Kerala High Court Mourns Demise Of Its Former Judge Justice S Siri Jagan

Kerala High Court on Tuesday (January 27) conducted a full court obituary reference to mourn the demise of former judge, Justice S. Siri Jagan, who passed away on Saturday (January 24).

Justice Jagan had served the Kerala High Court for a period of 9 years, spanning from 2005 to 2014. He also served as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi, during 2023-2025.

"During his 9 years of service on the bench, Justice Siri Jagan discharged his duties with exemplary fidelity to the oath of office. The judicial record bears ample testimony to his handling of several significant matters that he has dealt with and earned a reputation for compassion, accessibility and an unwavering commitment to social justice. He also made valuable contributions to the administration of this Court," said Chief Justice Soumen Sen.

Justice Sen's speech also touched upon the late judge's approachable nature and activism in social causes:

"Known for his soft-spoken demeanour, exceptional patience and attentive listening, Justice Siri Jagan earned wide-spread respect and approachability among litigants, lawyers and colleagues alike. His ability to arrive at fair and lawful solutions while upholding the high standards of judicial integrity remains a defining hallmark of his legacy...During his tenure, he frequently initiated suo motu public interest litigations to address urgent social concerns, particularly in areas relating to public welfare, environmental protection, safety, administrative accountability and constitutional rights. His judgments reflected a pragmatic blend of legal principle and real-world impact, reinforcing the judiciary as a guardian of public interest. Following his retirement, Justice Siri Jagan continued to contribute significantly to public life and governance."

Next, Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup spoke about Justice Jagan and his friendship with him. He recalled the occasion of Justice Jagan's facilitation when he was newly sworn in where the AG had the occasion to speak as the then President of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA).

"As a judge, he was the embodiment of systematic industry, combining tireless effort with unwavering efficiency in the discharge of his judicial functions...He firmly believed that litigants who approached the courts in search of justice should receive the true benefit of judicial verdicts and that court orders should not be reduced to a mere formality or farce. Judgments bearing his name in the cause titles were in themselves sufficient to ensure due and prompt compliance...His compassion and abiding concern for the poor and downtrodden were well-recognised...His singular and sterling qualities both as a man and as a lawyer, enabled him to leave an indelible mark on the profession..."

The AG then spoke about Justice Jagan contribution in improving the alternative dispute resolution mechanism, and also of the late judge's philanthropic nature.

KHCAA President Advocate Peeyus A. Kottam also spoke on the occasion:

"Justice Siri Jagan's presence on the bench was marked by authority, discipline and unwavering integrity. It was often said within the bar that when a judgment is delivered by Justice Siri Jagan, compliance was not optional, it was inevitable. Such was the respect he commanded and the strength of character that defined his judicial persona. Beyond the robes, Justice Siri Jagan was a man of immense empathy and compassion. He remained closely associated with the activities of the Bar Association even after retirement, always extending a helping hand."

This was followed by a 2 minute-long silence to mark respect for the late judge.