Minding the gaps with an eagle eye

Sushil Kumar, Senior Criminal Lawyer, practicing exclusively in the Supreme Court for over 50 years, continues to commandeer a great deal of respect in the legal community and beyond

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Why did you choose to be a lawyer?

Honestly, it was the cheapest profession where I did not have to make any investment. Not being socially well connected I could not dig roots in Delhi High Court. I went to the Supreme Court, where I had passed the exam in the first attempt and that ensured me a living. I could sign petitions for which I would be paid something by the clients.

Why Criminal Law?

I chose Criminal Law because the criminal mindset and human behaviour always fascinated me. I pursued my Masters in jurisprudence which teaches you the fundamentals of law. I was the first and last student they had who took this subject! I was always one for doing things which nobody did. I did not go into practice immediately. Instead, I spent two years at Law institute administered by the Supreme Court.

Your approach to a case?

When I get a charge sheet one has to spend a lot of time on study because the records are really heavy and technical. One is always looking for mistakes of the people who are very skilled at hiding mistakes. Once you locate the mistakes you can expose them in cross examinations, or, in presenting the record in a different light.

Why take on cases where chances of winning are bleak?