Kerala High Court Mourns Demise Of Former Justice R Bhaskaran, Recalls His 'Life Devoted To Justice And Public Service'

Chief Justice Soumen Sen described Justice Bhaskaran as a judge whose life was devoted to the cause of justice and public service. He noted that Justice Bhaskaran's judgments, particularly in civil law, were marked by clarity, sound legal reasoning and a deep understanding of legal principles.

The CJ also recalled Justice Bhaskaran's personal qualities, describing him as a man of humility, courtesy and accessibility whose noble character endeared him to everyone who interacted with him.

"Justice Bhaskaran was remembered, not only for his judicial accomplishment but also for the nobility of his character. He remained humble, courteous and accessible throughout his life. His quiet...impeccable earned him the affection of all those who had the opportunity to interact with him. The passing of Justice Bhaskaran marks the end of a life devoted to the law, Justice and public service. The legal fraternity has lost an eminent Jurist, and accomplished civil lawyer and an upright Judge. His contribution to the administration of Justice and exemplary life will continue to inspire the Bench and the Bar For years to come.” Justice Sen said.

Advocate General Jaju Babu remembered Justice Bhaskaran as a judge whose judgments reflected not only legal scholarship but also fairness, humanity and impartiality.

Recalling his years on the Bench, the Advocate General said Justice Bhaskaran earned immense respect within the legal fraternity for his patience, deep understanding of every subject and ability to hear lawyers with complete attention. Senior members of the Bar were always encouraged to present their cases fully before him, and he ensured that no argument was prematurely curtailed, he said.

The AG also highlighted Justice Bhaskaran's post-retirement contributions as an arbitrator and his commitment to environmental protection. He referred to Justice Bhaskaran's initiatives to safeguard Kerala's water bodies through public interest litigation, which later came before the National Green Tribunal, and noted that his interventions exposed environmental violations, including the dumping of waste by hospitals. His dedication to environmental causes reflected his enduring commitment to public welfare, the AG said.

KHCAA President Peyoos Kottathil said that Justice Bhaskaran remained gentle, approachable and respectful towards every advocate who appeared before him. Recalling his own experience of arguing cases before Justice Bhaskaran, Kottathil said the former judge possessed a sharp analytical mind and patiently listened to every counsel, ensuring that each litigant felt his or her case had been fully heard.

Born on July 18, 1944 in Kozhikode district, Justice Bhaskaran graduated from Government College, Madappally, before obtaining his Bachelor of Law degree from the Madras Law College.

He enrolled as an advocate on September 9, 1967, and began his legal career in Vadakara under the guidance of late Advocate C.S. Balakrishnan. In 1970, he shifted his practice to Ernakulam, where he worked as a junior to late Justice Bhaskaran Nambiar, who served as Advocate General of Kerala, Judge of the Kerala High Court and Upalokayuktha.

He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court on July 12, 2000, and became a permanent Judge on May 21, 2001. Justice Bhaskaran retired from service on attaining the age of superannuation on 18 July 2006, after rendering nearly 6 years of service.

After his retirement, Justice Bhaskaran served as Ombudsman for the Travancore and Cochin Devaswom Boards for more than eight years. He also served as Observer for the selection of the Sabarimala Melshanthi, both during and after his tenure as Ombudsman.