Hi,

I have always considered Goa as my second home. I would go to Goa any chance I get. I have made amazing friends, beautiful memories and everytime Goa amazes me. I’d enter Goa and feel it’s my home it’s where I always belonged. And no! I dont prefer going to clubs, group outings and such. I always visited Goa for peace. It touches my soul. I’d go on my own to experience solitude, enjoy the dreamy vibes and my heart wont just let me leave.

However, things changed last time. It was September 2024, I stayed in North and South and this time I had not planned my return journey since I really wanted to be there for as long as possible. I couchsurfed with locals, dorm etc. and had a great time with them in South Goa but it was this time, I noticed the locals in North were less welcoming to me. I have made friends and they were just the same but the new locals seemed to not welcome the Indian tourists, to be specific. Foreigners were just as welcome as they always were.

Even the hostel that I stayed in preferred hospitality to them irrespective of the money I poured. Curlies had literally directed the staff not to allow Indian tourists to it’s EDM festival that had Zero visitors. I was the only one, and I had to pull some strings to get there, a situation which I never faced before.

I spoke with locals who told me, most locals prefer joining Thailand cruise for better pay hence musicians prefer going abroad rather than work here. One of the locals who runs a roll shop and remembered me well since I’d go to him often; told him he’s also losing business and planning to leave since new fast food chains have made their stalls obsolete. I always prefer having local food so the Goa remains the same Goa that I love.

What disturbed me was the unwelcoming vibe that I received from locals despite my love for the place. I never go to clubs , and this time I was refused to enter in one since I was an Indian. At that moment three of the europeans who became my casual chat buddies at one resto bar insisted the staff for entries or they’d leave; only then staff allowed me to enter. It was later that the manager came to be a friend of someone I knew; from my past journeys. I think it was racism in a manner and my profession allows me to take stern steps but I was still trying to get a hold of my head around things.

Right after covid, I went to Sunburn and paid almost thrice more than Thailand. And I have no regrets. I’d consider going to Goa over anything else but unfortunately, it seems A LOT has changed recently.

I understand many outsiders don't respect Goa and make a mess out of everything. But how does that allow everyone to harass a paying Indian with good intentions?

Does Goa or its people don’t want me to enter goa anymore? Or does Goa prefer foreigners over Indians so blindly that they’d kick out any Indian irrespective of their best intentions ?

I don't wish to blame the people or the place. Goa holds a special place in my heart. But it has made me reconsider spending money in a place that has no respect for me, my time or my efforts.

I require perspective from locals hence, I've posted here. I really want insights from locals if things have changed or was it something else? Is there a power tussle between Indian tourists and foreigners ? Or the outlook of locals has drastically changed against Indian tourists ? I'd appreciate if MODs allow the post and I may have a real insight into the place that I really love.

Thanks for reading.

Consider this a rant or a lesson learnt. People often claim Lawyers are greedy, unethical and such. Today I want to share our side too, because I just got burnt. You can also consider this a moral dilemma. We meet wolves in the shape of skin.

One of my friends who’s well off, asked my help. And I often avoid mixing my profession with relationship as two don’t gel unless financial transaction is out of question. I charge well and considering he’s well off, I mean really WELL OFF; still I refused him my services with the reason being uncertainty of the case. So, if he loses I’ll be the bad guy and I wish to preserve my friendship. He says he understands and still wants me to fight his case because he trusts me. And given my professional capabilities and love for this friend I gave in.

I literally worked my a*% off, drafted, collected evidences and filed his case before Delhi High Court. I didn’t charge him a penny. After almost a year, upon hearing of certain arguments and objections; we got a favourable order. Battle was half won.

Today, after a week; I receive a phone call stating he wants the case file back and wishes to move with another lawyer of his circle.

Imagine the betrayal a lawyer goes through after putting his efforts in one case without asking anything in return. And people from our close circle does that to us, on a regular basis. It’s not about him taking his case back, it’s about the guts to make you demand someone’s time and efforts for your sake and despite best results; you choose to move away after the deed is done ? The draft of the case is indeed the back bone of this case; which he literally requested me to help him with. Now that it’s completed, filed and allowed; he chose to move to another lawyer. How convenient of him.

That is the reason, lawyers prefer payment upfront. People literally cry while discussing payment terms. Yet act bossy when they deem fit. There is certainly no professional boundaries.

One of my clients was - 74 year Sr citizen who told me his previous lawyer betrayed him etc and he doesn’t have much money. All he had was his property although that was worth Crores; I obliged him with the most minimal fees pf my career. Secured him a win of more that 7.5 Crs and that Old man chose to skip my fees. Imagine the wolfs we meet in the shape of sheep.

This is the reason folks, we as lawyers tend to skip feelings when it comes to profession. We are not heartless just burnt beyond measure.

Thanks for reading.

Any litigation is a lengthy process and many people consider it more of a harassment. And there's a reason behind it.

However, in certain cases there is no alternative rather than approaching the court seeking a relief. In such a case, be mentally prepared to include the litigation as a part and parcel of your life to run it smoothly.

Some people think filing a case means “justice has started.”
In reality, filing is just the beginning of a process that can quietly go wrong in ways most people don’t anticipate.

If you’re planning to approach a courts in Delhi, these are a few things worth knowing before you take that step.

1. Filing a case does not mean immediate hearing.

Most people often expect that once a case is filed, the hearing would occur in a day or two.

However, the case goes through :

• Scrutiny defects (missing documents, formatting issues)
• Registry objections
• Multiple visits before the case is even “listed”

Higher the court, more the defects hence, the time.

Sometimes, even a strong case can sit in the registry stage longer than expected if paperwork isn’t tight.

