Key Facts
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – The Madras Bar Association (MBA) on Monday felicitated Justice V. Mohana, the first woman from Tamil Nadu to be directly elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. The event also marked the inauguration of an MBA Endowment Lecture Series honoring four legendary lawyers: M.K. Nambyar, V.P. Raman, R. Krishnamoorthy, and M. Subramaniam.
Details of the Felicitation
The ceremony was held in the presence of Madras High Court Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and other companion judges. Justice Mohana was honored for her historic elevation, which broke new ground for women from the state in the highest judiciary.
Endowment Lecture Series
Justice Mohana launched the lecture series paying tribute to four doyens of the Madras Bar. She highlighted their contributions to constitutional law and legal practice.
- M.K. Nambyar: Justice Mohana described him as a 'constitutional visionary' who, despite starting as a trial lawyer, rose to great heights. She noted that the seeds of the 'basic structure' doctrine were sown by Nambyar, who is the grandfather of current Advocate-General Vijay Narayan.
- V.P. Raman: She called him a 'brilliant lawyer' who holds the record as the youngest Advocate-General of Tamil Nadu and the first south Indian to be appointed as an Additional Solicitor General. He is the father of former Advocate-General P.S. Raman.
- R. Krishnamoorthy: Justice Mohana praised him as the 'leader of the Bar' and a gentleman lawyer who served twice as Advocate-General under different dispensations. She noted that such a rare honour is now being repeated with current Advocate-General Vijay Narayan.
- M. Subramaniam: She hailed him as a methodical man who passed on values from his senior Govind Swaminathan to his juniors. She expressed happiness that his son Arvind Subramaniam now practices at the Madras High Court.
Impact and Significance
Justice Mohana's elevation marks a milestone for gender representation in the Supreme Court, particularly for Tamil Nadu. The endowment lecture series aims to preserve the legacy of these legal stalwarts and inspire future generations of lawyers.
What Readers Should Know
The event underscores the rich legal heritage of the Madras Bar and the continuing contributions of its members to constitutional jurisprudence. The 'basic structure' doctrine, a cornerstone of Indian constitutional law, has roots in arguments advanced by M.K. Nambyar.
FAQ
Who is Justice V. Mohana?
Justice V. Mohana is the first woman from Tamil Nadu to be directly elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
What event did the Madras Bar Association organize?
The Madras Bar Association felicitated Justice V. Mohana and inaugurated an Endowment Lecture Series in memory of four legal doyens: M.K. Nambyar, V.P. Raman, R. Krishnamoorthy, and M. Subramaniam.
What did Justice Mohana say about M.K. Nambyar?
Justice Mohana said M.K. Nambyar was an example of how a trial lawyer could become a 'constitutional visionary' and that he sowed the seeds of the 'basic structure' doctrine.