Building a personal law library is an essential step for every budding lawyer or law student seeking to deepen their legal understanding beyond the classroom. This guide outlines the core categories of books you should include from bare acts to case law digests to support both academic success and early career practice.
The Constitution of India (Coat Pocket Edition) (Premium Luxury Edition)
Discover the Coat Pocket Edition of The Constitution of India by Gopal Sankaranarayanan — a sleek, compact, and travel‑friendly version of India’s supreme legal document. With 648 pages and dimensions just 20.2 × 10.8 × 2.2 cm, it slips easily into a blazer or bag for ready reference. It presents the full text, amendments, and helpful appendices like charts and benchmark judgments. Published by Eastern Book Company, this edition remains up‑to‑date while balancing portability and completeness. Ideal for law students, practitioners, and anyone who wants the Constitution always at hand.
Criminal Manual (Coat Pocket Edition) – Combo of BNS, BNSS and BSA (Set of 2 Books)
Introducing the Criminal Manual (Coat Pocket Edition) combo, which bundles together Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) in a compact twin‑book format. This 1,416‑page set by Eastern Book Company updates you with all new criminal laws and comparative tables between old and new codes. Sized at just 15.5 × 11 × 5 cm, it’s ideal for carry in a blazer or briefcase for quick reference on the go. Loaded with recent judgments and amendments, it’s tailored for practitioners, students, and legal enthusiasts alike. At a discounted price, this set provides both depth and portability in one package.
Corporate Insolvency: Law, Policy and Practice
The 2nd Edition of Corporate Insolvency by Sumant Batra offers a definitive account of India’s insolvency landscape, tracing the evolution of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 over eight years. Blending legal precision with global perspective, this updated edition covers landmark rulings, institutional reforms, and real-world business impact. Written by a globally recognized insolvency expert, it’s backed by endorsements from judges, policymakers, and professionals. Its depth, clarity, and practical focus make it essential reading for law, commerce, and economics audiences. A must-have for practitioners, scholars, and anyone tracking India’s economic reform story.
Administrative Law
Administrative Law by Justice C.K. Thakker is a trusted and authoritative text offering a deep dive into the principles and practice of administrative governance in India. Covering key topics like natural justice, delegated legislation, and judicial review, the book is enriched with critical Supreme Court rulings, including the significant Royer Mathew v. South Indian Bank Ltd. case. The latest edition reflects evolving doctrines of fairness, constitutional principles, and the role of tribunals. With a blend of theory and real-world application, it serves both academic and professional needs. A vital resource for judges, lawyers, administrators, and scholars alike.
Judicial Power and Judicial Review
Judicial Power and Judicial Review is a comprehensive scholarly work that traces the evolution of judicial review from its common law roots to its diverse interpretations across jurisdictions like the UK, US, South Africa, France, and Germany. Divided into 9 structured parts, it examines both theory and practice—from models of review and judicial independence to its application in India. The book highlights how judicial review varies globally, while offering deep insights into its constitutional, administrative, and legislative dimensions. It also explores the limits, impact, and legitimacy of judicial creativity over time. A must-read for scholars, judges, legal professionals, and students of public law.
Due Process of Law
Due Process of Law by Abhinav Chandrachud offers a compelling exploration of the evolution of judicial review and substantive due process in Indian constitutional law. Tracing its journey from A.K. Gopalan to Maneka Gandhi, the book explains how the doctrine has expanded to influence key areas like the basic structure, arbitrariness test, and unenumerated rights. Drawing parallels with American jurisprudence, it bridges procedural and substantive aspects of due process. Rich in analysis, it fills a critical gap in Indian legal scholarship. A must-read for students, lawyers, and constitutional scholars.
Supreme Court on Insurance and Insurance Consumer Cases
This comprehensive one-volume Digest on Insurance and Insurance Consumer Cases compiles all Supreme Court rulings from 1950 to 2021, including key consumer forum decisions. Organised using the SCC’s trusted index system, it covers topics like life and general insurance, policy terms, IRDA regulations, claim repudiation, and remedies. It also spans major insurance statutes, ensuring exhaustive legal coverage. With a cross-referenced format and editorial notes, it enables quick and efficient legal research. An indispensable tool for lawyers, judges, and researchers dealing with insurance law.
Supreme Court Cases (Bound Volumes) (SCC Back Volumes from 1969 to 2025)
Supreme Court Cases (SCC) is not just a law report, but a permanent legal record, crafted with precision and commitment to accuracy, completeness, and integrity. Trusted by judges, lawyers, and scholars alike, SCC is the most cited law report across courts and academic commentaries in India. Its carefully curated headnotes and authentic text ensure reliable legal referencing. Covering both reportable and non-reportable judgments since 1969, the Bound Back Volumes are a valuable asset to any legal library. With timeless utility and elegant binding, SCC is a cornerstone of Indian legal publishing
Drafting Contracts: Advanced Principles
Following the success of his first book, Ajar Rab’s Drafting Contracts: Advanced Principles offers a practical and in-depth guide to complex commercial contract drafting. The book explores the full lifecycle of contracts—from term sheets to closing clauses—with insights on interpretation, enforceability, and risk minimisation. Drawing on UNIDROIT and CISG, it compares international approaches and offers real-world examples for clarity. Strategic advice on boilerplate clauses, including force majeure in the post-COVID era, adds to its practical value. A must-have for in-house counsel, transactional lawyers, and anyone drafting sophisticated agreements.
