Kochi: The Kerala High Court Full Court has decided to bestow the Senior Advocate designation on Adv. P.S. Sridharanpilla, former BJP state president, former Governor of Mizoram and Goa, a prominent lawyer and author, according to reports. The decision reportedly took into account his expertise of over four decades in the legal field, extensive professional experience, excellence in practice, and contributions to the legal domain. Notably, Sridharanpilla had not personally submitted an application for the Senior Advocate status; the Full Court took the initiative to consider and unanimously decide on granting him the designation. Such a proactive conferment of Senior Advocate status without an application is regarded as a rare occurrence.
The Senior Advocate status is a significant recognition awarded for long-term service and excellence in the legal profession. Factors considered include the advocate’s legal knowledge, courtroom performance, professional standards, and contributions to legal jurisprudence.
Adv. P.S. Sridharanpilla, regarded as one of Kerala’s leading legal luminaries, has actively practiced law for more than 40 years. He has appeared in numerous important cases across lower courts, the Kerala High Court, and the Supreme Court of India. His expertise spans criminal, constitutional, and public law domains, among others. Over different periods, Kerala governments have appointed him as Special Public Prosecutor in 12 cases, reflecting recognition of his legal experience and acumen beyond political affiliations.
He has also held key roles such as Senior Standing Counsel for the Kerala High Court representing the Central Government, Assistant Solicitor General, and Standing Counsel for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Kerala High Court. He served as President of the Calicut Bar Association and remained an active participant in lawyers’ organizational activities.
After obtaining his law degree from Kozhikode Law College, Sridharanpilla commenced his legal career. Alongside his legal work, he has been involved in human rights advocacy and is the founder of 'Vijil,' an organization working for human rights for over 25 years.
Extending his public service beyond law, Sridharanpilla transitioned into politics and constitutional roles, including serving as Governor of Mizoram and Goa states. He is noted for executing constitutional responsibilities with distinction. During his governorship, he gave importance to engaging with the public and fostering literary and cultural activities.
In the academic sphere, he was thrice consecutively elected as a Senate member representing the Registered Graduates Constituency of the University of Calicut, contributing to the university’s academic and administrative governance.
A prolific writer, Sridharanpilla has authored around 280 works across genres including poetry, short stories, essays, legal studies, social commentary, and political thought. His books explain legal subjects in an accessible manner for general readers. Key legal-themed works include 'Neethiyude Rajneethi' (Politics of Justice), 'Vadhashiksha' (Capital Punishment), 'Bharathathinte Bharanashasthanam' (The Constitution of India), 'Chiriyum Chinthayum Karuthukottil' (Laughter and Thought on the Black Court), 'Sha Commission: Echoes from a Buried Report,' and 'Vakil Diary' (Lawyer’s Diary).
His writings reflect his legal experiences, courtroom observations, and perspectives on social issues. Sridharanpilla stands out for harmonizing literary creativity with legal scholarship.
In honor of his literary and legal contributions, three universities have awarded him honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degrees. In 2012, the Kerala High Court Advocates Association presented him the Best Literary Personality Award among advocates.
He has also received multiple prestigious awards such as the Adv. K. Kunjirama Menon Memorial Award for legal writing, the Sreenathashram Award for outstanding public service, Mata Amritanandamayi Math’s Amritakeerthi Award, Pope John Paul Memorial Talent Award, NSS’s Chattambi Swamikal Memorial Award, and S.K. Pottekkatt Literary Award. These accolades highlight his significant presence in literature, social service, and public life beyond law.
As a senior BJP leader in Kerala, Sridharanpilla has held key organizational roles including Kozhikode District President and two-term state president. He has also served as a BJP National Council member and overseen party activities in Lakshadweep.
He is married to Adv. K. Reetha. Their children are Adv. Arjun Sridhar and Dr. Arya Arun. Their children-in-law include Adv. Arun Krishnadhan and Dr. Jypsy.
The Kerala High Court Full Court’s decision to confer Senior Advocate status on Adv. P.S. Sridharanpilla—significantly without an application—marks a notable milestone in his distinguished legal career. It recognizes his enduring professional contributions along with his notable presence in literature and public service, underscoring the comprehensive impact of his multifaceted life’s work.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
