The team behind Friend of the Court sits down for a chat with writer and editor Vikram Shah. They talk about what went into the making of the show, including the research, writing and sound design. Featuring writers Ramya Boddupalli and Bhavya Dore, producer Gaurav Vaz and advisor Lawrence Liang
The new Janata government is keen to roll back the excesses of the emergency. Law minister Shanti Bhushan has to undo the constitutional damage of the emergency years. Legislation doesn't solve all the problems—one final battle remains. And Nani Palkhivala returns to fight for the basic structure. The Minerva Mills case becomes the final phase of this battle between the court and the government. We then examine the legacy and impact of the basic structure judgement both in India and abroad. Guests: Gautam Bhatia, Prashant Bhushan, KK Venugopal, Lawrence Liang, Navroz Seervai, Sandip Thakore and Justice Rohinton Nariman Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Script Editor: Supriya Nair Producer: Gaurav Vaz Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan For transcript and more resources go to: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/season-2
The emergency brings in a series of draconian measures including mass sterilisation drives, slum demolitions and press censorship. The conflict between the court and the government seems to have abated for now. Even the basic structure judgement has been dormant for two years. But suddenly, a bench is constituted to review the judgement. A fresh phase of courtroom drama unfolds as Nani Palkhivala comes to defend the judgement. It is described as his finest hour in court. The Gandhi government moves to make other drastic changes to the Constitution. After that, the emergency is abruptly lifted and elections are held. Guests: Ajoy Bose, AK Ganguli, Arvind Datar, Lawrence Liang, Prashant Bhushan, Rajiv Khanna and Justice Rohinton Nariman. Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Script Editor: Supriya Nair Producer: Gaurav Vaz Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Clips used: 1976 - Emergency era interview with Indira Gandhi during Mauritius Visit Exclusive: LK Advani On The 'Emergency' Comment Anil Divan on habeas corpus case: https://www.youtube.com/live/kWeZgwgZP_0?si=swJxNUqByFYdCrva RR7640A INDIA MRS GANDHI DEFENDS HER RECORD Indira Gandhi calls for elections: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/the-emergency-indira-gandhi-indian-democracy-430486-2015-06-25 Leader Of Janata Party Narayan Arrives To Jaipur To Launch Elections Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9cUuIx2PhI 1977 General Elections - Congress rally at Shajapur in Madhya Pradesh SYND 25 3 77 DESAI SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE IN NEW DELHI RR7717 INDIA: POST-ELECTION REPORT https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/season-2
Judgement day finally arrives after 66 days of arguments. Chief Justice Sikri is also set to retire the next day. But the government has yet to announce his successor. When the judges assemble, and start to read their judgements one by one, at first there is no clarity on which way the bench has ruled. Then something unexpected happens: Sikri issues an unusual statement called “View of Majority”--- some judges sign, some do not. It soon becomes clear which way the bench has ruled: we arrive finally at the basic structure doctrine. Soon after, three senior judges are sidestepped and a more junior judge is appointed. Indira Gandhi’s election petition is heard in the high court. Matters come to a head shortly after with the imposition of emergency. Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Script Editor: Supriya Nair Producer: Gaurav Vaz Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Guests: AK Ganguli, Ajoy Bose, Arvind Datar, Gautam Bhatia, Lawrence Liang, Nayantara Sahgal, Prashant Bhushan, Rajiv Khanna, Justice Santosh Hegde and Yazdi Dandiwala For transcript and more resources go to: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/season-2
It's now the government’s turn to argue. Who will lead arguments? The advocate general of Maharashtra, HM Seervai, or the attorney general for India, Niren De? Typically, the attorney general, the country’s law officer, leads arguments in major cases. But Indira Gandhi’s ministers have assured HM Seervai that he will lead. For many weeks a tension has been palpable between the two, and it finally comes to a head. The matter is eventually resolved. Both men strongly contest the petitioners’ submissions and defend Parliament’s power to change the Constitution as well as the amendments being challenged. As one judge falls sick and with time ticking, every day in court matters. This leads to more drama, and a confrontation in the judges’ chamber, before the case is finally closed. Credits Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Script Editor: Supriya Nair Producer: Gaurav Vaz Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Guests: AK Ganguli, Lawrence Liang, Navroz Seervai, Justice Michael Kirby, Justice Rohinton Nariman, Sandip Thakore, Yazdi Dandiwala Special thanks to Anand Thakore, Gita Sahgal, Homi Ranina, Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Reetika Subramanian and Vimal Thakore. Clips used: TR Andhyarujina on Kesavananda Bharati: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/tr-andhyarujinakesavananda-bharati-1131229.html For transcript and more resources go to: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/season-2
