Supreme Court Justice V Mohana recently expressed her disbelief and gratitude at the opportunity to return to the Madras High Court, not as a student, but as a distinguished Supreme Court judge delivering a lecture. Her remarks came during a felicitation ceremony organized by the Madras Bar Association, attended by Chief Justice SA Dharmadikari of the Madras High Court. The event marked the commencement of a series of endowment lectures in honor of distinguished legal figures such as MK Nambyar, VP Raman, R Krishnamurthi, and M Subramaniam.
Justice Mohana’s Reflections
Justice Mohana described her return to the Madras High Court as both nostalgic and overwhelming. She reminisced about her early days in Chennai, beginning with her enrollment in the Tamil Nadu Bar Council on November 11, 1988. “I could never have imagined that, as a student, I would stand before you today, inaugurating an endowment lecture series,” she remarked.
She credited her professional development to the supportive legal community in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Coimbatore and Madras. “From the beginning until recently, the majority of my work has been centered in Tamil Nadu. I am proud to say that,” Justice Mohana added, acknowledging the Coimbatore Bar, the Madras Bar Association, and the Madras High Court for their role in her career growth.
Legacy of the Madras Bar Association
Justice Mohana lauded the Madras Bar Association for its significant contributions to legal research and development, emphasizing its reputation for cultivating exceptional legal talent. She encouraged the association to persist in its efforts to advance legal education and literacy, which benefit both the legal community and the nation at large.
The justice expressed optimism that the lecture series would serve as an enriching resource for both the judiciary and legal practitioners, particularly younger attorneys. She highlighted the achievements of the legal luminaries commemorated by the series, emphasizing their lasting impact on the legal landscape.
Honoring Legal Pioneers
Justice Mohana paid tribute to MK Nambyar, describing him as a trailblazer who transitioned from a trial lawyer to a constitutional visionary. She noted his early advocacy for constitutional principles in the AK Gopalan case, which, though initially unrecognized, laid the groundwork for the basic structure doctrine.
VP Raman was celebrated for his exceptional intellect and contributions to the legal field, including his roles as the youngest Public Prosecutor and Advocate General of the Madras High Court, and as the first South Indian Additional Solicitor General. Justice Mohana praised R Krishnamurthi as a model leader and gentleman lawyer who served as Advocate General across different administrations, known for his equitable and kind treatment of all members of the Bar.
Justice Mohana also honored M Subramaniam, commending his methodical approach to law and belief in the social responsibilities inherent in advocacy.
