Ram Jethmalani was one of India’s most famous and fearless criminal lawyers, known for his sharp legal mind and powerful courtroom arguments. Throughout his long career, he handled some of the country’s most high-profile cases and played a major role in shaping India’s legal and political landscape. His life stands as a symbol of advocacy, debate, and unwavering confidence in the justice system.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ram Boolchand Jethmalani |
| Nickname | Ram, Legal Legend |
| Date of Birth | September 14, 1923 |
| Date of Death | September 8, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 95 years |
| Birth Place | Shikarpur, Sindh (now in Pakistan) |
| Death Place | New Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Community | Sindhi |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician, Former Union Minister |
Quick Facts Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Famous As | India’s Finest Criminal Lawyer |
| Legal Career Span | 1945 – 2019 (74 years) |
| Ram Jethmalani Fees | ₹25-30 lakhs per appearance (peak) |
| Political Positions | Union Law Minister, Rajya Sabha MP |
| Notable Cases | L.K. Advani, Harshad Mehta, Jessica Lal, 2G Spectrum |
| Bar Admission | 1945 (Age 17) |
| Legal Education | LLB from S.C. Shahani Law College, Karachi |
| Signature Style | Fearless advocacy, unconventional defense strategies |
Family & Personal Life
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Boolchand Jethmalani (Businessman) |
| Mother | Name not widely documented |
| First Wife | Ratna Jethmalani (died 1965) |
| Second Wife | Rani Jethmalani (married 1966, died 2000) |
| Children | Daughter: Rani Jethmalani (Lawyer), Son: Mahesh Jethmalani (Senior Advocate, BJP MP) |
| Marital Status | Widower (at time of death) |
| Hometown | Shikarpur, Sindh (Pre-Partition) |
| Current Residence | New Delhi (at time of death) |
Ram Jethmalani Educational Background
Ram Jethmalani’s educational journey is extraordinary, marked by exceptional brilliance and record-breaking achievements.
| Qualification | Institution | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matriculation | Sindh, Pre-Partition India | 1936 (Age 13) | Early completion |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | S.C. Shahani Law College, Karachi | 1945 | Youngest in India to obtain law degree at age 17 |
| Bar Admission | Sindh High Court | 1945 | Started practicing at 17 |
| Post-Partition | Migrated to Bombay | 1947 | Restarted legal career |
Academic Excellence
- Youngest Law Graduate: Ram Jethmalani obtained his law degree at just 17 years of age, making him the youngest lawyer in India
- Exceptional Intelligence: Displayed remarkable legal acumen from early years
- Self-Driven Learning: Continued legal education through practice and study throughout life
- Honorary Doctorates: Received multiple honorary degrees from universities worldwide
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Build | Lean, fit for age |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Grey-White (in later years) |
| Distinctive Features | Sharp features, commanding presence, authoritative voice |
Career Timeline – Lawyer Journey
| Year | Position/Achievement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 | Admitted to Bar (Sindh) | Began practice at 17, youngest lawyer |
| 1947 | Restarted Practice in Bombay | Post-Partition migration |
| 1950s | Established Criminal Law Practice | Built reputation in Bombay High Court |
| 1960 | Moved to Supreme Court | Elevated to Supreme Court practice |
| 1977-1979 | Union Law Minister | Served in Morarji Desai government |
| 1980 | Union Minister for Urban Development | Janata Party government |
| 1988 | Elected to Rajya Sabha | Began parliamentary career |
