Rarest of the rare “Classmates Bench” in High Court of Kerala

When they studied in the same class at Government Law College, Ernakulam, they might never have dreamt of being Judges together at the Honourable High Court of Kerala. But destiny had decided that five of the classmates are Judges at the same time and it would be more colourful if destiny has also decided to constitute a division bench with them only, in the coming days! They are Justice V.K.Mohanan, Justice C.K.Abdul Rahim, Justice P.R.Ramachandra Menon, Justice A.M.Shaffique and Justice P.V.Asha who is the latest entrant to the Bench.

The 1979-82 LL.B Batch of Government Law College, Ernakulam is blessed with a rare honour of having five of their classmates as Judges of the Honourable High Court of Kerala. They can boast of being a unique Batch and may not have any competitors in Kerala or even in India. It was Justice V.K.Mohanan who became the first Judge from the Batch. Justice C.K.Abdul Rahim and Justice P.R.Ramachandra Menon followed him to the Bench. Later Justice A.M.Shaffique joined them. Justice P.V.Asha, the lone female was recently sworn in as a Judge on 21-05-2014.

Their Class had strength of 100 and six of them are no more. Senior Advocates and known Politicians have already given much fame to the Class. A gathering of classmates was organized in the year 2007 by Justice C.K.Abdul Rahim and 70 of the 100 had participated. An alumni association was formed in the name LACE ’82 and their latest gathering was organized on 17^th February 2013. The friends are now planning a colourful event to celebrate the elevation of Justice P.V.Asha.

The Government Law College, Ernakulam, formerly known as ‘His Highness the Maharajas Law College’ was established in 1874 by the Maharajah of Travancore. This year will be a milestone in its history with the rarest of the rare “division bench” of five classmate judges sitting together at the Honourable High Court of Kerala.

Boris Paul is a practicing lawyer.

Legal News India, Kerala High Court News, Indian Legal News.