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Tushar Mehta, the Solicitor General of India, has emerged as the Narendra Modi government's go-to legal mind for handling high-stakes and politically sensitive cases. From the contentious Article 370 abrogation and the scrutiny surrounding electoral bonds to the complexities of the Waqf (Amendment) Act and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Mehta has consistently been entrusted with representing the government's interests in the courtroom. His latest assignment involves leading the prosecution team against Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, underscoring the government's confidence in his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and secure favorable outcomes. Mehta's journey to becoming one of India's top law officers is a testament to his legal acumen, political connections, and unwavering dedication to his clients. His career trajectory, interwoven with the rise of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, reflects the evolving dynamics of Indian politics and the increasing importance of legal strategies in shaping public policy and national narratives. Mehta's appointment as the lead prosecutor in the Rana case is not merely a legal assignment; it is a strategic move by the government to ensure a robust and determined pursuit of justice for the victims of the Mumbai attacks.
Born in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Mehta's early life was marked by the untimely death of his father, a government employee, which prompted his family to relocate to Ahmedabad. He embarked on his legal career in 1987 after graduating from L A Shah Law College, a period during which he honed his skills under the tutelage of Krishna Kant Vakharia, a senior advocate and Congressman specializing in cooperative society laws. Despite his later association with prominent figures in the BJP, Mehta's initial foray into the legal profession was guided by a member of the opposition party, highlighting the diverse influences that shaped his early career. Vakharia recalls Mehta as an intelligent, hardworking, proficient, and articulate lawyer, attributes that undoubtedly contributed to his rapid ascent in the legal field. Mehta's representation of the Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank in 2000 marked a significant turning point in his career, as it brought him into contact with Amit Shah, who was then the bank's chairperson. Their collaboration on drafting petitions forged a bond that would later prove instrumental in Mehta's rise to prominence. He also represented Shah in Gujarat Cricket Association election cases, cementing their professional and personal relationship. By 2004, Mehta had established his own independent law practice, building on the foundation he had laid during his apprenticeship with Vakharia.
Mehta's career truly took off in 2008 when Amit Shah, then a junior minister in the Gujarat government holding the portfolios of home and law, appointed him as Additional Advocate General (AAG). In this role, Mehta primarily handled civil litigation for the state government, gaining valuable experience in representing the government's interests in a wide range of legal matters. A defining moment in his career came when he represented the Gujarat government in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case, in which Shah was an accused. Shah's exoneration by a Mumbai court in 2014 solidified the trust that the Modi-Shah duo placed in Mehta, paving the way for his appointment as one of the six Additional Solicitors General in then Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi's team after Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. Despite being perceived as an outsider within a legal team largely composed of Delhi-based lawyers with close ties to Arun Jaitley, Mehta quickly proved his worth, demonstrating his legal expertise and unwavering loyalty to the government. His appointment as Additional Solicitor General marked a significant milestone in his career, signaling his emergence as a key legal advisor to the central government. In an interview, Mehta recalled receiving the phone call from the Prime Minister shortly after expanding and renovating his office in Ahmedabad, a testament to the unexpected turn his career had taken.
Following Rohatgi's resignation as Attorney General in 2017, a series of resignations within the government's legal team further elevated Mehta's importance. He became the go-to lawyer for handling almost every high-profile political case, including the sensitive investigation into the death of judge B H Loya. The post of Solicitor General remained vacant for over a year after Ranjit Kumar's resignation in October 2017, underscoring the government's meticulous search for a suitable candidate. Finally, on October 10, 2018, Mehta was appointed as Solicitor General, solidifying his position as the second-highest law officer in the country. Mehta played a crucial role in advising the government on the abrogation of Article 370 and the abolition of Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status. On August 5, 2019, the day Amit Shah announced the move in the Rajya Sabha, Mehta remained by the Home Minister's side in Parliament throughout the day, highlighting his close involvement in this landmark decision.
Mehta's legal style is characterized by its aggressive approach and frequent invocation of national security concerns, the vested interests of petitioners and opposing lawyers, and assurances of the government's good intentions. This approach has often drawn criticism for striking jarring political notes and blurring the lines between legal arguments and political rhetoric. In cases challenging the clampdown in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehta urged the Supreme Court to trust the security forces, avoiding legal arguments in the initial hearing. During a Supreme Court hearing on the issue of stranded migrants on March 31, 2020, Mehta criticized the government's critics as prophets of doom, accusing them of lacking patriotism for failing to acknowledge the ministers' efforts. According to government and BJP insiders, Mehta was entrusted with the most difficult cases due to his no-holds-barred style. While the Attorney General is seen as a friend, philosopher, and guide to the court, the Solicitor General's role is to effectively convey the government's position, according to a top BJP functionary.
Despite his sometimes abrasive courtroom demeanor, Mehta is known for being affable and approachable outside of the legal arena. He maintains friendships across political lines and cultivates interests outside of the law. An Urdu poetry and ghazal enthusiast, Mehta's library is filled with works by renowned poets such as Mir Taqi Mir, Wali Dakni, and Ghalib. He believes that having interests outside the law is essential, stating that he makes a point of reading something other than legal texts every day. This multifaceted personality underscores the complexity of Tushar Mehta, a legal professional who has risen to the highest echelons of the Indian legal system through a combination of legal expertise, political acumen, and unwavering dedication to his clients. His role as the government's troubleshooter has made him a prominent figure in Indian politics, and his upcoming prosecution of Tahawwur Rana will undoubtedly be closely watched by observers both within India and around the world. His legacy is still being written, but it's undeniably one defined by navigating the intersection of law, politics, and national security in a rapidly evolving India.
The Tushar Mehta narrative demonstrates the crucial role of legal advisors in shaping governmental policies and their defense in the face of judicial scrutiny. His association with high-profile cases, particularly those related to national security and constitutional matters, underlines the increasing politicization of the legal sphere. His aggressive courtroom strategies, while effective in achieving desired outcomes, raise concerns about the balance between legal objectivity and political advocacy. Mehta's career mirrors the centralization of power and the diminishing space for dissent, particularly during sensitive times. His influence extends beyond the confines of the courtroom, shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions. His success serves as a reminder that the legal arena is not merely a neutral arbiter of justice but also a battleground for competing ideologies and political agendas.
The Rana case is strategically vital for India, serving as a vehicle for affirming its unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for the victims of the heinous 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks. It also highlights India's resolve to combat terrorism and pursue perpetrators who orchestrate such acts of violence. Mehta's adept handling of the Rana prosecution will significantly bolster India's global standing in counter-terrorism efforts, while simultaneously showcasing the efficacy of India's legal institutions in effectively prosecuting terrorists. Furthermore, it is a potent message to other terrorist organizations and state sponsors, signaling that those who commit terror against India will be relentlessly pursued, brought to justice, and held accountable for their heinous acts. The trial and potential extradition will further deepen India's ties with the United States and other countries. The implications of this case extend beyond immediate legal outcomes and will shape India's strategic posture towards countering terrorism and upholding international law.
Source: Newsmaker | Tahawwur Rana in dock, govt again turns to Tushar Mehta, its chief troubleshooter