Eastern Book Company (‘EBC’), founded in 1942 celebrated Founders’ Day completing a legacy of 82 years on 24-11-2024. The day marked the 100th Birth Anniversary of Shri P.L. Malik who founded EBC alongside his brother Shri C.L. Malik. They both shared a vision and unshakable determination and embarked on a journey that would change the landscape of legal publishing and research. What began as a small, humble venture, fuelled by their passion for law and commitment to excellence, evolved into an industry leader.
The event was graced by Supreme Court Judges- Justice Hrishikesh Roy, Justice BV Nagarathna, Justice Sanjay Karol, Justice KV Viswanathan, and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh. Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana and Justice AK Sikri, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India also joined the celebrations.
Justice CD Singh, Judge, Delhi High Court and his wife Mrs. Seema Singh, Director, ICPS marked their presence. Justice Rajiv Shakdher, Former Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court and Mr. P. Chidambaram, Former Minister of Finance (Union) also graced the occasion.
The day commenced with Mr. Surendra Malik’s welcome address (‘Mr. Malik’), Managing Director, EBC, Chief Editor, Supreme Court Cases who welcomed all the guests and thanked them on behalf of EBC family for being a part of their celebrations. He also shared some anecdotes from his childhood involving his father Shri P.L. Malik, whom he observed diligently during his work. He stated that, it was interesting that all the work was more like a hobby to Shri P.L. Malik. Reflecting more on his schedule, he shared that after dinner, Shri P.L. Malik would pour into the gazettes and emphasized that one should go to the original source and nothing less. Mr. Malik highlighted that the impressive index system created by Shri P.L. Malik after pouring through all the gazettes, amendments, rules, regulations, and notifications, was used by EBC and the same has been in adapted and incorporated in EBC’s other publications.
Thanking everyone for their contribution to EBC, he saluted the authors who have been part of EBC’s journey through decades and how they have contributed to the growth of legal literature in India. He also recognized the contribution of all the staff members who are more than 500 in number and are spread across the country. He acknowledged the immense contribution of his brothers Mr. Vijay Malik and Mr. Sumain Malik. He also thanked the third generation of the Malik Family Mr. Sumeet Malik, Mr. Sudeep Malik, Mr. Abhinandan Malik, Mr. Raghunandan Malik and Mr. Karan Malik, and also appreciated the immense support from the Malik ladies.
Lastly, he sought the blessings and goodwill of all to continue to serve society and the nation.
On this momentous occasion EBC unveiled SCC Online’s standalone Tax modules. The modules have been designed to transform the arena of tax law research, with its comprehensive coverage of tax related data, including judgments, statutes, CLI Reports, and insightful articles, all at researcher’s fingertips. Justice K.V. Viswanathan, Mrs. Lakshmi Sundaresan, Editor, Income Tax Report, and Mr. Surendra Malik released the Tax modules.
Steering the event ahead, Professor M.P. Singh was felicitated, who has thoroughly revised and updated V.N. Shukla’s Constitution of India which has proven itself, over fourteen editions, to be the most authoritative and respected academic book on the Constitution of India. Mr. Malik highlighted that Professor Singh has been revising the book since 1990 and has done the same seven times and the 8th revised edition is now in the pipeline with all the leading and latest judgments.
Justice Viswanathan, Judge, Supreme Court of India addressed the audience. In his address, he expressed his gratitude saying that he was privileged to be part of the celebrations. He reflected on the memories of his association with EBC in two capacities, one, as a part of the Editorial Board and second, as their counsel. Appreciating his association with EBC, he thanked Mr. Malik and stated that ‘honesty runs deep in the veins of Malik family’.
He shared that during his days as counsel for EBC, Mr. Malik would rightly point out that- “it’s not about the damages or money, but it’s our hardwork which is being copied and that is what he wanted to be stopped.”
Reiterating Mr. Malik’s view on accuracy, Justice Viswanathan referred to Lord Denning’s point on importance of accuracy in reporting, both in the newspaper and in law reporting. He added that we can safely vouch/ attest for SCC. Discussing the metamorphosis in legal reporting from paper publication to the digital edition, he pointed out that CD-ROM edition in 1996 was helpful to youngsters, as the same enhanced the level of advocacy among the younger generation; aided the senior lawyers; and helped Judges in justice delivery.
Lastly, he thanked EBC for aiding the process of administration of justice by providing the backing of efficient set of law reports.
Propelling the event forward, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi who has been on EBC’s Editorial Board for about 25 years, in his insightful address stated that this is a celebration of passion, hardwork and dedication.
He thanked EBC for democratising access to law reports in pre-technology era. Appreciating EBC in their ventures, he pointed out that their object has always been to provide legal service and this basic object of service makes EBC special. He added that it is very rare in the contemporary world to find four generations foregoing and eschewing far greener fields and alternative vocations and wanting to be here (at EBC) voluntarily, so is the scenario because of the attractive ecosystem created at EBC.
Concluding this address, he wished Godspeed and more power to elbow for EBC.
The celebrations concluded with a formal lunch.
Congratulations , EBC family in reaching a landmark in your glorious journey and for being the trusted friend, philosopher and guide in the journey of legal research for the Legal fraternity, setting a gold standard for all.