Sri K Parasaran at 988

Sri K Parasaran at 98

Published in "Bar and Bench" on 18/10/2025: Last Sunday, the former Attorney General K. Parasaran was felicitated on completing 75 years as an advocate and 50 years as senior counsel. This remarkable and memorable event was attended by no less than five sitting Supreme judges, the Chief Justice and other sitting and retired judges of the Madras High Court. 

In the list of Senior Advocates of the Madras High Court, his name is the first. He was designated by the Federal Court in 1944.

His father Kesava Aiyangar was engaged in a contempt case in 1987. At that time, he was 95 years old but was remarkably fit. He climbed to his chamber on the second floor without touching the banister.  He too completed 75 years at the Bar and so did his son K. Parasaran. He was blessed to see his son occupy the posts of Advocate-General of Tamil Nadu and later Solicitor-General and Attorney-General for India. Parasaran's learnings from his father:

(i) First read all facts thoroughly. Secondly, focus more on the statutory provisions and read them again and again. Case-laws should be referred to only later.

(ii) Cite as few cases as possible. If there is one important Supreme Court decision in your favour, do not waste the time of the court by citing numerous High Court judgments.

(iii) Divide your submissions into specific points and argue them in order of their importance.

(iv) While in preparing for a case, only 60% of the time should be spent on reading. The balance 40% must be spent on "thinking" about your case. (This is invaluable piece of advice).  

(v) Make sure you complete the preparation of your case  at least 48 hours before the day for final hearing. You should then tie your brief and open it only in court. His memorable words were: "If you endlessly prepare, you will be endlessly unprepared."

PS: 2018:Many would remember he advanced very impressive argument in SC in the case of women's entry to Sabarimala Temple - arguments centering on the constitutional protection of the deity's Brahmacharya, against permitting women of a certain age group. I remember the 5-member constitutional bench suggested to him to take his seat and argue but he would not deviate from the custom. 

Courtesy :: M Arunachalam