Karnataka - Bangalore

Judge dedicates award to lawyers

Staff Reporter

Too much devotion to profession is bad, says C.H. Hanumantharaya

Bangalore: "The Rajyotsava Award that was given to me by the State Government actually belongs to lawyers' fraternity (sic)," said C.H. Hanumantharaya, judge, after accepting the felicitation by Advocates Academy here on Thursday.

He said he learnt a great deal about the profession by observing his seniors, especially his teacher Devadas and advocate Karpagam Kamath. He said that too much devotion to the profession was bad, although there could be certain successes and there were several things that might be lost in the process. "There are many who may disagree with me, but I know several people who have realised this rather late and have regretted for doing so," he said.

Kannada Development Authority president and MLC Siddalingaiah, who was the chief guest, said that Mr. Hanumantharaya had fought for the cause of Kannada and citizens' rights.

"He has helped several Bandaya authors and poets. He always upheld the pride of the noble profession. Through his autobiography, he has shown that even law is an art," he said.

Karnataka High Court judge K.L. Manjunath said that he had a long association with Mr. Hanumantharaya. "We have known each other for more than 30 years. I am happy to be present when he is being felicitated," he said.

He said that he and Mr. Hanumantharaya had fought for the cause of Kannada and offered their legal services to various Kannada literary associations and writers. "Both of us have long been known for this.

Although English is the official language at the High Court, we have always encouraged young advocates from rural areas to argue their case in Kannada," he said.

He urged the Government to identify advocates who continued to fight for the cause of Kannada and honour them.

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