A Delhi High Court judge this week drew an unusual comparison while hearing a case online, likening an advocate’s rapid arguments to singer Shankar Mahadevan’s famous song Breathless. The remark came after
the lawyer appeared for the hearing from a snow-covered balcony in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
Advocate Shreya Smriti joined the virtual proceedings at a time when temperatures in the hill station had dropped to around minus 23 degrees Celsius.
Despite the extreme cold, she presented her submissions swiftly and confidently, catching the attention of the court.
Justice Saurabh Banerjee, who was presiding over the matter, commented on the speed of her arguments. “Who was the singer who sang Breathless?” he asked, referring to the 1998 hit by Shankar Mahadevan, known for its continuous and fast-paced delivery.
“She can qualify for that. One breath, she is doing very fast,” the judge said. “You are very good, Ms Counsel,” he added.
Following the hearing, Shreya Smriti shared a clip of the exchange on Instagram. “Appearing virtually before the Delhi High Court from -23 degree C Grateful for the kind appreciation by the Hon’ble Judge.
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For an advocate, professional responsibility remains the priority, wherever duty calls,” she wrote.
The video quickly gained attention on social media, drawing praise from users. One comment read, “Hence proved advocates can also do work from heaven.”
Another said, “very active and professional advocate.” A third user wrote, “I am so proud to see my fellow lady advocates doing a great job,” while another added, “Advocates are known for doing the impossible.”
Shreya Smriti is a New Delhi-based advocate and works as an associate legal counsel in the office of senior advocate Pradeep Rai. She holds degrees in arts and law from Kalinga University, Raipur.
Over the years, she has worked with several law firms and legal bodies, including Bansal Chandra & Associates, S Bhambri & Associates and the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority. She also shares insights into her professional life through videos on Instagram and her YouTube channel.
