom and courtroom teachings can be reduced by making six months internship compulsory in the final year, changing exam pattern, using online legal data bases and introducing  separate courses for corporate and practising lawyers.

What are the various career prospects?
The legal profession offers a variety of career options such as lawyer, judge, councillor, solicitor, arbitrator, corporate advisor, academician, jurist, tax consultant, international law scholar, patent agents, cyber experts and conveyance managers among others.