Kochi mourns the loss of a distinguished legal luminary as Justice S Siri Jagan, a former Judge of the Kerala High Court, passed away in the city on Saturday. The news has sent ripples of grief through the legal community and beyond, marking the end of an era for judicial service in Kerala.
A Life Dedicated to Law and Justice
Justice Siri Jagan, a native of Mayyanad in Kollam district, was born in 1952. His journey in the legal field began with a solid academic foundation. He graduated with an LLB from the prestigious Government Law College in Thiruvananthapuram, showcasing early promise in jurisprudence. Building on this, he pursued and completed his postgraduate studies, earning an LLM from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), further honing his expertise in legal matters.
Judicial Career and Post-Retirement Contributions
His dedication to the law led to his elevation as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 2005, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2014. During his tenure, he presided over numerous significant cases, contributing to the state's legal landscape. However, his service did not end with retirement. Justice Siri Jagan continued to play pivotal roles in various capacities, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to public service.
After retiring from the bench, he was appointed as the chairman of the Sabarimala high-power committee by the High Court. This committee was tasked with monitoring developments at the renowned Sabarimala temple, a role that required sensitivity and deep understanding of both legal and cultural nuances. Additionally, in 2016, the Supreme Court constituted a three-member committee to address the pressing issue of stray dog attacks in Kerala and to determine compensation for victims, with Justice Siri Jagan serving as its chairman. His leadership in this matter highlighted his concern for public safety and welfare.
Beyond these committees, he also served as the acting vice-chancellor of the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (Nuals) in Kochi, contributing to legal education and nurturing future generations of lawyers.
Personal Life and Final Rites
Justice Siri Jagan leaves behind a grieving family. He is survived by his wife, Dr M Jayalakshmi, a retired doctor from the ESI Hospital. His daughters, Prof Jesny Uday, who teaches at SN College in Cherthala, and Dr Roshni Vishnu, along with his sons-in-law, Uday Ananthan, a film director, and Dr A K Vishnu, a radiologist at Lisie Hospital in Ernakulam, mourn his loss. The family has announced that his funeral will be held at the Ravipuram crematorium at 4 PM on Sunday, where colleagues, friends, and admirers are expected to pay their last respects.
His passing marks a significant loss for Kerala's judicial and social spheres, remembered for his integrity, wisdom, and dedicated service.
