The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Rich tributes paid to Govind Swaminadhan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Rich tributes paid to Govind Swaminadhan

Special Correspondent

Chief Justice A.P. Shah unveils portrait of the former Advocate-General

REMEMBERING A DOYEN: A.P. Shah, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, unveiling the portrait of S. Govind Swaminadhan on the Madras High Court library annexe building in Chennai on Monday. (From left) Fali S. Nariman and Habibullah Badsha, senior advocates, and T.V. Ramanujun, president, Madras Bar Association, are in the picture. — Photo: S. S. Kumar

CHENNAI: Rich tributes were paid to the late S. Govind Swaminadhan, a former Advocate-General and president of the Madras Bar Association on the occasion of the unveiling of his portrait here on Monday.

At a function organised by the MBA, speakers who included Chief Justice A.P. Shah and Supreme Court senior advocate Fali S. Nariman said Swaminadhan was a multi-faceted personality. He was one of the giants of the Madras Bar.

Unveiling the portrait, Mr. Shah said Swaminadhan was known for his quiet and unostentatious manner and his uprightness and characteristic qualities, personal and professional.

His name and fame spread widely. He set a high standard for himself, setting an example for others.

Quoting from the book, `The gentleman lawyer,' a collection of tributes to Swaminadhan, which was released by Mr. Nariman, the Chief Justice said writing about her father Swaminadhan, Srilata had said his honesty and integrity were known to all. She also recalled that when Madras High Court lawyers went on strike, Swaminadhan refused to join them on the ground that if an advocate took fees from a client, his first duty was towards him. The advocate must represent him, come what may, or he should return the fees.

Unflinching courage

Swaminadhan displayed unflinching courage and steadfastness of purpose at all times, especially at the most testing times, including when the review petition for hearing the Kesavananda Bharati case came up before the Supreme Court.

Mr. Shah handed over a cheque for Rs.25,000 to Maya Gaitonde, honorary secretary, Bala Mandir, of which Swaminadhan had been president. He also released the MBA directory, handing over the first copy to MBA president T.V. Ramanujun.

Describing Swaminadhan as an accomplished advocate who brought lustre to the office of the Advocate-General, Mr. Nariman said he was one among the few Advocate-Generals who made it a point to appear in all cases concerning his government. His advocacy was just like his demeanour.

His voice was mellifluous and resonant and he was one of the most impressive advocates in court.

He was talented, independent and one with high principles.

In the advocate profession, there was a continuum. It spoke of great advocates and old times and it inspired budding advocates. The tradition should be preserved.

In his introductory address, Habibullah Badsha, senior advocate, said Swaminadhan was a man of total professionalism and ethics.

Sriram Panchu, senior advocate, who introduced the book, said Swaminadhan was a successful lawyer and a gentleman of the first order.

N.L. Rajah, advocate, who presented an overview of the life of Swaminadhan, said he was a man of courage and principles.

The first copy of the book was received by Vijay Swaminadhan, son of Swaminadhan.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu

News Update

Stories in this Section