| 1989 | Founded Law Firm | Jethmalani Associates established |
| 1990s | Defended Major High-Profile Cases | L.K. Advani, Harshad Mehta cases |
| 2000s | Senior Advocate Supreme Court | Peak of legal career |
| 2010 | Union Law Minister | NDA government, resigned 2013 |
| 2010-2016 | Rajya Sabha MP (BJP) | Continued political involvement |
| 2013 | Expelled from BJP | Due to differences with party |
| 2019 | Passed Away | September 8, 2019, end of legendary career |
Major Achievements & Recognition
| Award/Honor | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Bhushan | 2015 | Third highest civilian award of India |
| Outstanding Parliamentarian Award | 2010 | For contribution to parliamentary democracy |
| Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) | Various Years | Multiple universities honored Ram Jethmalani |
| Legal Legend Recognition | Throughout Career | Acknowledged as India’s finest criminal lawyer |
| Youngest Lawyer Record | 1945 | Became lawyer at 17, unbroken record for decades |
| International Legal Awards | Various | Recognition from global legal communities |
Financial Information – Ram Jethmalani Fees & Net Worth
Ram Jethmalani Fees Structure
| Period | Fees Per Appearance | Annual Income (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | ₹5-10 lakhs | ₹2-3 crores |
| 2000s | ₹15-20 lakhs | ₹5-8 crores |
| 2010-2019 | ₹25-30 lakhs | ₹10-15 crores (peak years) |
Net Worth & Assets
| Category | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (at death) | ₹100-150 crores (approximate) |
| Properties | Multiple properties in Mumbai, Delhi |
| Investments | Diversified portfolio |
| Legal Practice Income | Primary source of wealth |
| Book Royalties | Additional income source |
Financial Philosophy
Ram Jethmalani believed in:
- Value for Excellence: High fees reflected expertise and experience
- Pro Bono Work: Also took cases for free when justice demanded
- Financial Independence: Maintained complete independence through wealth
- Ethical Earning: Made money through legitimate legal practice
Lawyer Career – Landmark Cases
Most Famous Cases Handled by Ram Jethmalani
| Case | Role | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| L.K. Advani (Hawala Scam) | Defense Lawyer | 1996 | Acquitted |
| Harshad Mehta (Stock Market Scam) | Defense Lawyer | 1992-2001 | Partial success |
| Jessica Lal Murder Case | Defense for Manu Sharma | 2006 | Convicted (appeal lost) |
| 2G Spectrum Case | Defended A. Raja | 2011-2017 | Acquitted |
| Sohrabuddin Sheikh Encounter | Represented witnesses | 2007-2018 | Various outcomes |
| KPS Gill (Sexual Harassment) | Defense Lawyer | 1998 | Convicted |
| Amit Shah (Sohrabuddin Case) | Defense Lawyer | 2010s | Discharged |
| Ram Jethmalani vs. Supreme Court | Self (Contempt case) | 2009 | Fined |
Administrative Positions Held
| Position | Period | Government |
|---|---|---|
| Union Law Minister | 1977-1979 | Morarji Desai (Janata Party) |
| Union Minister, Urban Development | 1980 | Janata Party |
| Rajya Sabha Member | 1988-1994 | Janata Dal |
| Rajya Sabha Member | 2010-2016 | BJP (expelled 2013) |
| Union Law & Justice Minister | 2010-2013 | NDA Government |
| Bar Council Member | Various terms | Professional body |
Detailed Biography – The Extraordinary Journey
Early Life – From Shikarpur to Legal Legend
Born on September 14, 1923, in Shikarpur, Sindh (now Pakistan), Ram Jethmalani entered a world of business and commerce. His father, Boolchand Jethmalani, was a businessman, but young Ram had different ambitions.
From childhood, Ram Jethmalani displayed exceptional intelligence and a questioning mind. He challenged conventions, asked difficult questions, and showed remarkable clarity of thought.
