Goodbye to the Master of the Courts - Ram Jethmalani, RIP

I was very saddened to wake up yesterday to the news of Ram Jethmalani's passing. I didn't know him personally, but my "claim to fame" is that I played badminton with him at the Bangalore Club 24 years ago...., that is such a lasting and fond memory for me because, it turned out to be one hell of a mean game of badminton, which really surprised me - come on, the guy was 71 years old then, I didn't expect him to prance around the court with such agility :-)

When I was a 3rd year student at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, Jethmalani taught us (as a guest lecturer) the Law of Evidence. Criminal Law in general, was one of my favourite subjects whilst at law school, and naturally, I was quite enraptured at the idea of having the most legendary criminal lawyer in the country sharing his insights and experiences with us. He certainly lived up to his reputation and the lectures were very enjoyable and enlightening to me. At the end of class, he suddenly asked, "Who all play badminton in this class?". After a few moments of uneasy silence, I hesitantly put up my hand - I had been part of my high school badminton team, and I was missing the opportunity to play that game at NLS. I noted that another hand had gone up too - that of my now super famous classmate, Menaka Guruswamy.

So, Jethmalani took the two of us along with him to Bangalore Club, where we played a couple of doubles matches - him and myself in a team, while Menaka was paired with some friend of his. And am proud to say that Jethmalani and I totally kicked the other side's butt in straight sets (sorry Menaka, but you know it's true ;-) )! I was truly amazed at his game and more importantly, at his fitness at the age of 71! I still remember what he said, with such conviction that day - "If I don't play badminton for a single day, no matter where I am, I'll go crazy"!!! I was stunned by his discipline, his commitment, and his love for the game.

Rest in peace, Mr. Jethmalani…..apologies that this eulogy doesn't contain a single word about your illustrious and long career as a criminal lawyer and politician, for, there are many many people out there who are more qualified to write about your legal and political careers, and I will leave it to them to do so :-) To me, you were as much a badminton legend as you were a legend of cross-examination!