“KK Venugopal never sought the office of AG, the office sought him”: Madras Bar

In an event organized by the Madras Bar Association, the Madras High Court today felicitated Senior Advocate KK Venugopal on his appointment as the Attorney General of India..Dignitaries who attended the event include, Indira Banerjee Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Santosh Hegde; Former Attorney General of India, K Parasaran and Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh of the Madras High Court..President of the Madras Bar Association, Senior Advocate Vijay Narayan, in his introductory address, expressed his pride in having an Attorney General, who was part of the Madras Bar. The Madras bar is the oldest bar association in India. He noted that, including KK Venugopal, three of India’s attorney generals were members of the Madras Bar..On Venugopal’s appointment, he commented that although the renowned lawyer never sought the office of Attorney General of India, “the office sought him.”.Chief Justice, Indira Banerjee opined that the energy and industriousness that characterized Venugopal is something worth emulating by all. His acceptance of the post at the age of 86 illustrated that age was no bar for greatness. She alluded to the various contributions made by Venugopal in shaping the law of the country in the course of arguments made in several landmark constitutional cases..Justice Santosh Hegde remarked that the calm demeanor generally exhibited by the Attorney General in the course of arguments has served as inspiration during his time as a lawyer and as a judge. He observed that, in light of his multifarious achievements, Venugopal is well-deserving of all the praise and awards he has been showered with throughout his illustrious career..Senior Advocate and former Attorney General K Parasaran shared his deep admiration for the attorney general, whom he views as both a formidable opponent in the court room as well as a dear friend. He remarked that, although Venugopal became a “lawyer by accident”, having strayed into the field following the wishes of his father, he had nevertheless built up his own stature in the field..The guest of honour, KK Venugopal observed that the occasion served as a homecoming for him, having been a member of the Madras Bar for over 25 years. He acknowledged that he owed his current standing to his father and mentor, MK Nambiar. Recalling the days when he was only starting out as a lawyer, he remarked that “no one is born a good lawyer; it takes hardwork.” He concluded his address by thanking the various dignitaries and the bar for the kind thoughts shared..The vote of thanks was delivered by Advocate Kamalnath, Secretary of the Madras Bar Association..Read our 2012 interview of KK Venugopal.