Date:25/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/25/stories/2005072516000300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Acquire knowledge on all subjects, lawyers told

Staff Reporter

MADURAI: The Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Markandey Katju, inaugurated a state-of-the-art library with 24-hour access to an online legal database at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court Bar Association here on Sunday. The air-conditioned library is also equipped with books worth several lakhs of rupees and six high-end computers besides various other facilities.

Delivering his inaugural address at the function, Mr. Katju said that apart from law books, lawyers should also read general books such as Shakespeare's works, books on world history, economic theory, etc. Appealing to them to lead the country on the path of development, he added, "Unlike any other profession, a lawyer deals with a variety of social problems and he knows the pulse of the society. Hence, lawyers should give leadership and render service to the nation and for that they must have a wide knowledge on all subjects."

Pointing out that many have given up the habit of reading books, K.P. Sivasubramaniam, judge, said, "Today we are not attached to the law of precedent and that is why slowly books are losing their importance." A. Kulasekaran, judge, urged all other associations to follow the efforts made by the bar association in setting up a library.

While S.K. Krishnan, judge, who spoke in Tamil, wished the lawyers a successful career in the Bench, M. Thanikachalam, judge, recalled the lack of interest shown by many young lawyers in his court and urged them to equip themselves better. S.R. Singharavelu, judge, said that arbitration and conciliation should be given first importance before moving on to the adversary system.

Advocate General N.R. Chandran spoke on the need for unity among lawyers. "This Bench is similar to a temple car and you should pull it united." Senior Counsels R. Krishnamurthy, T.R. Mani, and T.V. Ramanujam; Vinod Surana of Surana & Surana international attorneys; and Jeppiar, Chancellor, Sathyabama Deemed University, were among those who spoke.

Isaac Mohanlal and Rajagobal, office-bearers of the bar association felicitated the donors to the library. While Mr. Jeppiar donated books worth Rs.5 lakhs and promised to set up another computer section, Surana & Surana donated six modern computers to the association.