Kerala High Court Mourns Demise Of Former Judge Justice K. John Mathew

After retirement, Justice Mathew was designated Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court and he continued his practice in New Delhi till 2003. He was head of the Government Commission setup to study the effects of Mineral Sand Mining along the coasts of Kerala and also the Chairperson of the Selection Committee under the Juvenile Justice Act. He was also appointed a SEBI Nominee Director and Chairman of the Cochin Stock Exchange after his tenure as judge.

A Full Court reference was held today at the Chief Justice's Court at 10:15 a.m. with members of the bench and the bar paying their respects.

“Justice John Mathew is remembered for his calm and gentle demeanour, which embodied cordiality, humility and dignity...Justice John Mathew's career in this Court reflected the values of hard work, humility and dedication to the justice delivery system. He discharged his duties and responsibilities in the true spirit of the oath he had taken...May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar, speaking on the occasion.

Remembering his own experience of appearing before the late judge, Advocate General Gopalakrisha Kurup reminisced:

"A personification of humility, he was affable to one and all...Never did he allow the pressures of the bench to disturb his calm demeanour. Indeed, no one can recall an occasion when he lost his composure in court...We bow in grief at the passing of the exceptional legal mind and a compassionate soul whose life stood as shining example of integrity, humility and a true spirit of the legal profession. I share the sorrow of his Lordship's family and offer my deepest condolences. May His Lordship's noble soul rest in everlasting peace." 

The Advocate General also made a mention about the record disposal of cases in the late Justice Mathew's court. His disposal of 28,221 cases in 209 working days in the year 1989 earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records. Disposal of 2019 cases in a span of 4 days in June 1989, and 607 cases in a single day in the Company Jurisdiction was also noted as a Record.

Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) President, Adv. Yeshwant Shenoy recalled an incident that showed the late judge's utmost loyalty to his constitutional duties. He remembered that Justice Mathew, after attending the funeral rites of his wife, went straight to the polling booth to cast his vote in the elections.

"On behalf of the KHCAA, I extend our deep condolences to his bereaved family. May they find solace in the knowledge that his life was one of profound purpose and enduring impact. Let us commit ourselves to honouring his memory by upholding his values he cherished: integrity in practice, excellence in advocacy, compassion in our dealings and unwavering commitment to justice for all. The bar has lost a legend. Kerala has lost a distinguished son and the nation lost a constitutional luminary but his example remains with us a beacon to guide our path. May Justice Mathew's soul rest in eternal peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him," he added.