Adv. Prasanth V G is the Partner of J Sagar Associates, Bangalore one of the leading national law firms.
In this talk, he comments on the need for preserving Justice VR Krishna Iyer’s philosophies and notions on law and the justice system for the generations to come.
He is in a conversation with Raniyal Niyada, Convenor, ljrfvoice.com.
Q. Justice VR Krishna Iyer was one of the most prominent Jurists of our time. Could you please explain how he influenced your career in law?
Answer: Justice Krishna Iyer had influenced me in many ways, from a certain distance. During my High School and college days in Ernakulam, I became interested in the art of debates and speeches. In relation to the same, I developed a significant interest in reading about public affairs and attending cultural programs and good speeches, particularly in the city of Ernakulam. At that stage, Justice Krishna Iyer came across as an able leader of Kerala’s socio-cultural milieu. I particularly remember the program at the BTH Hotel where Ram Jethmalani, as the law minister of India came down at the request of Justice Krishna Iyer to speak on the proposed review of the Indian Constitution. I was extremely impressed by the eloquent speech by Justice Krishna Iyer on that occasion on the Indian constitution. Thereafter, when I went over to pursue degree in law at NUJS Kolkata, Justice Krishna Iyer was understood more closely through his judgments. It is at the law school in Kolkata, away from home, that I realized what a glorious space Justice Krishna Iyer occupied in the history of this nation and in our legal discourses.
Once I got occupied with my career (originally in Delhi and later in Bangalore), listening to his speeches or reading his judgments reduced. However, from a distance, Justice Krishna Iyer continued to inspire. I used to read his writings here and there and also read reports and articles about him. It was finally when he passed away that I felt a huge sense of loss and vacuum, though I had only been an admirer from a distance.
The most inspiring aspect about his life as far as I am concerned, was the well-organized and disciplined lifestyle led by Justice Krishna Iyer even at an advanced age, dedicating his days to hard work, including by constantly reading and writing on various subjects closer to his heart. He was never inactive. Work was his passion. He has even written about how a human is born to work and not to idle. He was inspirational at the level of someone who is a true model for our personality development.
Q. As you might be aware, there is a recent move to sell his home, a place that witnessed the evolution of many philosophies and case laws. How do you respond to this recent move to sell his house?
Answer: I am truly saddened by the uncertainties associated with the future of that residence once it changes hands. To me, though I was not close to him at a personal level or visited him at his residence, ‘Sathgamaya’ stands as a monument of significance in our social and cultural life.
I had gone over to the gate of ‘Sathgamaya’ many times in the last few years after the demise of Justice Krishna Iyer, and silently communicated my deep level of respect and adoration. It is a space where one of the greatest personalities to have ever been born in our history had lived and worked. It also worked as a temple of justice for the poor and the needy outside the regular courts since a large number of people used to take recourse to him for various reasons. To my mind, ‘Sathgamaya’ is not just a house. It has got a unique significance, which needs to be remembered, cherished, and celebrated.
Q. Obviously, the house is still a private property. What do you suggest as an alternative to this conundrum?
Answer: I can only think of two things. The first is that the government may be persuaded to purchase it and preserve it in the manner in which museums or residences of historical personalities are preserved. The second is that a lawyer, a group of lawyers, or any organization involved in the field of law or social services purchases it and continues to use it, without doing any major alteration or damage to the structure, as a place where legal activities or services are carried on.
Q. I hope you are aware of LJRF’s initiative of sending across a request to the Kerala Govt. to acquire the property and establish a ‘Research Centre on Probation- Reforms and Legal Aid’ in memory of Justice V. R Krishna Iyer. How do you respond to this?
Answer: It is a great suggestion. I respond to it with wholehearted support and enthusiasm.
Q. As a prominent lawyer, yourself what suggestions can you give to further aid LJRF’s new campaign venture.
Answer: I do not consider myself a prominent lawyer. As far as LJRF’s campaign in relation to ‘Sathgamaya’ is concerned, I would think of it as a God-given mission successfully accomplished, if LJRF is able to successfully win in this matter.
Q. Do you have any other suggestions on how to impart the wisdom and knowledge of Justice Iyer to the young and upcoming members of the legal fraternity?
Answer: Justice Krishna Iyer needs to be celebrated through his judgments. He also needs to be introduced to our youngsters by constantly throwing light on his relentless services and contributions to various social causes, particularly after his retirement. Please try to read the foreword written by Justice Michael Kirby from Australia to the biography of Justice Iyer. It shows the great levels of admiration he earned from the global community of jurists. Young and upcoming members of the legal fraternity should be made to understand that someone like Justice Krishna Iyer is not born frequently. Forgetting him easily is a sin done to ourselves.
Q. Any other comments or suggestions?
Answer: If this mission succeeds, we will be reiterating that the value of something is not merely its real estate value. There are justified values deeply entrenched in sentiments and they also need to be honored in our history.
Team LJRF Voice extends our gratitude to Adv. Prasanth VG for his cooperation and wishes him the best for the future.
