Iconic ex-judge appears as counsel
Hafiz YatimPublished: Jul 18, 2013 1:45 PM | Updated: Jul 18, 2013 2:34 PM
Former Federal Court judge, Gopal Sri Ram, appeared in the apex court as a counsel, and one lawyer described it as "an event to behold watching an icon in action".
Gopal Sri Ram makes an appearance in court as a counsel, and one lawyer describes it as 'an event to behold watching an icon in action'.
Former Federal Court judge, Gopal Sri Ram, appeared in the apex court as a counsel, and one lawyer described it as "an event to behold watching an icon in action".
It is learned this was Gopal's first appearance in court after retiring from the Federal Court in February 2010.
A lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous, said Gopal, 69, appeared in a winding up case to seek permission to appeal before a five-member bench that consisted of his peers.
"It is a vintage show by Gopal (right)," said the lawyer, adding that you cannot expect the former senior judge to keep a low profile as he is passionate about the law.
In the end, the panel allowed the leave application sought by Gopal.
Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Justice Richard Malanjum led the bench that also comprised Justices Hashim Yusof, Ahmad Maarop, Suriyadi Halim Omar and Jeffrey Tan Kok Wha.
Previously, it was reported that Gopal would appear for Perak Pakatan Rakyat in its election petition cases.
It is understood that the former Federal Court judge would appear during the preliminary objection period of these petitions in the silver state.
There has been much debate over Gopal's decision to practice law after retirement, with Bar Council chairperson Christopher Leong saying former senior judges should act as consultants rather than in court.
On the other hand, Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria said retired judges cannot be deprived of their right to appear as lawyers in court, and members of the judiciary "should not have a problem with this".
Justice Arifin said prior to this, former Lord President Salleh Abbas and former Court of Appeal judge RK Nathan had also appeared in court.
However, former UN special rapporteur on the independence of lawyers and judges, Param Cumaraswamy expressed concern as former senior judges might have an intimidating impact on the bench.
It is learned this was Gopal's first appearance in court after retiring from the Federal Court in February 2010.
A lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous, said Gopal, 69, appeared in a winding up case to seek permission to appeal before a five-member bench that consisted of his peers.
"It is a vintage show by Gopal (right)," said the lawyer, adding that you cannot expect the former senior judge to keep a low profile as he is passionate about the law.In the end, the panel allowed the leave application sought by Gopal.
Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Justice Richard Malanjum led the bench that also comprised Justices Hashim Yusof, Ahmad Maarop, Suriyadi Halim Omar and Jeffrey Tan Kok Wha.
Previously, it was reported that Gopal would appear for Perak Pakatan Rakyat in its election petition cases.
It is understood that the former Federal Court judge would appear during the preliminary objection period of these petitions in the silver state.
There has been much debate over Gopal's decision to practice law after retirement, with Bar Council chairperson Christopher Leong saying former senior judges should act as consultants rather than in court.
On the other hand, Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria said retired judges cannot be deprived of their right to appear as lawyers in court, and members of the judiciary "should not have a problem with this".
Justice Arifin said prior to this, former Lord President Salleh Abbas and former Court of Appeal judge RK Nathan had also appeared in court.
However, former UN special rapporteur on the independence of lawyers and judges, Param Cumaraswamy expressed concern as former senior judges might have an intimidating impact on the bench.
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