Blending Law and Literature
At just 17, Krithika Mani, a resident of ES117, has accomplished what many aspire to- a published author, a budding legal enthusiast, and an inspiration to her peers.
A 12th-grade student at Pathways School Gurgaon, Krithika recently launched her book, Guilty as Charged, a collection of short stories that fictionalise landmark judicial cases from India’s legal history.
Born in Coimbatore and Chennai but raised in Gurgaon, Krithika grew up surrounded by a love for books and a curiosity about the law. “I’ve always been a voracious reader,” she says, crediting her mother—an author herself—for nurturing this passion. “The idea of writing my book was always there; it was just a matter of when.”
Krithika’s schooling has been a rich blend of disciplines under the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. While her academic focus lies in Economics, Language and Literature, and Global Politics, her fascination with law and diplomacy drives her aspirations. Her book, Guilty as Charged, is an innovative attempt to make the nuances of law more accessible to young readers.
“The book fictionalises five landmark judgment cases to engage younger audiences with the complexities of our legal system,” she explains. “It’s a homage to our nation and its judiciary.”
Cases like the infamous Nanavati case and the Maneka Gandhi case were selected after rigorous research, blending constitutional references with engaging narratives.
Her journey as a writer began in 2021-22 as part of her IBMYP Personal Project, which included gathering feedback from peers. “Students loved the early drafts because they made legal concepts exciting and easy to understand,” Krithika shares.
Living in Nirvana Country, Gurgaon, since 2017 (first lived in North Close and now in Espace), Krithika draws inspiration from her surroundings, her supportive family, and her dog, Ace. “Ace was my number one support partner through the writing process,” she adds with a smile.
Her mother’s work with Pragati, an NGO focused on education for the underprivileged, and her father’s career as a supply chain and logistics consultant have instilled in her a sense of purpose and dedication. She says, “Their constant support remains a key element of the inspiration I drew for this novel. I was also inspired to make the law more interesting and less behind-the-scenes, especially with the new generation that is immersed in a world of Suits, Agatha Christie, Perry Mason, and Grisham.”
Reflecting on her journey, Krithika notes how writing this book cemented her decision to pursue a career in law. “It gave me a unique perspective on the laws that govern us. It’s not just about understanding legal principles but also appreciating their impact on society.”
For budding authors, Krithika offers this advice: “Just start writing. Don’t wait for the perfect idea or plot to come to you. Explore, research, and let your creativity flow. Writing is about giving life to your thoughts.”
Her journey serves as an inspiration to young readers and writers alike, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact.
Guilty as Charged is not just a book; it’s an invitation to engage with the law, one story at a time.
