In the revered courts of Law, where erudite minds converge, I recall the sage advice of my late father, “In the profession of law, librarians should be befriended” Little did I know, this wisdom would lead me to cherish the memory of Jalaluddin Ansari, a walking encyclopedia of those olden times in late 80s and 90s, whose virtues and acumen left an indelible mark on the Central Bar Association Library.
In the halcyon days of my childhood, I was blessed with the opportunity to accompany my father, Late S.A.H.Rizvi saheb , a practicing Advocate at Lucknow to the District and Sessions Court campus, where, during the lunch hours, the sweet scent of Biryani wafted through the air, mingling with the warmth of camaraderie that my father shared with his fellow advocates – a fraternity of esteemed guardians who continue to watch over me to this day. It was within this court campus that I first encountered Jalal Chacha, a man of unobtrusive demeanor, yet possessed of a towering intellect that shone like a beacon, illuminating the intricate pathways of jurisprudence. His voice, shrill with excitement, would guide advocates and judges alike, as he navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the law with effortless ease.
In an era bereft of digital wizardry, Jalal Chacha’s grasp of the law was nothing short of remarkable. His ability to pinpoint exact rulings, with unerring accuracy, earned him the reverence of his peers. As my father would attest, Jalal Chacha’s instincts were uncanny, his knowledge, a treasure trove of wisdom.
I vividly recall a singular moment, etched in the deepest corners of my memory, wherein my father solicited a specific volume of the All India Reporter (AIR) pertaining to Bihar High Court. With firm certitude, Jalal Chacha deftly placed a marker on the precise page where, with unerring instinct, he knew the needed judgment to be nestled. And, as if fate itself had ordained it, my father’s eyes widened in wonder as he confirmed that Jalal Chacha’s intuition had proven remarkably accurate. This fleeting yet indelible moment serves as a testament to Jalal Chacha’s extraordinary acumen, a true marvel of his remarkable mind.
When questioned by me about his educational pedigree, Jalal Chacha would retort, with a twinkle in his eye, ‘Jitna Badshah Akbar Padhe utna Hum Bhi Padhe‘ (As much as Emperor Akbar studied, so did I). And, with a chuckle, he would add, ‘Bacchchu, ham padhe kam, Kadhe zaada Hain‘ (Kid, I didn’t study much, I was trained, nevertheless).
Jalal Chacha’s farewell ceremony in 2001 was a grand testament to his remarkable legacy. The who’s who of the legal fraternity gathered to bid him adieu, including the then Senior Judge of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court Justice SHA Raza Saheb and the then District and Sessions Judge K.S.Rakhra Saheb. As Jalal Chacha sat alongside the dignitaries, he was showered with praise for his exceptional acumen and virtues.
The speakers at the ceremony regaled the audience with stories of Jalal Chacha’s commitment to excellence. They fondly recalled how he would good-naturedly chide advocates who wasted time, urging them to focus on their work with his characteristic phrase, “Abhi Padh lo warna Pachtaoge” (“Study now, or you’ll regret it later”). This anecdote speaks volumes about Jalal Chacha’s dedication to mentoring and guiding others, a quality that has left an indelible mark on the legal community.
Alas, fate had ordained that Jalal Chacha’s retirement in August 2001 would be swiftly followed by his departure from this mortal coil, on the 19th of November, that same year. With his passing, an era of unparalleled excellence drew to a close, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. Yet, even in death, Jalal Chacha’s memory continues to inspire us. We, who were fortunate enough to have known him, cherish the memories of his remarkable life, and hold them dear to our hearts.
The Central Bar library, once a bustling hub of activity under Jalal Chacha’s stewardship, now stands as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy. Though it continues to function within the Central Bar Association, it is but a shadow of its former self, with only a handful of visitors crossing its threshold.
For in Jalal Chacha’s absence, there is none who can fill the immense void left by his departure. His was a presence that could never be replicated, a man whose unique blend of wisdom, wit, and kindness has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.
Jalal Chacha’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of the library. He was a mentor, a guide, and a friend to countless advocates, including my father. His passing in 2001 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a void that can never be filled.
In lamentation of the ‘Goolglisation’ of knowledge, wherein the sacrosanct sanctum of learning is increasingly supplanted by the ephemeral whims of digital discovery, my dear friend, Mohd Ehtisham, Librarian of the Government Advocates Library at Lucknow, would oft bewail the prevailing penchant for prioritizing the procurement of judgments over the painstaking pursuit of legal provisions and propositions.
With characteristic perspicacity, he would cite the illustrative example of Rule 6 of the General Rules (Civil), which unequivocally mandates that “All subordinate Courts shall follow the rulings of the High Court which are in force”. Notwithstanding this explicit directive, many of us would, in our haste, draw a corollary from Article 141 of the Indian Constitution, thereby underscoring the lamentable propensity to privilege convenience over comprehension.
In this era of precipitous progress, Ehtisham bhai would lament that “Research, that erstwhile cornerstone of scholarly pursuit, hath given way to the tyranny of urgency, wherein speed in response hath supplanted the measured deliberation of yore.” In his considered opinion, the relentless quest for rapidity has relegated rigorous research to the rarefied realm of relics, a development he would bemoan as a lamentable loss in these modern times.
Lucknow, my fabled city of refinement and elegance, has long been distinguished by its plethora of sanctified and majestic institutions of learning, wherein lie some of the most well known libraries which include the Vidhan Sabha Library, the University of Lucknow’s repository, and the historic Amiruddaula Public Library, all stand as testaments to the city’s rich cultural heritage, now being eroded in the wake of growing commercialization.
Alas, the tides of time have wrought a profound transformation upon these sacred sanctums of knowledge. The throngs of scholars and seekers of wisdom, who once flocked to these institutions, have dwindled to a mere trickle. Nowadays, the patrons of these libraries comprise a sparse and elderly demographic, whose visits serve as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, when the pursuit of knowledge was a cherished and vibrant aspect of civic life.
I would, nevertheless advise my friends who are in the profession of Law and learning, in the words of Elbert Einstein, that “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
Written with deepest respect by:
S.M.Haider Rizvi
Advocate
Email : Myvakil@gmail.com
Lucknow
