“True Strength Of High Court Lies In Exceptionally Efficient And Erudite Bar”: Kerala High Court Justice K. Babu In Farewell Address

Members of the Bench, Bar, and legal fraternity gathered in full strength ahead of the court's annual vacation to pay tribute to Justice K Babu.

In his farewell address Justice Babu emphasised that the strength of the High Court lies in its exceptionally efficient and erudite Bar.

“The true strength of the High Court lies in the exceptionally efficient and erudite Bar. It is heartening to see a new generation of promising young lawyers including many accomplished women who enrich its vitality. They deserved our continued encouragement, support and protection.” Justice Babu said.

He acknowledged the support of his family, mentors, colleagues, and the Bar in his farewell address.

“At this moment I recall with deep gratitude my mentors Adv. N. Vishwanathan and late Adv. Ramchandran Nair, whose guidance and encouragement has profoundly shaped my journey. I am also reminded of the luminous presence of late Justice Thottathil Radhakrishnan, whose memory continues to inspire and guide me.” he added

He also lauded the High Court Registry for its professionalism and extended thanks to court staff and officers for their unwavering support throughout his career.

Justice Babu, born in Thevannoor in Kollam, began his legal career as an advocate, building a strong practice in Kottarakkara and Kollam, particularly in civil law. His transition to the judiciary came in 2009 when he topped the inaugural Kerala Higher Judicial Service Examination.

Over nearly 12 years as a District Judge and more than five years as a High Court judge, Justice Babu served in several key capacities, including as Additional District Judge in Thalassery, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam, and as Special Judge for CBI cases in Ernakulam. He has served as a Special Commissioner of the Sabarimala Temple and later as Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

He also served as Registrar (Subordinate Judiciary) in the High Court of Kerala and as Registrar (Officer on Special Duty) in the Supreme Court of India.

Elevated as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court on February 25, 2021, and confirmed as a permanent judge on June 6, 2022, Justice Babu delivered numerous well-reasoned judgments across constitutional, civil, criminal, administrative, and labour law domains.

Chief Justice Soumen Sen noted that Justice Babu disposed of over 8,400 cases during his tenure, leaving behind a body of work marked by diligence and fidelity to judicial duty. “His judgments bear testimony to his strong sense of justice and commitment to the oath he took,” the Chief Justice observed, describing him as embodying the values of integrity, restraint, and responsibility.

“A judge must embody integrity, impartiality and a deep commitment to Justice at all times, brother Justice Babu.. his work has been characterised by restraint and a deep sense of responsibility reflecting the true spirit of Judicial office. The manner in which he has carried himself has enforced the values of propriety and commitment that are integral to the institution..” he added

Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup, speaking at the reference, described Justice Babu as a calm, soft-spoken jurist who consistently exemplified excellence throughout his career.

He added that Justice Babu has nurtured an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness in courtrooms ensuring that every counsel was heard with patience and fairness.

“You listened attentively to the submissions of lawyers, giving them sufficient opportunity to present their cases without unnecessary interruptions of pertainment. No lawyer would have ever left your courtroom with a feeling that he/she could not present the case represented to his or her satisfaction. Thus encouraging, participatory, adjudication process, you promoted clarity, thoroughness and professionalism in advocacy, which in turn enabled you to arrive at well reasoned judgments.” Kurup added.

Additional Solicitor General P. Sreekumar remarked that Justice Babu brought to the Bench vast experience and a deep commitment to justice, combining legal rigor with compassion.

“He ensured that the application of law was guided not only by technical correctness but also by fairness and equity,” he said.

Adv. Peeyush A. Kottam, President of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association, described Justice Babu as “one of the calmest judges” they had appeared before.

“His courtroom was a space of dignity, discipline, and encouragement, where every lawyer felt heard,” he said.

“Your tenure will remain as a golden era, the grace with which his lordship handle matters, that clarity in approach, his impeccable temperament and his remarkable patience, especially towards young lawyers, made his Court room not only a place of adjudication but also a place of learning and growth.” he added.