Book Review: The Fearless Judge by Insiyah Vahanvaty
Book Review: The Fearless Judge
The book The Fearless Judge, authored by Insiyah Vahanvaty, is a biography of former Chief Justice of India, A.M. Ahmadi. From the very first reading, it draws the reader into the life and journey of Justice Ahmadi. The title itself aptly reflects his persona and character.
But let me tell you—this is not just a biography. It reads like a work of fiction. The life of this great gentleman is no less than a fairytale—complete with love, drama, joy, sorrow, and climactic turns.
- It is the story of a man who loved his country.
- It is the story of a man who loved his Constitution.
- It is the story of a man who loved his wife.
- It is the story of a man who never compromised on his values, even when he faced boycott at the social, familial, or professional level.
- It is the story of a man who loved the Indian judicial system.
- It is the story of a man who cherished the introduction of reforms and nuances in the judiciary.
- It is the story of a man who was truly democratic and secular.
Insiyah has narrated the life of the late Justice Ahmadi in a fascinating and engaging manner. She has not only focused on his professional career but also shed light on his personal life. The narrative convincingly portrays Justice Ahmadi as a truly fearless individual throughout his lifetime. Reaching the top post of Chief Justice of India from the lowest cadre of judicial service is, in itself, a statement of his extraordinary quality and fearlessness.
As his granddaughter, the author combines both affection and objectivity in her writing. She provides a bird’s-eye view of his life, revealing many lesser-known aspects of this remarkable man. The book also highlights his pioneering role in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). I personally had the opportunity to meet Justice Ahmadi on several occasions while working with him in an arbitration case, but only through this book did I realize that he had laid the foundation of ADR in India. The reference to the Mediation Act is perhaps one of the greatest tributes to his vision.
The book also draws attention to the administrative reforms introduced by Justice Ahmadi in the functioning of the Bar and Bench—reforms that continue to benefit the legal profession today. His contribution in introducing the case management system in the Supreme Court is still followed, ensuring greater efficiency in judicial administration. One of the most striking examples of his strength in dealing with challenges was his remarkable success in reducing the pendency of cases in the Supreme Court—from nearly 1,20,000 to about 18,000 in a very short span of time.
It is a very engaging and inspiring book, and a must-read for law students and young advocates. It teaches them how to overcome professional difficulties and navigate challenges in the fearless style of former CJI Ahmadi.
Insiyah Vahanvaty deserves credit for maintaining a fine balance in the book’s structure. Each chapter weaves together Justice Ahmadi’s personal and professional life with clarity and depth. Importantly, she does not shy away from acknowledging the challenges and personal struggles he faced. What stands out is how Justice Ahmadi’s unwavering commitment to his work helped him overcome those difficult times.
The forewords by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice R.F. Nariman add further richness, as both had the opportunity to work closely with Justice Ahmadi and share their insights into his persona and legacy.
Overall, The Fearless Judge is a heartfelt and well-researched tribute to a remarkable jurist, offering readers valuable insights into the life, vision, and legacy of Justice A.M. Ahmadi.
About the Author
Insiyah Vahanvaty is an independent journalist, commentator, and scholar with expertise in minority rights, media studies, hate politics, and gender- and caste-based violence. Her work particularly focuses on institutionalised human rights violations in racial and religious contexts.
As the granddaughter of Justice A.M. Ahmadi, she was raised under the direct supervision and affection of Justice Ahmadi and Mrs Ahmadi. This unique relationship gives her unparalleled insight into the life and persona of the former Chief Justice of India—an insight that no one else could have conveyed with such depth and authenticity.
Publisher: Juggernaut
Price: ₹899/-