A 13-judge bench is constituted for the very first time in the Supreme court. The government attempts to pack the court with government-leaning judges to obtain a favourable verdict. We hear about the divisions and backgrounds of judges on the bench. Yazdi Dandiwala, a former article clerk, takes us through the petitioners’ preparations. On October 31, 1972 Nani Palkhivala opens arguments for the petitioners. He leads an impassioned defence of fundamental rights. We hear about all the courtroom dynamics, and the behind-the-scenes drama before Palkhivala brings his arguments to a close with a flourish. Credits Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Script Editor: Supriya Nair Producer: Gaurav Vaz Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De Guests: Arvind Datar, Rohinton Nariman, Sandip Thakore, Yazdi Dandiwala Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Special thanks to Anand Thakore, Gita Sahgal, Homi Ranina, Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Reetika Subramanian and Vimal Thakore. Clips used: Song: Apni Azadi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_2SIAEDziw Nani Palkhivala budget speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0wcIAzXcyU TR Andhyarujina on Kesavananda Bharati: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/tr-andhyarujinakesavananda-bharati-1131229.html For transcript and more resources go to: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/season-2
The government has just lost three important battles in court: Golak Nath, bank nationalisation and privy purses. Indira Gandhi, newly re-elected, is determined to implement her socialist vision, even if this means trampling on the fundamental rights. Three of her most trusted ministers get to work—SS Ray, HR Gokhale and Mohan Kumaramangalam. They plot to undo the Golak Nath ruling, which prevents them from passing constitutional amendments that clash with fundamental rights. They pass the 24th and 25th constitutional amendments. Nani Palkhivala, fresh of his legal victories against the government begins publicly criticising these. A Kerala seer called Kesavananda Bharati is one of hundreds of petitioners who moves court against the takeover of his lands. This sets in motion a legal challenge: Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala Credits Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Script Editor: Supriya Nair Producer: Gaurav Vaz Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Clips used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb-QjXcF0qQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8rePbSkHcE https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/tr-andhyarujinakesavananda-bharati-1131229.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMEtX1n-BlY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9PqkitIUsQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6vyF9u542c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=422teIzGvyA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUHkTJUcQvY https://bangaloreinternationalcentre.org/event/87-kesavananda-bharati-and-the-basic-structure-doctrine-sudhir-krishnaswamy-and-shruti-viswanathan/
India is newly independent, with a path breaking new Constitution in place. The Nehru government is eager to implement land reforms to tackle poverty and inequality. But the fundamental rights provision of the Constitution is coming in the way, particularly the right to property. The government needs to circumvent this. It brings in constitutional amendments to protect its pet policies from court review. This brings Inder Golak Nath to court, resulting in Golak Nath vs State of Punjab. Sandip Thakore, one of the few surviving participants from the case, tells us how it unfolded. Soon after, Indira Gandhi comes to power, and implements bank nationalisation and abolishes princely privileges, setting her up for even more clashes with the courts. Credits Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Script Editor: Supriya Nair Producer: Gaurav Vaz Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Clips used https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81517NLDHVU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OIRONAw5d0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIXBG_N0RRQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF6-zkEBTpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9L1XfUOTdo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOrs32i0nKQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6XeUjU3giY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkJs47FjBKc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKk4vKbf5Ak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT8jPzVXo5E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23IMQ9o8pM8
Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala is India’s most important legal judgement. In 2023, fifty years since it was pronounced, it continues to guide the country’s constitutional values and jurisprudence. Season 2 pieces together the events in the run-up to the case, the verdict, and the events that followed from in-person interviews with surviving participants and family members, Anil Divan’s meticulous notes, court filings, personal memoirs and voluminous newspaper archives. Join us in Season 2 of Friend of the Court as we reconstruct the story and examine the impact of the basic structure judgement. Credits Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Legal Research: Aishwarya Chaturvedi Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Script Editor: Supriya Nair Producer: Gaurav Vaz Sound Design, Score & Title Track: Saachi Rajadhyaksha Mixing & Mastering: Ayan De Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan
Family and friends share memories of Anil Divan, who passed away in 2017. We hear from his wife Smita Divan about their courtship and marriage, their years in Bombay, and Divan’s shift to Delhi in the 1970s. We hear from his youngest son Vivek Divan, his long-time junior Ranvir Singh, and his other colleagues including sitting and former judges such as Justice Sanjay Karol, Justice S Vazifdar and Justice Sujata Manohar. A portrait of Divan emerges: upright, staunchly principled, apolitical and unshakeable. We hear about the man behind the gown, his beliefs and values, his approach to the law and his clients, and what made him a Friend of the Court. Transcript: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/episode9 Credits Host: Rajiv Chandran Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Research: Bhavya Dore, Mae Mariyam Thomas, Ramya Boddupalli Script writing: Bhavya Dore, Ramya Boddupalli Advisors: Gouri Divan, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan, Smita Divan and Vivek Divan Guests: Aruna Roy, Ranvir Singh, Nikhil De, Justice Sanjay Karol, Justice Shiavax Vazifdar, Justice Sujata Manohar, Smita Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Sound Editor & Music Supervisor: Lakshman Parsuram Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
The Narendra Modi-led NDA comes to power in 2014 and immediately sets its sights on judicial reforms. A new NJAC act is passed in Parliament. A constitutional amendment paving the way for the Act is also passed. Troubled lawyers move the courts opposing the new laws, objecting to the role of the executive that the Act outlines. A vacation bench hears the matter in the summer of 2015. The fate of judicial independence hangs in the balance. Eminent lawyers appear on both sides arguing for and against the new appointments system. In October 2015, the court announced its verdict. Reference A list of archival resources used to research this episode can be found here. News clip of Justice Khehar- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB1WbaeGUuA Sounds of Parliamentary uproar, followed by anchor’s summing up- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcbJL1JjaK0 News clip of Ex- Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTPtkWKE6D0%20(4.07%20to%204.10) News clip of RS Prasad- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kcAxADbRkg News clip of Falil Nariman- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaBugNBMJmY SC refers plea against NJAC act to 5 judges bench- https://youtu.be/raT5idVxla0 News clip of Supreme court striking down NJAC- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd6lYHjIiG8 News clip of Arun Jaitley on NJAC judgement- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qprmv0GG8XM Anil Divan’s interview with Sansa TV- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoijW0GLWEE CJI lashes out at government for stalling appointment of HC judges- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cji-lashes-out-at-government-for-stalling-appointment-of-hc-judges/articleshow/53678287.cms Transcript: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/episode8 Credits: Host: Raghu Karnad Guests: Abhinav Chandrachud, Anindita Pujari, Dushyant Dave, Prashant Kumar, Santosh Paul, Utkarsh Anand Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Sound Editor & Music Supervisor: Lakshman Parsuram Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
