AT THE PLEASURE OF HIS MAJESTY: I.M. LALL AND THE CASE THAT SHOOK THE CROWN

Category Biographies & Memoirs
Format Paperback
Imprint Rupa
Price 295

ISBN: 978-93-5702-751-9
Pages: 168 pages
Date: 5th February 2024

ABOUT THIS BOOK

‘This book is a pleasant read on a Saturday afternoon, and leaves the reader with an intriguing mix of sadness and happiness.’
—P. Chidambaram, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha

The year was 1948, and a landmark verdict was handed down by the Privy Council, the highest court of appeal for the entire Commonwealth, at the time. For the first time in the history of the Empire, a subject had won against the British Empire. In 1937, Inder Mohan Lall, an Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer, invited the wrath of the Empire when he stood up to protect India’s national treasures. It cost him dearly, as it manifested in his suspension from service as the district and sessions judge. This marked the beginning of a long battle for justice, which concluded in 1948 with the Privy Council reversing his dismissal and his reinstatement in the verdict of High Commissioner for India and the High Commissioner for Pakistan vs. I.M. Lall. This case formed the foundation of Article 311 of the Constitution of India, stipulating due process to be followed before any civil service officer is removed or reduced in rank.

At the Pleasure of His Majesty provides a detailed overview of the case as well as the events that led up to it, including what his Hindu family based in Lahore went through during Partition.

AUTHOR OF THE BOOK

Chander M. Lall is a designated senior advocate practising law largely in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India. He founded the law firm Lall & Sethi in 1994, of which he was the managing partner till 2017. He has contributed as a writer to many publications, including Trademark Law and the Internet and Trademark Anti-Counterfeiting in the Asia-Pacific published by the International Trademark Association. He is considered an authority on intellectual property law and has been lead counsel in many groundbreaking decisions on the subject.

The author is a cyclist and an outdoor enthusiast, engaging frequently in skiing, surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, rafting, mountaineering and rock climbing. He is a keen collector of artefacts and a naturalist at heart.