Kerala High Court Bids Farewell To Justices PV Asha, Sudheendra Kumar

The Kerala High Court on Friday witnessed the rare event of two judges retiring on the same day.

Justices PV Asha and B Sudheendra Kumar had their last working day on Friday (May 28). Incidentally, both of them were classmates at Government Law College, Ernakulam. A reference was organized for their farewell, within limited audience considering the COVID-19 restrictions. The event was live-streamed on YouTube.

Justice PV Asha was elevated from the bar and was sworn in as a judge of the High Court on May 21, 2014. She attained nation wide acclaim with her landmark verdict which held that right to internet was a part of right to privacy and right to education. Recently, Justice Asha delivered a verdict directing the Election Commission to complete the election process to Rajya Sabha seats from Kerala during the term of the previous assembly itself.

In her farewell address, Justice Asha mentioned that only 3 women judges have been appointed to the Kerala High Court in its history of 64 years, and expressed the hope to see more women representation. She said that "erudite and competent young women lawyers, dedicated to the profession, are available in abundance in the bar".

'Only 3 Women Judges From Bar In Kerala HC In 64 Years; Many Competent Women Lawyers Available' : Outgoing Judge Justice PV Asha

Justice B Sudheendra Kumar, elevated from the subordinate judiciary, was appointed as High Court judge on April 10, 2015.  He was appointed as District and Sessions Judge in 2001. He has served as Addl. District Judge-II, Thiruvananthapuram, Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance), Calicut. He has also served as Registrar, Supreme Court of India, New Delhi. He has served as Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Kasaragod and Calicut, Registrar, Railway Claims Tribunal, New Delhi and District and Sessions Judge, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur.

In his farewell speech, Justice Sudheendra Kumar referred to Article 51A(j) of the Constitution, which speaks of the fundamental duty of a citizen to strive for excellence, and said that lawyers should be vibrant and dynamic to respond to the changing needs of the society.

The farewell reference may be watched here :