Educational Brilliance – Youngest Lawyer in India
Ram Jethmalani’s educational journey broke all records:
Early Education (1930s)
- Completed matriculation at age 13
- Showed exceptional aptitude for logic and argumentation
- Parents recognized his potential for law
Law College (1942-1945)
- Enrolled in S.C. Shahani Law College, Karachi
- Youngest student in the batch
- Studied with intense dedication
- Obtained LLB degree at age 17 – youngest in India
Bar Admission (1945)
- Admitted to Sindh High Court Bar at 17
- Started practicing immediately
- Built reputation for brilliant arguments
Partition & New Beginnings (1947)
The Partition of India in 1947 changed everything for Ram Jethmalani:
- Migrated from Karachi to Bombay (Mumbai)
- Lost established practice and connections
- Started from scratch in a new city
- Faced discrimination as a refugee
- Rebuilt career through sheer brilliance
Rise in Bombay (1950s-1960s)
Ram Jethmalani’s rise as a lawyer in Bombay was meteoric:
1950s – Building Foundation
- Started with small criminal cases
- Developed reputation for fearless advocacy
- Took on cases others refused
- Built client base through results
1960s – Supreme Court Practice
- Moved to Supreme Court practice
- Handled complex constitutional cases
- Developed unique argumentative style
- Became sought-after criminal lawyer
Political Career – Lawyer Turned Minister
Entry into Politics (1970s)
Ram Jethmalani entered politics during the Emergency (1975-1977):
- Opposed Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian rule
- Joined Janata Party
- Became Union Law Minister (1977-1979)
- Implemented progressive legal reforms
- Resigned over differences with government
Later Political Roles
- Rajya Sabha member multiple times
- Union Law Minister again (2010-2013)
- Expelled from BJP (2013) for criticizing leadership
- Maintained independent voice throughout
Peak Legal Career (1990s-2010s)
This period saw Ram Jethmalani at his absolute best as a lawyer:
High-Profile Cases
- Defended politicians, businessmen, celebrities
- Ram Jethmalani fees reached ₹25-30 lakhs per appearance
- Practiced until age 95
- Never lost the fire for justice
Legal Philosophy
- Everyone deserves defense, no matter the crime
- Constitutional rights must be protected
- Fearless advocacy is lawyer’s duty
- Truth emerges through robust defense
Controversial Stances – The Fearless Lawyer
Ram Jethmalani was known for controversial positions:
- Defended Accused in Heinous Crimes: Believed everyone deserves legal representation
- Criticized Judiciary: Openly pointed out judicial failures
- Challenged Powerful: Never feared authority or consequences
- Unconventional Methods: Used creative legal strategies
- Outspoken Nature: Spoke his mind without filters
Career Philosophy & Vision
Ram Jethmalani’s Legal Principles
1. Right to Defense is Absolute
- Every accused, however heinous the crime, deserves competent defense
- Constitutional rights must be protected
- Lawyers serve justice, not popular opinion
2. Fearless Advocacy
- Never fear judges, governments, or public opinion
- Speak truth to power
- Challenge unjust laws and practices
3. Continuous Learning
- Law is ever-evolving
- Keep studying and updating knowledge
- Intellectual curiosity has no retirement age
4. Independence Matters
- Financial independence allows professional independence
- High fees ensure lawyers aren’t pressured
- Never compromise integrity for money or power
5. Justice Over Everything
- Ultimate goal is justice, not victory
- Truth emerges through adversarial process
- System works when both sides fight hard
Working Style as a Lawyer
- Thorough Preparation: Mastered every detail of case
- Aggressive Cross-Examination: Known for devastating questioning
- Constitutional Arguments: Grounded defense in constitutional principles
- Emotional Appeals: Combined logic with powerful rhetoric
- Media Savvy: Used media effectively for clients
- Unconventional Tactics: Surprised opponents with creative strategies
Educational Impact & Mentorship
Training Future Lawyers
Ram Jethmalani contributed to legal education through:
Direct Mentorship
- Trained numerous junior lawyers in his chambers
- Son Mahesh Jethmalani became Senior Advocate
- Daughter Rani Jethmalani practiced law
Institutional Contributions
- Guest lecturer at law schools
- Participated in Bar Council activities
- Contributed to legal reform discussions
Through Example
- Demonstrated highest standards of advocacy
- Showed importance of constitutional knowledge
- Proved age is no barrier to excellence
Advice for Aspiring Lawyers
Ram Jethmalani’s guidance for law students and young lawyers:
