Former Kerala High Court judge Justice S. Siri Jagan passed away in Kochi after an illness at the age of 74. He is remembered for his distinguished judicial career and key post-retirement roles in legal education and public administration.
Former Kerala High Court judge Justice S. Siri Jagan passed away on Saturday night in Kochi after suffering from an illness. He was 74 years old. His death has been widely mourned in legal and academic circles across Kerala and the country.
Justice Siri Jagan was born on January 22, 1952, and hailed from Mayyanad in Kollam district. He completed his law graduation (LLB) from the Government Law College, Trivandrum, and later pursued his LLM from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). Known for his sharp legal mind and deep understanding of constitutional and administrative law, he went on to build a respected career in the judiciary.
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He was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in February 2005. During his tenure on the Bench, he delivered several important judgments and earned a reputation for fairness, clarity in reasoning, and commitment to justice. After nearly nine years of service, he retired from the High Court in 2014.
Even after retirement, Justice Siri Jagan remained actively involved in legal and public service. He served as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), contributing to legal education and academic administration. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the Sabarimala High Power Committee, which was constituted based on the Kerala High Court’s “orders”.
In another significant role, he served as the Chairman of a committee formed on the Supreme Court’s “directions” to assess and determine compensation for victims of stray dog attacks in Kerala. This committee played an important role in addressing public safety concerns and framing recommendations for relief to affected persons.
In recent times, Justice Siri Jagan had been appointed as the administrator of Indus Motors Company Pvt Ltd, which is facing allegations of large-scale oppression and mismanagement. The matter is currently pending before the National Company Law Tribunal, Kochi (NLCT), and his appointment was seen as a crucial step to ensure transparency and lawful management of the company’s affairs.
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Justice Siri Jagan passed away last night in Kochi. His cremation is scheduled to be held later today at Ravipuram, Kochi. His demise marks the end of a distinguished legal career, and he will be remembered for his contributions to the judiciary, legal education, and public administration.
Legacy Beyond the Bench: Justice S. Siri Jagan’s Intellectual, Judicial and Ethical Contributions
Former Kerala High Court judge Justice S. Siri Jagan was regarded as a deeply scholarly and independent-minded jurist who believed that the law must ultimately serve the common citizen. He was known among members of the Bar for his uncompromising approach to judicial discipline and for insisting on accountability from both the State and private authorities.
Justice Siri Jagan had a strong academic orientation and frequently drew from comparative constitutional principles, international legal thought, and jurisprudential reasoning in his judgments. His courtroom was often described as one where arguments were tested rigorously, yet respectfully, with a clear focus on legal substance rather than rhetoric. Lawyers who appeared before him recall that he valued preparation, clarity, and candour, and had little tolerance for procedural misuse or delay tactics.
He was particularly respected for his approach to service jurisprudence and administrative law, where he consistently emphasised transparency, natural justice, and proportionality in State action. His rulings often highlighted the responsibility of public institutions to act fairly and within the bounds of law, reinforcing citizens’ trust in the justice delivery system.
Beyond adjudication, Justice Siri Jagan was known for mentoring younger lawyers and law students. He believed that legal education should produce socially conscious professionals and often stressed ethical responsibility in the practice of law.
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His interactions with students and young members of the Bar reflected his belief that the judiciary and legal profession must evolve with changing societal needs while remaining rooted in constitutional morality.
In administrative assignments entrusted to him after retirement, he was widely appreciated for his firm yet balanced handling of complex disputes involving public interest, governance challenges, and institutional reform. His ability to combine legal insight with practical administration set him apart as a jurist capable of functioning beyond the courtroom.
Justice Siri Jagan’s passing is seen as a significant loss to Kerala’s legal landscape. He leaves behind a legacy defined not only by his judgments, but also by his intellectual honesty, institutional integrity, and enduring influence on legal thought and professional ethics.
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