The first major judgement concerning judicial appointments, known as the First Judges case is pronounced. The judgement says that the executive has an upper hand in making appointments. This question is reopened a few years later, in what becomes known as the Second Judges case. A new system is born, in which judges appoint judges. They have the upper hand in making appointments. It is called the “collegium” system and only requires a formal nod from the government. This system has its own flaws. Several governments try to reform this system in the years to come. Reference A list of archival resources used to research this episode can be found here. News clip of Indira Gandhi’s campaign trail- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xq6cBB6wu8 Justice V Ramaswamy Impeachment case- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyzAV6AD9w0 Justice Bhagwati on Judicial corruption and appointment of judges- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFOPVABSjnk Republic day parade 26th January 2000- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p75IT4_8xg Saviour of Karunanidhi- https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/saviour-of-karunanidhi/cid/162710 News clip of Shri Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTzmM6iOtRc News clips of Katju’s allegation- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLKI_0phBw8) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qqmweSMWbQ Transcript: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/episode7 Credits Host: Raghu Karnad Guests: Abhinav Chandrachud, Alok Prasanna Kumar, Dushyant Dave, Kailash Vasdev, Kamini Jaiswal, Kapil Sibal, Krishan Mahajan, Prashant Kumar, Santosh Paul Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Sound Editor & Music Supervisor: Lakshman Parsuram Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
The Constitution spells out the procedure for appointing judges as a consultative process between the government and the judiciary. In the early years of independence, conventions evolve to give the judiciary the upper hand, which the government accepts. But not all is well between the government and the courts. Right from the Nehru years, the government’s social reform agenda puts it on a collision course with the courts. Constitutional amendments are proving to be contentious. And one question dominates the debate: Can Parliament amend the Constitution however it likes? The Supreme Court answers this question several times over before settling it once and for all in the Kesavananda Bharati case. The case goes on to form the bedrock of constitutional interpretation and later play a key role in the NJAC case. The outcome angers Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who starts actively meddling in judicial appointments. Reference A list of archival resources used to research this episode can be found here. News clip of Modi’s swearing in - https://youtu.be/ipL4jLrEKUE News clip of parliament passing NJAC - https://youtu.be/7H3L0ZmhWjc News clip of Indira Gandhi winning 1967 election - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKk4vKbf5Ak News clip of Indira Gandhi on campaign trail- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfK3Bun13r4 News clip of President announcing Emergency- https://youtu.be/QnxXBivNRIM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s victory rally speech- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsJ_dRRvsBI Transcript: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/episode6 Credits: Host: Raghu Karnad Guests: Abhinav Chandrachud, Alok Prasanna Kumar, Dushyant Dave Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Sound Editor & Music Supervisor: Lakshman Parsuram Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
For years the central government delays setting up a tribunal to resolve the water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, bad monsoons exacerbate issues for farmers on both sides. In 1990, the Supreme Court finally directs the centre to set up a tribunal, a quasi-judicial body to deal with the dispute. Both sides lay their claims before the tribunal and marshall expert witnesses to support their respective cases. Can a tribunal bring about a satisfactory resolution for everyone? And if the Constitution forbids such a matter from reaching the Supreme Court, what options do the states have left? Reference A list of archival resources used to research this episode can be found here: Rajinikanth commenting on the dispute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neuHq6Vz2UA NDTV clip: https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/cauvery-verdict-karnataka-simmers-in-anger-11302 Lok Sabha: http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Debates/result14.aspx?dbsl=7358 ABP news clip: https://youtu.be/XyZuziQJTlQ Describing the 2018 judgement and the water sharing arrangement:: https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/in-big-cauvery-verdict-tamil-nadu-s-water-share-cut-karnataka-gets-more-478982 Kamal Haasan’s clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umw-cz6iAc0 The transcript and full list of resources are available here: https://anildivanfoundation.org/episode5 Credits: Host: Raghu Karnad Guest: AK Ganguli, AS Panneerselvam, KK Lahiri, Mohan Katarki, Sharad Javali, Srinivas Chokkakula, Sugata Srinivasaraju, Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Sound Editor & Music Supervisor: Lakshman Parsuram Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
