Warm reception to CJI K G Balakrishnan

Kottayam, Jan 5 (UNI) A warm reception was accorded to Chief Justice of India (CJI) K G Balakrishnan when he visited the Kottayam bar for the first time after assuming charge as the Chief Justice of the country.

The Chief Justice recalled his experience in Kottayam as an advocate and the support he received from Adv Varkey and others. He also recalled the cross-examination style of noted criminal lawyer M Thomas in the Kottayam bar. The experience gained here helped him to continue in the legal profession, he added.

Justice Balakrishnan started his career as an advocate under veteran civil lawyer late V J Varkey here on March 16, 1968.

The Chief Justice lauded the bar association members for keeping the judiciary 'corruption free'. Citing noted lawyer Fali S Nariman's comments on the lawyers' behaviour in Kerala High Court, the Chief Justice praised them for their decency.

He unveiled the portrait of the late V J Varkey in the Bar Association Hall.

A reception was also given to Karnataka Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph who had practiced as an advocate at Kottayam from October 1968 to November 1969.

Former Supreme Court Judge Justice K T Thomas, District Judge R Natarajan, leaders of the bar association and family members of the late Adv V J Varkey also participated.

UNI VST GKT SBC HS1254