- Master Constitutional Law: Foundation of all legal practice
- Read Extensively: Beyond law books – history, philosophy, literature
- Develop Speaking Skills: Lawyers must communicate persuasively
- Never Fear Authority: Speak truth regardless of consequences
- Maintain Independence: Financial and intellectual freedom is crucial
- Keep Learning: Law school is just the beginning
- Choose Cases Wisely: But never refuse a case out of fear
- Respect the Court: While being fearless in advocacy
- Build Reputation: Through competence, not connections
- Stay Healthy: Long career requires physical fitness
Major Books & Publications
| Title | Year | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Conscience of a Maverick | 2014 | Autobiography and legal philosophy |
| Big Egos, Small Men | 2013 | Political commentary |
| Various Legal Articles | Throughout career | Constitutional law, criminal justice |
Ram Jethmalani Fees – The Economics of Excellence
Fee Structure Evolution
Why Ram Jethmalani Fees Were Highest
- Unmatched Experience: 74 years of legal practice
- Success Rate: High probability of favorable outcomes
- Constitutional Expertise: Deep knowledge of law
- Court Presence: Commanded respect from judges
- Strategic Brilliance: Creative legal solutions
- Risk Factor: Took controversial cases others avoided
Fee Philosophy
Ram Jethmalani explained his high fees:
- “High fees ensure independence from pressure”
- “Clients who pay well don’t try to dictate strategy”
- “Excellence deserves compensation”
- “Financial security allows taking pro bono cases”
Pro Bono Work
Despite high Ram Jethmalani fees, he also:
- Took cases for free when justice demanded
- Helped young lawyers and students
- Fought for constitutional principles without fees
- Contributed to public interest litigation
Recent Developments (2015-2019)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Awarded Padma Bhushan by Government of India |
| 2016 | Completed Rajya Sabha term, continued legal practice |
| 2017 | Continued arguing in Supreme Court in 90s |
| 2018 | Last major court appearances, mentored juniors |
| 2019 | Passed away on September 8, 2019 at age 95 |
Final Years
Ram Jethmalani remained active as a lawyer until his final days:
- Appeared in court in his 90s
- Maintained sharp mental faculties
- Continued mentoring young lawyers
- Worked on constitutional issues
- Passed away just days before 96th birthday
Conclusion
Ram Jethmalani lived a remarkable life of nearly a century, marked by unmatched legal brilliance and fearless advocacy. From becoming India’s youngest lawyer at 17 to practicing law for over seven decades, he shaped criminal defense, influenced public debate, and served twice as Union Law Minister. His legacy lives on through landmark cases, inspired lawyers, and a lifelong commitment to constitutional rights and justice.
Also Read: Jyothi Yarraji, Tina Dabi Award, Chandru Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who was Ram Jethmalani?
Ram Jethmalani was India’s most celebrated criminal lawyer, former Union Law Minister, and legal legend who practiced law for 74 years from 1945 until his death in 2019. He became a lawyer at the youngest age of 17.
Q2: What were Ram Jethmalani fees per case?
Ram Jethmalani fees ranged from ₹25-30 lakhs per court appearance during his peak years (2010-2019), making him one of the highest-paid lawyers in India.
Q3: When did Ram Jethmalani die?
Ram Jethmalani passed away on September 8, 2019, in New Delhi at the age of 95, just days before his 96th birthday.
Q4: At what age did Ram Jethmalani become a lawyer?
Ram Jethmalani became a lawyer at the remarkable age of 17 years in 1945, making him the youngest lawyer in India at that time.
Q5: What are some famous cases handled by Ram Jethmalani?
Famous cases include: L.K. Advani (Hawala scam), Harshad Mehta (Stock market scam), Jessica Lal murder case, 2G Spectrum case, and many other high-profile criminal and constitutional matters.
Q6: Was Ram Jethmalani married?
Yes, Ram Jethmalani was married twice. His first wife Ratna died in 1965, and his second wife Rani died in 2000. He had two children – daughter Rani and son Mahesh Jethmalani.
Q7: What awards did Ram Jethmalani receive?
Ram Jethmalani received the Padma Bhushan in 2015, Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 2010, and multiple honorary doctorate degrees from universities.
Q8: Did Ram Jethmalani serve in government?
Yes, Ram Jethmalani served as Union Law Minister twice (1977-1979 and 2010-2013) and was a Rajya Sabha member multiple times.
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