Sri Ram’s widow fails to strike out RM200,000 legal fee refund suit
High Court says the dispute over legal fees paid to the late judge-turned-lawyer raises issues that require a full trial.
The High Court in Kuala Lumpur has dismissed a legal challenge by the widow of ex-Federal Court judge Gopal Sri Ram against a RM200,000 refund claim for attorney fees. Justice Alice Loke determined that the claim was not clearly unfounded and should be allowed to proceed to a full hearing. Khoo Gee Tat, whose son Adrian was represented by Sri Ram in a 2022 criminal appeal, paid four installments totaling RM200,000 to Messrs Sri Ram.
However, Sri Ram passed away on January 29, 2023, before the appeal was completed. The widow, Chandra Sri Ram, attempted to have the suit dismissed, arguing that Gee Tat was not Sri Ram's client. However, Loke rejected this, stating that Gee Tat had engaged Sri Ram, paid the retainer, received the invoice, and communicated with him about the appeal.
She also rejected arguments that the claim was barred by res judicata or was frivolous and vexatious. The complex dispute over whether the RM200,000 is refundable will now be resolved in a full hearing.
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- Sri Ram’s widow fails to strike out RM200,000 legal fee refund suit freemalaysiatoday.com
