In 1985, he was appointed sub-judge in Alappuzha district court. Incidentally, Karunakaran was in power during those days. In those days, a high court judge was appointed by the Chief Justice of the high court in consultation with the state chief minister. So, Karunakaran suggested Balakrishnan's name for the post.
"However, it was very unusual for a district judge to be appointed as high court judge. District judges had to have a 7-year tenure in order to be considered for the post. So there was a confrontation between the chief minister and the chief justice. However, Balakrishnan was determined. He resigned from the post of sub-judge and took up legal practice under Advocate P Santhanam for a couple of years. The reason: Even if a judicial officer resigns and sets up practice, his service tenure is still counted for eligibility for the post of high court judge.
"The matter then went to the Centre, which too raised some objections. It, however, eventually did appoint Balakrishnan as a high court judge," Advocate Nambiar said.
"All said and done, he is one of my favourite students. Though I cannot comment on the verdicts he gave or those that others think as landmark, I can certainly say that he will do justice to the highest post of justice," he points out.
Image : Outgoing Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal with his successor at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Photograph: Sondeep Shankar/Saab Pictures
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