2. Documentation decides momentum ,not just merits

Again, Most people often expect that a true case would be filed almost immediately however, all relevant documents and their clear copies play a major role.

Hon'ble Delhi High Courts and the Supreme Court of India even require a translated copy of every document ( if the original document states regional language), even dimmed copies can delay the proceedings. District courts are lenient on this part but they have also proceeded with e-filing process which necessitates the correct document to be placed on record at the earliest.

Hence, always collect any document in your favour, no matter how less of a significance it might have. Courts rely heavily on documents over narration / allegations / statements.

HOW TO AVOID ?

• Ensure clear or complete cause of action
• Add a clear chronology of events
• All documents must be readable

A case with average facts but clean documentation often moves smoother than a strong case with messy paperwork.

3. Timelines are flexible.

Law suggests defined timelines for replies, filings, disposal. But in reality, adjournments (sometimes unavoidable, sometimes tactical) , Court workload, Procedural delays , irregular strikes constantly hinder the process.

Hence**,**Cases stretch. Sometimes unpredictably.

4. Opposite side strategy matters more than you think

Many people prepare only their side. But in court, it's far more important to prepare for the WORST CASE SCENARIO i.e., what if the other side plays strongly against you ?

Remember:

• Delays can be strategic
• Technical objections can stall progress
• Jurisdiction challenges can shift everything

Even a straightforward matter can become complicated depending on how the other side plays it.

5. The first impression of your case matters

Before arguments even begin:

• How your case is drafted
• How facts are structured
• How urgency is shown

-all of this shapes how the court, the opposite counsel and the other party initially views your matter. This decides the gravity and seriousness you are willing to put in the matter. Similarly, presence of a well dressed / well versed advocate makes the difference.

That first impression is hard to reverse later.

6. Choosing a Lawyer

This is often the most critical stage of the entire process. Unfortunately, it’s usually only those who either understand the stakes or have the financial capacity who prioritise engaging the right lawyer.

Most others tend to opt for a cheaper alternative, often without fully appreciating the potential consequences. That, in itself, is a discussion worth having separately. Maybe I'll post a separate thread if people think so. Let me know.

From what is commonly seen, many assume that a lower fee means the same work : same drafting, same filings, same arguments; just at a fraction of the cost. On paper, that assumption feels reasonable.

The difference, however, tends to reveal itself later, sometimes in delays, sometimes in strategy, and sometimes in outcomes that could have been handled very differently with better groundwork at the start.

7. Not every wrong has a practical legal remedy

• Some matters are legally weak despite being morally strong
• Some remedies exist on paper but are difficult to enforce quickly

8. If a Police Complaint or an FIR gets registered against you

This makes things more difficult for anyone. If the Police calls you or send you a summon, there's an entire process you need to follow to ensure your safety. Yesterday, I posted a thread informing the Dos and Donts in this regards and a great response made me post today's thread to share these details here.

In brief, Approaching court is an easy step but a lengthy process.
The difference between a smooth case and a frustrating one often comes down to preparation before filing, not arguments after. Always remember that any litigation is a lengthy process and many people consider it more of a harassment. And there's a reason behind it.

However, in certain cases there is no alternative than to approach the court seeking a relief. In such a case, be mentally prepared to include the litigation as a part and parcel of your life to run it smoothly. And be patient.

Hope this helps.

Also, choosing the right lawyer is a topic in itself and probably the most misunderstood part of litigation. Most people choose a lawyer the wrong way and realise it too late.

If people are interested, I can break down how to actually choose one (and what to avoid).

You receive a call asking your presence to visit a Police station say for "10 minutes", here's what nobody tells you about:
Most people still go without any written notice ; formal summons; or any explanation of why you’re being called. They visit Police station casually, unprepared, and unaware of what may follow. Here's some insider information for you.

Here’s what is rarely understood:

1. Informal conversations can have formal consequences.
What appears to be a casual exchange may effectively shape your recorded position.
Statements made without caution can later find their way into official narratives.

2. You lose control the moment you walk in unprepared.
At the outset, you may not even know your status ? Are you a witness, a suspect, or something in between?
That ambiguity is not harmless. It is a complete risk.

3. Pressure is subtle, not aggressive.
Contrary to popular belief, coercion is rarely loud or obvious. Be it waiting outside the cabin for hours or not allowing you to leave as per your choice.

4. “10 minutes” is rarely 10 minutes
Once you enter the police station, you are no longer operating on your own time.
What begins as a brief interaction can extend indefinitely depending on how the situation evolves.

5. Exiting is not always as simple as entering
You may have walked in voluntarily. But leaving can depend on how your interaction is interpreted and recorded.

It is imperative to understand that people do not find themselves in difficulty because they are guilty.
They find themselves in difficulty but because they are unprepared, overconfident, or unaware of the implications of their own words.

WHAT TO DO?

1. Whenever you receive a call, first always ask the reason behind the requirement of your visit. You have the right to ask and the right to know why are you being called at the Police station? Be calm and polite over the call.

2.Ask is it a Complaint or an FIR ? And who has filed it ?

3.Always refuse to meet at the time set by them but provide an alternative time, no matter how insignificant change it is. The reason behind is that the opposite party or the perpetrator might have asked the police to call you at a certain time for it's own advantage. Hence, in order to safeguard yourself, always ask to change the time and do that politely.

4. Always get a Local lawyer to accompany you.

5. Never insist the police officials to send the notice / summon to you. This only worsens things for you and most of the times, ego clash occurs.

Situations like these unfold quietly and escalate before most people even realize it.

If you’ve ever received a call like this : What did you do?