Justice K.Chandru retired from Madras High Court on March 8 on completion of 62 years. Many judges are retiring. So what is special about this retirement ? Yes, there is some thing very special.
Justice Chandru broke away from the tradition of a farewell meeting, customary speeches on the virtues(?) of the retiring judge, memento, high tea or dinner, and a photo session. He did not prefer these customary practices . 84 years ago in 1929 a judge of the Madras High Court MGH Jackson did the same.
Justice Chandru set high ethical standards as a judge. On the day he became a permanent judge he declared his assets( November 9,2011 ) He did the same on the day of his retirement. Perhaps the only judge to do so. He discontinued the practice of the red-capped mace bearer accompanying him as a judge in the portals of the Court. He also did not need the police officer's security support. He advised the advocates to address him as Sir instead of My Lord ; but most did not prefer to do so. On New Year Day and on other festival occasions the gates of his official residence remained closed with a placard on display: " No deities here,so no flowers
No one is hungry here, so no sweets
No one is shivering, so no shawls.
We need only your best wishes."
On the last day in office, he handed over the keys of the official car, wore simple dress , walked to the suburban railway station ,and boarded an electric train to his house.
Justice Chandru was an advocate who argued many cases for the poor clients without any fees. He practised labour law admirably. His Marxist orientation and commitment to human rights made him popular. As a teacher I had the benefit of his professional guidance for no fees. When the students of social work protested against the move of the government to evict the pavement dwelling families on the footpaths of Loyola College without any plan, he along with my colleague Dr Henry D'Souza( now Professor of Social Work at the University of Omaha) filed a petition before the High Court. The arbitrary eviction plan was stayed and they were shifted to an alternative site.
Justice Chandru proposes to devote his time for legal guidance, writing and social welfare. Known as a "People's Judge " the services of this good person is needed for our society for many, many years,
Justice Chandru broke away from the tradition of a farewell meeting, customary speeches on the virtues(?) of the retiring judge, memento, high tea or dinner, and a photo session. He did not prefer these customary practices . 84 years ago in 1929 a judge of the Madras High Court MGH Jackson did the same.
Justice Chandru set high ethical standards as a judge. On the day he became a permanent judge he declared his assets( November 9,2011 ) He did the same on the day of his retirement. Perhaps the only judge to do so. He discontinued the practice of the red-capped mace bearer accompanying him as a judge in the portals of the Court. He also did not need the police officer's security support. He advised the advocates to address him as Sir instead of My Lord ; but most did not prefer to do so. On New Year Day and on other festival occasions the gates of his official residence remained closed with a placard on display: " No deities here,so no flowers
No one is hungry here, so no sweets
No one is shivering, so no shawls.
We need only your best wishes."
On the last day in office, he handed over the keys of the official car, wore simple dress , walked to the suburban railway station ,and boarded an electric train to his house.
Justice Chandru was an advocate who argued many cases for the poor clients without any fees. He practised labour law admirably. His Marxist orientation and commitment to human rights made him popular. As a teacher I had the benefit of his professional guidance for no fees. When the students of social work protested against the move of the government to evict the pavement dwelling families on the footpaths of Loyola College without any plan, he along with my colleague Dr Henry D'Souza( now Professor of Social Work at the University of Omaha) filed a petition before the High Court. The arbitrary eviction plan was stayed and they were shifted to an alternative site.
Justice Chandru proposes to devote his time for legal guidance, writing and social welfare. Known as a "People's Judge " the services of this good person is needed for our society for many, many years,
Dear sir
ReplyDeletei am very much impressed by justice chandru and his commitment to the society . i like- no deities here, so no flower ................. thanks for your write up in your blog about justice chandru.
Ramesha , niratanka
Again, Prof, a great role model, wish there were more like him.
ReplyDelete