He made justice more human

Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy paying respects to V.R. Krishna Iyer, who died in Kochi on Thursday. Photo: Vipin Chandran

Time and tide wait for no man. A colossus has passed away with the demise of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer. He completed 99 years on November 15, 2014 and the celebratory events were hardly complete when the sudden news about his passing away broke on December 4.

His contribution as a jurist who revolutionised Indian jurisprudence by striking out new directions in the quest for justice will never be surpassed. He persuaded his colleagues in the apex court to fashion a new jurisprudence and encouraged the liberalisation of access to justice by jettisoning the old

locus standi rule. The disadvantaged, the underprivileged and the Indian public owe him a debt of unrivalled gratitude for making justice more human and the apex court more humane.

His demeanour sitting as a judge was full of compassion, empathy and courtesy. His suggestions for a reasonable settlement were disarming but gentle and persistent and won graceful accommodation even from intractable governmental authorities.

His priceless legacy and invaluable contributions in public causes and controversies and his forceful interventions in favour of the underprivileged will forever be acknowledged as shining contributions enriching Indian society.

His powerful voice on great public issues has been stilled forever but will always be heard through his voluminous writings and powerful judgments in favour of the rule of law based on human rights and social justice. These will inspire generations to come.

In my article in The Hindu published on November 15, 2014 (his last birthday), I wrote: “Justice Krishna Iyer’s crowning glory and finest hour were after retirement. He spurned the lure of pelf and power and governmental patronage and became an unrivalled champion of social justice, constitutional values and the rule of law. He blossomed into an iconic and inspirational figure both nationally and internationally.”

His longing for his late and loving wife, Sarada, who passed away in 1975, led Justice Krishna Iyer to communicate with her through spiritual mediums.

If there was ever a legal luminary to be honoured with a Bharat Ratna, there would be no better choice than the late Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer.

(The author is a senior advocate)