By Radhakrishna
In the annals of Indian Jurisprudence, some transcend the boundaries of their own profession. And Keshava Parasaran, who turned 100 recently, is one among the distinguished fraternity. A centenarian Jurist had represented “Ram Lalla” (Lord Rama) in a protracted legal battle for Rama Janmabhoomi, an unforgettable chapter in the Indian Legal Spectrum. And he finally paved the way for the construction of the magnificent Sri Ram Temple at Ayodhya.
A nonagenarian who has journeyed towards the century mark, Parasaran embodies far more than professional accomplishment. His life and career stand as a testament to devotion to the judicial institution, a profound understanding of India’s spiritual and scriptural traditions, and an abiding reverence for constitutional values.
Parasaran born on October 9, 1927 in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, to a prominent Vedic scholar Kesava Iyengar. He did his schooling at Hindu High School, Madras and earned his law degree from Madras Law College (Presidency College).
Having remarkable knowledge and acumen in the legal matters, Parasaran also inclined towards spiritual and acquired extensive knowledge in religious philosophy like epics and puranas. This distinguished feature of his advocacy and religious bent of mind helped in providing appropriate legal framework to Hindu traditions and he could show evidentiary material to the Apex Court by combining principles of law.
Exceptional Advocacy in the Ayodhya Dispute
The Ram Janmabhoomi dispute was one of the most protracted and complex legal contests in India’s history. Historical evidence, competing claims of title, religious convictions, and established legal principles converged in a case of extraordinary constitutional and national significance.
During the final hearings before the Supreme Court in 2019, Parasaran appeared on behalf of Ram Lalla Virajman, the presiding deity represented as a legal person in the proceedings. Undeterred by his advanced age, he continued to present his arguments before the Constitution Bench with remarkable composure and determination. An episode that came to symbolise his professional devotion was the reported occasion when the judges suggested that he might argue while seated. Parasaran, however, expressed his preference for continuing to stand, reflecting the profound respect he held for the traditions and dignity of the legal profession. One of the central aspects of his advocacy concerned the legal recognition of Ram Janmabhoomi as a sacred place possessing a distinct religious and juridical significance.
With meticulous scholarship and persuasive reasoning, he placed before the Court the faith of devotees, the spiritual importance attached to the site, and relevant principles drawn from Hindu religious and legal traditions. His ability to refer to ancient scriptures while addressing the questions that properly fell within the domain of judicial determination distinguished his presentation.
He sought to demonstrate that religious traditions and legal principles could be examined within the framework of the law without losing sight of their respective significance.
On November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court delivered its historic judgment in the Ayodhya dispute. The Court directed that the disputed site be allotted for the construction of a temple, with the land vested in the deity Ram Lalla Virajman through the appropriate legal arrangements. It also directed the government to allot five acres of alternative land in Ayodhya to the Sunni Central Waqf Board for the construction of a mosque.
The judgment cleared the legal path for the construction of the Ram temple. While the outcome reflected the cumulative efforts of numerous advocates, historical researchers, and the parties involved over several decades, Parasaran’s contribution to the legal proceedings occupies a particularly distinguished place in this historic narrative.
Parasaran’s exceptional contribution to public life and the legal profession bring him laurels by way of country’s highest civilian honours: the Padma Bhushan in 2003 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2011. In addition he served as Attorney General of India, he also discharged his responsibilities as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. His association with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust represents another significant dimension of his connection with the Ayodhya temple movement.
His life is an inspiration to generations of aspiring lawyers and seasoned practitioners alike. It demonstrates that the highest calling of the legal profession lies not merely in the pursuit of victory, but in the disciplined presentation of arguments, fidelity to professional duty, and respect for the institutions entrusted with dispensing justice.
The Ayodhya victory will forever remain one of the most consequential episodes in India’s modern legal history. Within that chapter, Keshava Parasaran’s contribution shines with singular distinction. His legacy reminds the nation that scholarship, conviction, perseverance, and a profound sense of duty can together shape a moment of historic consequence.
-o0o-