Kerala High Court Advocates' Association felicitates CM VD Satheesan

The Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) on Thursday felicitated Chief Minister VD Satheesan, State Ministers, MLAs and newly elected Bar Council of Kerala members at its "Prathibha" 2026 event.

Chief Minister Satheesan, who is also a lawyer and a member of KHCAA, was felicitated with a traditional ponnada and presented with a plaque. MLAs Mathew Kuzhalnadan and Chandy Oommen, along with all KHCAA members recently elected to the Bar Council of Kerala, were also honoured during the ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Justice Soumen Sen, Advocate General Jaju Babu, Fisheries Minister VE Abdul Gafoor and MLAs Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Chandy Oommen and Fyzal Babu VK among others.

Several dignitaries used the occasion to reflect on the contribution of lawyers to public life and the bar body's achievements.

In his address, KHCAA President Peeyus A Kottam described Satheesan's appointment to CM post as a landmark moment for KHCAA and the legal fraternity.

"It is indeed a moment of immense pride and joy for all of us. Our dear friend, our close associate, CM VD Satheesan, has assumed the high office of the Chief Minister of Kerala. This is a historic moment, not only for him, but also for the entire legal fraternity and KHCAA," said Kottam.

Kottam also noted that 12 members of the newly elected Bar Council of Kerala belonged to the Association.

"Our Association has produced Chief Justices and several eminent members of the judiciary. But this is the first time that we have a Chief Minister from our fraternity," he said.

Kottam also urged the State government to enact an Advocates' Protection Bill and address the Association's long-pending demands relating to court fees and other issues affecting the legal profession.

Chief Justice Soumen Sen, in his address, underscored the legal profession's contribution to governance and democracy.

"The Bar has always been a nursery of leadership. India’s freedom movement witnessed lawyers emerging as nation builders, and many of the architects of our Constitution came from the legal profession," he said.

Chief Justice Sen added that legal practice equips advocates with qualities essential for public institutions.

"The practice of law cultivates analytical thinking, constitutional values, wise decision making and sensitivity to public concerns qualities every democratic institution requires," he observed.

Advocate General Jaju Babu traced the long tradition of lawyers entering public life, noting that the phenomenon extended well beyond India.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, he said,

"For the first time in Kerala’s history, a member of the KHCAA has become the Chief Minister. Three members of the Association are now Ministers in the state government. That is a unique distinction."

He also showered praise on Chief Minister Satheesan.

"CM Satheesan has transitioned seamlessly from the legal profession to public life and has earned a reputation both as a lawyer and as a political leader. After a long time, we have a smiling Chief Minister," Babu said.

Several legislators who addressed the gathering reflected on how legal training had shaped their public careers.

Recalling his own transition from legal practice to politics, MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan said,

"As students of law, we are trained to be precise and disciplined in our arguments. Those lessons from the courtroom continue to guide us in public life."

Recalling his early years in the Assembly, he said he closely observed Satheesan's interventions, adding that the Chief Minister's legal training was evident in the way he argued on the floor of the House.

MLA Chandy Oommen said Chief Minister Satheesan's career demonstrated the wider possibilities for members of the legal profession.

"People often say that an advocate who practises well may one day become a judge. Our Chief Minister has proved that a successful advocate can also become the Chief Minister of a State," he said.

He added that Satheesan's style of presenting arguments in the assembly consistently reflected "the training and discipline of a lawyer."

MLA Fyzal Babu similarly credited Satheesan's legal background for his performance in the legislature.

"It's his legal training (that) enables him to be dynamic and sharp. It's not just political acumen that helps him defend his positions. It comes from the legal profession," said Fyzal Babu.

CM Satheesan in his address said that the proposed Advocates' Protection Bill is ready and will be introduced in the State assembly soon.

He assured that the law would offer "sufficient protection" for advocates in the State.

He also said that the State government is prioritising Kerala High Court's pending demands.

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