At 76, he still wears the black robe, walks into the court hall and fights to get justice for the public
T. Sadasivam
Coimbatore: At 76, he still wears the black robe, walks into the court hall and fights to get justice for the public. "I like fighting for justice. And I believe this strong passion of mine will keep me going forever," says T. Sadasivam, one of the oldest practising lawyers in Coimbatore.
A few years ago, the Coimbatore police slapped a case on an elderly freedom fighter in Kuniamuthur who was consistently raising social issues that were inconvenient for them. "I fought the case and quashed the fine amount of '500 imposed on him," Sadasivam recalls with pride.
He has also successfully fought a litany of cases on food adulteration. Last year, Sadasivam completed 50 years of legal service and was honoured by the then Chief Justice of India P. Sathasivam.
Age has wrinkled him, but not withered his spirit. His day begins as early as 3.30 am every day and he has a packed schedule. The green-thumbed lawyer wakes up early to tend to his garden. At 8.30 am sharp, he leaves for court and argues his cases till 3.30 pm. He then heads for his chamber to prepare for next day's hearings.
He admits that it is quite a challenge to keep himself updated and compete with the younger lot, who depend on technology to keep themselves abreast of legal developments. "I take a little more time to browse through books and come out with my defence arguments. But my clients, too, accept my way of work and have trust in me as they know I do my best to succeed in the case."
However, what has been worrying him the most is the unethical ways adopted by the legal fraternity to make a fast buck. "Earlier, lawyers strove to attain fame only by sustained practice, but now, they take corrupt routes to gain prominence," he lamented.
Sadasivam rented out a room for Rs 75 at Gopalapuram seven years. "I continue to function out of the same room. Only the rent has increased to Rs 1,500," he said.
K. Radhakrishnan, a notary and junior to Sadasivam, is awestruck by his senior's punctuality and honesty. "Sadasivam Sir is my mentor and my guiding force. He is an expert in civil cases and has won several, pertaining to food adulteration issues," he said.
( Source : dc )
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