Prominent criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan has died at age 67
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE - Veteran criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan died this morning (Jan 7) from heart failure. He was 67.
His family issued a statement: “The family is grateful for the outpouring of condolences and love for the late Subhas. The family asks to be able to grieve privately during this very difficult time. Details of the funeral will be shared at a later stage.”
Mr Subhas was a senior partner at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing and the first president of the Association of Criminal Lawyers in Singapore. He gained a reputation for taking on several high-profile criminal cases, including the case of Anthony Ler in 2001 - who hired a teenager to kill his wife - and the Took Leng How case in 2004.
“Subhas was a man of integrity, boundless energy, passion, compassion, generosity and a staunch defender of the rule of law,” said fellow senior partner, Mr Rajan Menon. “Over 44 years of legal practice, Subhas has established himself as one of the most outstanding criminal lawyers the Singapore Bar has ever had.
“People who have been helped by Subhas, and there have been so many, will know that beneath that stern and fierce demeanour was one of the kindest and warmest man you could ever meet.
"On behalf of my partners, management and staff at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP, we are sad to have lost one of our own but are honoured to have served with this giant of a man who had a heart of gold. Today we grief the loss of a great man."
The Association of Muslim lawyers (AML) also issued a statement on Mr Subhas' death.
"Although Subhas has passed on, his giant legacy of compassion, goodwill and kindness will live forever through the bursary and ultimately, through the countless lives that he has touched.
"As a tribute to his honourable work, the AML launched the Yellow Ribbon Fund Subhas Anandan Star Bursary Award on 28th October 2014 for the benefit of the less privileged ex-offenders who can now pursue an education and turn over a new leaf.
"The AML will continue to raise funds for the Subhas Anandan Bursary and follow his legacy of pro bono work for the poor in society."
Mr Thio Shen Yi, President of the Law Society said that Mr Subhas was "known for his tenacity and perseverance both in and outside of Court".
"He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his colleagues at the Bar, particularly the criminal Bar," said Mr Thio. "Our thoughts and condolences are with his family during this time of grief”.
Singapore's Law Minister, Mr K Shanmugam also paid tribute to Mr Subhas' life. Mr Shanmugam said that Mr Subhas was a "dear friend".
"Described by many as a titan in criminal law, Subhas’ name is synonymous with tenaciousness in court, a sharp intellect and above all, a generous heart. Subhas’ strong sense of justice, has made him a legal legend to the Bar as well as general public. His unswerving belief in fair representation for the accused, and granting them a second chance in life, makes him an inspiring role model for the rest of the Criminal Bar."
Attorney-General V K Rajah said Mr Subhas was well respected by members of the legal community for his "admirable forthrightness in the presentation of his legal submissions".
"His remarkable resilience, extraordinary fortitude and boundless optimism in overcoming many professional and personal challenges bear further mention. All in all, he was a lawyer with a good head, a big heart and an uncommon touch. The legal community will miss him."
According to RHTLaw Taylor Wessing, Mr Subhas handled well over 1,500 criminal cases.
He leaves behind his wife Vimala and only son Sujesh.