The Cauvery river, which flows through the Southern peninsula has long been the site of disagreements and negotiations. The dispute initially takes off in the 1800s when the princely state of Mysore and Presidency of Madras both lay claim to the river. With new dam building technologies, each side tries to best harness the waters to their ends. Eventually the two sides reach agreements—first in 1892 and later in 1924. The 1924 agreement seems to give one side the upper hand. After Independence, the end of the agreement approaches in 1974, the dispute starts to flare up again. Enmeshed as it is in linguistic identity politics, livelihood issues and electoral politics, the dispute continues to catch fire through the decades. References Nehru’s speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrEkYscgbqE&t=46s Social dramas- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangaarada_Manushya and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJU-4_Yh5QA Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya Documentary- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyhp7uu7o6c Aagadu endu song- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfBEZjYRmyI NDTV clip of Veerappan- https://www.ndtv.com/video/special/news/veerappan-strikes-again-284478 Ramchandra Guha on reorganising of Indian States- https://www.facebook.com/IndiaToday/videos/ramchandra-guha-on-reorganisation-of-indian-states-in-1956/10156171971197119/ Kallanai Dam- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kallanai_Dam Inaugration of Bhakra Nangal- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nonRyIAIQLRhBXWAPZMmqIbvI9hZZqX8/view?usp=sharing Article 262- https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1558821/ Parilament sound design- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBnYFAOliIY State assembly passed a resolution in 1971- https://assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/5th_1971/05_02.pdf News clip of Indira Gandhi on Water Dispute- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0tDMfCJt4 Audio clips of headlines in the later year covering the violence- https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5rc3pe&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1655884445467569&usg=AOvVaw1FTzl4SvDhEf4N5geQCuOs The transcript and full list of resources are available here: http://anildivanfoundation.org/episode4 Credits: Host: Raghu Karnad Guest: AS Panneerselvam, KK Lahiri, Sharad Javali, Sugata Srinivasaraju Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Sound Editor & Music Supervisor: Lakshman Parsuram Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
The 1996 elections loom, and a beleaguered Congress party struggles to win back power. In the meantime, the Hawala PIL is clubbed with other similar anti-corruption petitions in the Supreme court. In the lower court, LK Advani and other prominent figures, find themselves facing a trial in the Hawala corruption-related cases. As action builds inside and outside the courts, an anti-corruption campaigner switches teams. And amicus curiae Anil Divan makes a shocking discovery that will upend the course of the litigations and bring new documents to light. Ultimately, what will come of all the legal proceedings? And what will be the legacy of the Jain Hawala PIL? References A list of archival resources used to research this episode can be found here: Excerpt from Justice JS Verma’s interview on the Doordarshan show - “In Conversations with Rajiv Mehrotra” Excerpt about Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s involvement in the cash for votes scam from Lallantop report Clip of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s press conference sourced from WildfilmsIndia Clip of HK Dua commenting on 1996 elections from Associated Press Archive Clip of Fodder Scam investigation sourced from WildFilmsIndia Excerpt from Justice JS Verma interview to NDTV show “Walk the Talk” Congress party wiped out - https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1996/05/10/indias-congress-party-concedes-historic-defeat/d54d5d38-5617-49b2-95ce-72658798b75f/ Archive: https://documents.legalarchive.in/static/timeline/#Jain%20Hawala%20Case/AQU Transcript: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/episode3 Credits: Host: Raghu Karnad Guest: Ashok Kumar Panda, Kamini Jaiswal, Prashant Bhushan, Shantonu Sen Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal and Uday Vir Garg Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Sound Editor & Music Supervisor: Lakshman Parsuram Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
