CHENNAI:Eminent personalities from various walks of life recalled the impartiality shown by late Justice P S Kailasam while delivering judgements, the brevity and clarity in his verdicts, his benevolence, and also the austerity measures he followed in his personal life. They also recalled his contributions to the Judiciary during his birth centenary celebrations held on September 12.
Justice Kailasam was born on September 12, 1915 and studied in Ramakrishna Mission Students’ Home, P S High School, Mylapore, Chennai. He became an advocate in 1938 and worked in the offices of P V Rajamannar, Chief Justice Madras High Court and K Subbarao, Chief Justice, Supreme Court. He also practised in Chennai as Public Prosecutor and Advocate-General in 1960. He was appointed as a Judge in Madras High Court in October 1960 and he was elevated as Chief Justice in 1976. Later, he became a Judge in the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice of Madras High Court S K Kaul released a commemorative stamp on Justice Kailasam and said that independent, fearless people should be appointed as Judges. “If that is done, the system will evolve for the better,” he said and urged people to not lose faith in the Judiciary. Many speakers at the event underscored the need for Judiciary to be impartial and compared the situation that prevailed during the Justice Kailasam’s reign and the current atmosphere which gives room for allegations.
Speaking on the occasion, lyricist and poet Vairamuthu said “The Judiciary is watching the society and remember, the society also watching the Judiciary. There are some Judges who remain as incarnation of Lord Rama throughout their career and people are afraid of levelling any charges against them. But six months before their tenure comes to an end, if they sell their honesty, what would happen to this country? By what name we can address such Judges?” P Chidambaram, former Finance Minister and son-in-law of Justice Kailasam, N Ram, Kasturi and Sons Chairman, industrialist Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty, P R Gokulakrishnan former Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court, and the family members of Justice Kailasam spoke on the occasion.