Mahadev Shankar: A life devoted to justice, integrity and public service
KUALA LUMPUR: More than two decades ago, the late former Court of Appeal judge Datuk Mahadev Shankar wrote that death would be meaningless if it did not put life into perspective.
Datuk Mahadev Shankar, a revered legal figure in Malaysia, passed away at the age of 94 on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to justice and public service. The Malaysian Bar president, Anand Raj, paid tribute to Mahadev, describing him as a towering figure whose contributions extended far beyond the courtroom. Raj lamented the passing of a man whose life was dedicated to the law, emphasizing that his life serves as an exemplary model for those in the legal profession.
Throughout his six-decade career, Mahadev was widely respected for his sharp judicial mind, mastery of multiple languages, and steadfast dedication to justice. He criticized delays in the judicial system, warning that litigants often received judgments so late that their victories became meaningless. In a 1998 judgment, Mahadev expressed concern over the perception of bias in legal outcomes, stating that lawyers found stealing from their clients should be struck off the Rolls.
Mahadev's legal journey began in England when he was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple in 1955. He later became an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1956 and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a partner at Shearn Delamore & Co by the age of 29. He also held the position of Bar Council member for several terms between 1965 and 1973. In 1979, he played a crucial role in clearing the High Court's backlog of cases as one of 13 appointed judicial commissioners.
Mahadev's tenure as a High Court judge from 1983 to 1994 and his subsequent appointment to the Court of Appeal showcased his exceptional legal acumen. Beyond the Bench, he served on three Royal Commissions of Inquiry, including those investigating the injuries sustained by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 1999 and the contentious V.K. Lingam video clip in 2007. Additionally, he was among the founding commissioners of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) from 2000 to 2002.
In recognition of his lifetime achievements, the Malaysian Bar awarded Mahadev its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Anand Raj also recalled Mahadev's emphasis on the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, stating that the judiciary must have the confidence of the community, not just in terms of actual bias, but also the perception of bias. The Bar extended its condolences to Mahadev's wife, Datin Janet Kuek, and their children and family members.
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