Legal Fraternity Hails K Parasaran as 'Living Embodiment of Dharma' in 75th Year at Bar

CHENNAI – In a remarkable celebration of a career that has spanned the life of the Indian Republic itself, former Attorney General and Senior Advocate K Parasaran was lauded by a pantheon of Supreme Court judges and legal luminaries as a moral compass for the profession and a "living embodiment of Dharma." The event, organized by the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, marked Parasaran’s platinum jubilee (75 years) at the Bar and golden jubilee (50 years) as a Senior Advocate, drawing eloquent praise for his unwavering dedication to duty, justice, and unimpeachable integrity.

Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath set the tone for the evening, describing Parasaran as a pivotal figure who has played a "stellar role in shaping modern India’s legal destiny." He noted that Parasaran's journey began when the nation was still forging its constitutional identity, making his 75-year walk "alongside the republic" a unique chronicle of India's legal evolution.

“From the very beginning of his career at the Madras Bar, he was known for two qualities that would come to define his life’s work,” Justice Nath stated. “One, unparalleled preparation and second, unimpeachable integrity.”

A Life Guided by Dharma and Duty

Justice Nath drew profound parallels between Parasaran's life and the Indian epics, comparing his career to a "modern Ramayan." He argued that the epic’s core lesson—that the performance of individual duty leads to collective good—finds its truest expression in Parasaran's professional conduct.

“In our time, Sri Parasaran ji’s life and career stand as a living embodiment of that very idea," Justice Nath declared. "His journey in the legal profession is nothing short of a modern Ramayan, of Dharma, of unwavering devotion to the duties of his calling, the duties to the court, to the client, and above all, the truth.”

Likening him to the venerable Bhishma from the Mahabharata, Justice Nath highlighted Parasaran’s selfless service and wisdom. "Like Bhishma, he has lived a life guided by Dharma, wisdom and selfless service. He never needed to raise his voice; the strength of his reason compelled the court to listen. He never sought personal glory. His humility illuminated the courtroom he entered."

This theme was further explored through Parasaran’s approach to the Ayodhya case. Justice Nath respectfully disagreed with the conventional wisdom that a lawyer must remain detached from their brief, pointing to Parasaran's passion as a crucial element of effective advocacy. “If you are not passionate about the cause you espouse, how can you persuade an impartial jury that there is merit in it?” he questioned. “The first forum of persuasion is the lawyer’s own conscience.”

Character, Humility, and a Caste-less Chamber

Adding another layer to the tribute, Supreme Court Justice MM Sundresh focused on Parasaran's character, describing his life as a "rare union of intellect, virtue and spiritual humility." He emphasized that Parasaran’s greatness is rooted not just in legal acumen but in his moral practice of Dharma , an inner order that gives meaning to law itself.

Justice Sundresh shared a powerful anecdote from Parasaran’s juniors, revealing a workspace built on equality and merit. “I have heard from his juniors that there is no discrimination in his chambers. There is no caste or creed in his office; people from across communities are all treated the same,” he said, noting that Parasaran’s office was a "family built on virtues."

Invoking a couplet from the Thirukkural, Justice Sundresh defined virtue ( aram ) as the mastery over envy, greed, anger, and hurtful speech. He argued that Parasaran is the "only living embodiment of an Andhanar," a term he clarified refers not to a Brahmin by birth, but to one who practices restraint, compassion, and selfless service—a custodian of moral order. “His religion is based on spirituality,” Justice Sundresh concluded.

The Acharya: Anecdotes of an Exemplar

The evening was also filled with personal reflections that painted a vivid picture of Parasaran the mentor and human being. Supreme Court Justice KV Viswanathan recalled how his own career began with Parasaran’s blessings at the Madras High Court in 1988. "I was captivated by his arguments and went to seek his blessings. Thus, my career began with the blessings of Mr. Parasaran," he shared.

Justice Viswanathan praised Parasaran’s divine-like preparation for cases, noting his meticulousness and ability to ensure no point ever slipped his attention. He also highlighted Parasaran’s role as an 'Acharya' to his juniors, treating them as fellow students of law.

In a light-hearted yet telling anecdote, Justice Viswanathan revealed Parasaran's unwitting role in his own marriage. His father-in-law, seeking to verify the character of a young lawyer, had made inquiries through Parasaran’s manager. "It was only after Mr Parasaran gave me a good conduct certificate that my wedding went ahead," he recounted to laughter from the audience, underscoring the deep respect and trust Parasaran commands.

In his welcome address, Justice R Mahadevan described honouring the nonagenarian legal colossus as "a privilege for all of us," praising his "unflinching allegiance to righteousness and rectitude."

Parasaran’s Counsel: Duty, Dignity, and Fair Fees

Responding to the effusive praise, K Parasaran himself offered counsel to the legal fraternity, rooted in the principles that have guided his 75-year journey. He distilled his philosophy into a simple yet profound message: "If all of us perform our duties well, no one’s rights would be affected. But all problem arises when we fail in our duties. Do your duty well; there, all the honour lies."

He urged lawyers to uphold the sanctity of the courtroom, which he described as the "institution of god or the temple of divinity." He advised advocates to argue with the presumption that the judge knows more than them and to "never be aggressive when answering a judge," emphasizing the need to maintain the highest dignity of the court.

Addressing a contemporary issue, Parasaran also touched upon the rising fees of senior advocates. Recalling a former Chief Justice's observation that some now charge "a king’s ransom," he urged lawyers to charge only what is necessary while acknowledging the legitimate expenses they face.

The event, attended by a host of other dignitaries including Supreme Court judges and the Attorney General for India, served not only as a felicitation but as a powerful reaffirmation of the timeless virtues that underpin the legal profession. As Advocate General PS Raman noted, reflecting on Parasaran’s fire in the belly during the Ayodhya case, “If we are able to get just a small spark of that fire, we shall all feel greatly blessed.”