Senior Advocate NL Rajah has been appointed as the legal advisor to the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, on a pro bono basis. The announcement was made by the Governor’s Secretariat and detailed in office proceedings dated September 2. The document clarifies that this role does not include any form of financial compensation, such as remuneration, salary, or honorarium. However, Rajah will have the privilege to undertake official travel both within Tamil Nadu and beyond, contingent upon receiving specific approval from the Governor, and subject to the directives of the Tamil Nadu government.
This appointment, effective immediately, will remain in place until further notice. Rajah’s statement, ‘Judges and lawyers don’t own the Constitution, citizens do,’ resonates with his dedication to public service.
NL Rajah began his distinguished legal career after enrolling as an advocate in 1986, following his graduation from Madras Law College. He initially worked under former Tamil Nadu Advocate General S Govind Swaminadhan. In 2016, he was honored with the designation of Senior Advocate by the Madras High Court. Rajah has a rich background in commercial litigation, arbitration, constitutional and writ matters, consumer law, and energy law.
Beyond his courtroom accomplishments, Rajah is a founding director of the Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre and has contributed to the Madras High Court’s Heritage Committee and Arbitration Committee. His involvement with the Law Commission of India saw him participate in an expert committee reviewing amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.
Rajah’s passion extends to the history and heritage of the Madras High Court. He has edited several books focused on the court’s history and architecture and is known for his involvement in heritage walks within the High Court campus.
For those interested, an interview with NL Rajah conducted in 2024 can be accessed here. The official notification regarding his appointment can be read here.