The CBI’s investigation into the mysterious set of diaries has stalled, despite evidence of widespread corruption among top politicians and bureaucrats. Public-spirited citizens decide it is time to act. Journalist Vineet Narain picks up the story again and makes it a national issue through his video platform. Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani joins the crusade. Anil Divan, a formidable lawyer is approached to take on the public interest litigation, a first-of-its-kind corruption petition. The petitioners want the court to push the CBI to investigate, given the evidence it has. Divan is sceptical about the outcome, but comes on board. The first phase of the litigation plays out. References A list of archival resources used to research this episode can be found here: Excerpts from Vineet Narain’s Kalchakra report Clip from Anil Divan’s interview with Bloomberg TV Excerpts from Justice JS Verma’s interview on the Doordarshan show “Mindscapes: Conversations with Rajiv Mehrotra” News clip about Lalu Prasad Yadav’s resignation sourced from WildFilmsIndia YouTube channel News clip of LK Advani’s press conference from Associated Press Archive Indian Corruption Scandal ScIndia Archive: https://documents.legalarchive.in/static/timeline/#Jain%20Hawala%20Case/AQU Transcript: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/episode2 Credits: Host: Raghu Karnad Guests: Abani Sahu, Ashok Kumar Panda, Kamini Jaiswal, Justice Mukul Mudgal, Prashant Bhushan, Sanjay Kapoor, Shantonu Sen Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal and Uday Vir Garg Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Sound Editor & Music Supervisor: Lakshman Parusuam Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
It’s 1991. Rajiv Gandhi has been assassinated and PV Narasimha Rao has just been sworn in. Militancy is on the rise in Kashmir. The CBI discovers a mysterious set of diaries while investigating terror financing networks. The trail leads to the Jains, a powerful business family that in turn points to Rs 65 crore being paid to various prominent figures, including politicians and bureaucrats. The tabloid paper Blitz gets the scoop, splashing it on the front page. But the matter quickly dies down. How does the black economy work? What is the hawala system? Why is this scandal being hushed up? References:A list of archival resources used to research this episode can be found here: News clip about Rajiv Gandhi’s assasination: https://youtu.be/3QVODgQQfCs News clip of PV Narasimha Rao’s swearing in ceremony: https://youtu.be/yLuL1lhPwNM News clip of Ram Mandir chants : https://youtu.be/1QBK_FPYA9c Excerpts of Devi Lal, Sharad Yadav, Ram Jethmalani and Vineet Narain from original Kalchakra report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da9rNEWy0wc&t=4s Doordarshan News clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT8BLJujVvU Reporting from Kashmir - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb34Ap2muJI&t=401s Sucheta Dalal interview with Harshad Mehta scam 1992 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDWuKIhPPug&t=207s Transcript: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/episode1 Archive - https://documents.legalarchive.in/static/timeline/#Jain%20Hawala%20Case/AQU Credits: Host: Raghu Karnad Guest: Arun Kumar, Sanjay Kapoor, Shantonu Sen, Vineet Narrain Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Producer: Abbas Momin Producer/Sound Editor: Joshua Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander
Anil Divan was a senior advocate, constitutional expert and champion of public-spirited causes. With more than six decades at the bar, Divan was among India’s most respected legal minds. In Season 1 we will look at three of his most significant cases: the Jain Hawala PIL, the Cauvery River Water Dispute and the National Judicial Appointments Commission cases. Transcript: https://www.anildivanfoundation.org/prologue Credits: Host: Raghu Karnad Research Manager: Ramya Boddupalli Legal Researcher: Vipinn Mittaal Scriptwriter: Ramya Boddupalli Script editor: Bhavya Dore Fact checker: Vipinn Mittaal Advisors: Lawrence Liang, Ranvir Singh, Shyam Divan and Vivek Divan Head of Production: Shaun Fanthome Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Producer: Abbas Momin Producer/Sound Editor: Joshua Thomas Production Assistant: Sakshi Nair Sound Design & Mix: Kartik Kulkarni Graphic Designer: Sephin Alexander