FUN -IN- LAW By Raju Moray

A prolific American Poet Muriel Rukeyser said: 'The universe (world) is made of stories, not of atoms.'

Legal world is too made of stories and humorous stories are everywhere, from Taluka Courts to Supreme Court. A Mumbai based lawyer Raju Z. Moray is having mastery in narrating the same and so, his new book FUN -IN- LAW is very captivating and every story gives a chuckle and few 'laughing out loud' (LOL)!

Humour in his stories is natural. Inside the court and outside the court. He has not only created a lot of fun by telling it only, but also blessed young advocates with everlasting advice from some Judges. In one of the stories: Justice G N Vaidya of the Bombay High Court told the Junior Advocate: “Remember this forever, young man, when the court is with you, silence is your best argument.' Interesting.

His writing is in a lucid language but with sharp satire. Narration is full of wit and vivacity. Supreme Court Judge Abay S. Oka (now retired) has written a forward with an observation: 'someone has said that humour is a weapon in the hands of unarmed people who believe in non-violence. Humour can be more effective than weapons.'

It is a light hearted anthology of 30 humorous courtroom stories – drawn from Moray's long career as a practicing advocate since 1985. It blends real legal experiences with satire. Dialogues between the Juniors and Seniors are normal and giving readers an insider's lens on life of Indian Courts. Each tale skewers the everyday quirks of lawyers, judges, litigants and court staff, showing how absurdity and seriousness coexist in the legal world. The book is illustrated throughout by Farzana Cooper, adding visual humour to support the text. His tone is simple and style is poetic.

Moray writs with a warm, observant style – mixing witty conversation with subtle commentary on legal culture. The tone is fun without being mean, making the sometimes-intimidating world of law feel accessible and human. It could be observed that although stories rooted in things that legal professionals will instantly recognise, these stories often deviate into some characters. A story of A Decent Burial of a dead case is experienced of almost all the lawyers in litigation. It springs comic effect and then a form of satire that still feels authentic.

Ethics and unethical practice are two sides of the same coin. Like law acts as a double-edged sword. He aptly described it in one of the stories: 'Ethics were alright for the book. The bottom line was: one had to win by hook or by crook'. Litigants, now and then, are more result oriented rather concerned with the lawyer's standing. He used the phrase for the Supreme Court – 'the Court of Supreme Wisdom'!

As a lawyer himself, Moray knows where to draw the laugh: a crankiness of the advocate, a judge's odd habit, My Lady and Lady Luck are the examples of beautiful narratives of court room scenario. A barrister's unintentionally funny arguments are relatable to legal readers and amusing for general readers too. He rightly quotes in one of the stories: 'Square pegs do not fit into round holes…' How the designation of a senior counsel was available in a wholesale, was the situation prevailed in many High Courts.

He has broken the stereotype of dry legal writings and make all stories more entertaining. These are very comfortable for casual readers and you do not need a law degree to enjoy the humour. Some pokes fun at the system without tearing it down. Law students and young lawyers, who are looking for a funny take on their future profession would like to read it again and again.

Legal professionals who enjoy seeing their own world reflected with humour have a constant smile on the face while reading this book. Even general readers, who like gentle satire and anecdotal storytelling also enjoy this book. This 'Fun – in – law' doesn't try to be a deep legal treatise – it is an entertaining witty romp through the courtroom and beyond, written with affection for the people and practices it depicts. It makes you chuckle at the quirks or legal culture while also appreciating the author's accumulated wisdom. If you have ever felt lost by the solemnity of law, this book shows you it has a funny bone too.

And lastly, when in October-2024, the Supreme Court of India unveiled a new “Lady Justice” statue with her eyes open and no blindfold, he penned a short poem, at which he was at best:

'Lady Justitia's Lament'

“These milords who are

Completely above board

Have divested me of my

Beloved 'Justice Sword'.

They did not forget to

Take away my blindfold.

So whatever I 'll witness

Stories can now be told

Scales of justice should

Also have been put away-

Without fear of my sword.

Who would want to obey?”

Author is an Advocate practicing at High Court of Gujarat. Views are personal.