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Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, a true doyen among jurists, was one of those rare personalities in modern
Kerala, who could put his indelible imprint in the social and political scenario, besides the judicial
realm in our country. Born in May 1915 as the son of Shri. V.V. Rama Iyer, Shri Krishna Iyer started his
political career as a Member of Madras Legislative Assembly during 1952-56.
Justice Krishna Iyer subsequently became elected to the first Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1957
from Tellicherry constituency, contesting as an independent candidate backed by the Communist
party. In that first ministry headed by Shri. E.M.S. Namboodirippad, Shri. Krishna Iyer held the portfolio
of Law and Irrigation, from 5..4..1957 to 31..7..1959. In the elections held to the second KLA
also, Shri Krishna Iyer remained a member when he was declared elected by the Election Tribunal.
His tenure as Minister is particularly remembered in the sense that, the period was witness to several
far reaching reforms. His indepth knowledge in jurisprudence and practical experience as a lawyer,
also helped the government to bring in many epoch making legislations in the history of the state.
In 1968, Shri V.R. Krishna Iyer was appointed as a Judge of the High Court. From 1971 to 1973, he
was a member of the Law Commission. During the period, from 1973 to 1980, he also served as Judge of the Supreme Court.
Being a jurist whose heart is close to the common man and his hopes and aspirations, Justice Iyer's
judgments as Supreme Court Judge reflected this human perspective and concern.
A very gifted writer , he has also to his credit such books as ‘Random Reflections’, ‘Nehru and Krishna
Menon’, ‘Law versus Justice’, Judicial Justice’ and ‘ Justice at Cross Roads’.
Justice Krishna Iyer had also been a contestant in the Presidential Election held in 1982.
Smt. Sarada who passed away some time ago, was his life partner.
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