Tribute to a valiant Judge

SECOND DEATH ANNIVERSARY TO HOMAGE TO MAN OF STEEL
Justice Ashok Kumar Santiagu (1947-2009)

Justice Ashok Kumar Santiagu the retired high judge from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh died on 25th October 2009 at the age of 62. He retired on 17/06/2009.
He was born to teacher parents of Mallar - Devendra Kula Velalar, late Mr S Santiagu and late Mrs M Savariammal at Thenkalam Pudur, near Thaazhaiyuthu (Sankar Nagar – home town of India Cements) in Tirunelveli Dist on 20th July 1947. He was the first of the siblings with three sisters to follow.
His early primary education was done at the primary school at Thenkalam Pudur. For the students coming from downtrodden communities, the Christian Missionary Schools like, St Xavier’s High School, St John’s High School, Sara Tucker Girls High School, Mary Sargeant Girls High School, St Ignatius High School, Schafter High School, Cathedral High School were offering quality education at free or nominal cost. Accordingly, he continued his tertiary education at St Xavier’s High School Palayamkottai
Thereafter, he completed his Pre University Course (PUC) St Xavier’s College, Palayam kottai Tirunelveli Dist. He completed his degree course B Sc – Botany at St John’s College, Palaymkottai Tirunelveli Dist. Further, he completed his M Sc – Botany at St Joseph’s College, Trichy. Later he emulated his maternal uncle, M Muthiah , retired HOD Dept of Economics, Presidency College, Chennai presently Secretary St Xavier’s College Alumni Association, Palayam kottai, and studied Law at the Law College, Chennai.
He started his career in law as junior under Mr Chellapandian former Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He earned his experience in crime cases from Mr Karuppiah another lawyer. Having served 15 years in Tirunelveli he emerged one of most promising lawyers among the lawyers as well as among his clients. His career as a lawyer came to an abrupt end in 1987 when he was directly appointed by none other than the former Chief Minister Dr M G Ramachandran himself as District Magistrate under Tamil Nadu Judicial Services.
He had served judge at the Special Court, Coimbatore after his initial training. Later he served in the District Courts of Dindigul, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore and Krishnagiri before his elevation as Judge of the Madras High Court in 2003. Later, he was transferred to High Court of Andhra Pradesh and finally retired on 17/07/2009.
Known for his vision to spread education among his community in Thenkalam pudur, Tirunelveli Dist, he was actively engaged in multifarious social activities. He had built a marriage hall in honour of his parents at Thenkalam Pudur Tirunelveli Dist.
Dedicated to his memory on the Second Death Anniversary on 25th Oct 2011
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