An Ingenious Twist

"Does our legal system work well asked the courtiers one day. "Yes, Shahenshah ( Emperor). Our judges are very efficient, honest and upright. They know the law very well and dispose off cases quickly.  As a matter of fact, most cases are decided at the first hearing itself", said an old courtier. "Our laws are fair and just. All are equal in the eyes of law", said another courtier. Other courtiers, too, sang the same tune.Birbal kept quiet while others expressed their views. Noticing his silence, the Emperor asked him the reason. But Birbal continued to remain silent.

"Birbal!" the Emperor roared angrily at his most intelligent courtier, "You don't seem to have a high opinion of the laws of this land and the way our legal system works".

"Shahenshah, no, that is not so!" Birbal turned to the Emperor with a smile.  "However, good laws and good judges alone do not necessarily ensure justice" Birbal stopped as he saw a guard walking in.

  "Shahenshah", the guard saluted in the traditional way. "An old teacher of law is waiting for an audience in your court. With him is a young man, his student.  The old man says his student has been quoting the law to deny him his fee. He wants to present his case before the royal Court for getting justice", the guard explained.
"Bring them in, the Emperor directed the guard. The guard bowed, salaamed (saluted) and moved out.

"This is an interesting situatio", Birbal observed." What is so interesting?" a courtier asked. "The student had learned law from the teacher. The student is now pitting his newfound knowledge against his teacher. He must have read his books thoroughly and found some loophole in the laws or the terms to necessitate his action against his teacher. That's why he is confident enough to come with his teacher to the royal Court, Birbal guessed.

Hearing this, the Emperor leaned back and sighed.  Maybe the law had loopholes that needed to be plugged.  The Emperor decided to question his courtiers later. The guard walked in, leading the two men. One of them was old.  He had grey hair and a wrinkled face but his eyes were bright and reflected maturity and wisdom.