
Friend of the Court is a podcast series that explores groundbreaking constitutional cases in India’s judicial history against their political and social contexts.
The podcast is part of a legal history project undertaken by the School of Legal and Socio-Political Studies, Ambedkar University Delhi in partnership with the Anil Divan Foundation.
The show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Jio Saavn, Gaana and all other major platforms. You can listen to the podcast by clicking on the links below or on the platform of your choice here.
Over eight episodes, Season 1 forensically reconstructs three major cases that senior advocate and constitutional expert, Anil Divan argued: the Jain Hawala Diaries, the Cauvery River Water Dispute and the National Judicial Appointments Commission cases. For the first time, these courtroom sagas have been pieced together in a narrative podcast, drawing on documents, news clips and fresh interviews with those who were involved in these battles. It uses Divan’s cases as a jumping off point to understand how legal cases are shaped and the legacies they leave. It is narrated by journalist and writer Raghu Karnad.
The series launched on October 31, 2022.
Season 2
Friend of the Court Season 2 presents the story of Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala, the Supreme Court case which established the basic structure doctrine. Fifty years since the verdict was pronounced, the doctrine continues to be the guiding light of Indian constitutionalism.
Over seven episodes, Season 2 reconstructs the events that led up to the case, the courtroom drama, detailed arguments on both sides and the aftermath of the case. We hear from lawyers who were involved, family members of those who are no more, journalists who covered that period and legal experts. The show also features snippets from Anil Divan’s detailed notes taken in court, archival clips and rare interviews with jurists. It is narrated by journalist and writer Raghu Karnad.
The season was launched on November 26, 2023.
Season 3
Season 3 moves away from courtroom drama and straightforward legal history into different terrain. It focuses on seven figures who have influenced and shaped India’s constitutional culture in myriad ways: through art, activism and political thought.
Over six fascinating episodes, the season tells the stories of Nandalal Bose, Raj Kapoor, KA Abbas, KG Kannabiran, Hansa Mehta, Justice Fazl Ali and MN Roy. Episodes feature interviews with political thinkers, historians, legal experts and others, in addition to drawing from archival materials, books and films. It is narrated by journalist and writer Raghu Karnad and journalist and editor Supriya Nair.
The season launched on March 26, 2025.