Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan receives high praise from the AGC and Bar for her profound impact on constitutional law.
PUTRAJAYA: Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan was honoured with accolades from senior legal figures ahead of her retirement this month.
The tributes came shortly after court proceedings concluded for the day.
Senior federal counsel Shamsul Bolhassan, speaking for the Attorney General’s Chambers, expressed gratitude for Justice Nallini’s major contributions to law.
He stated she is “one of the towering figures in constitutional interpretation” who shaped understanding of the Federal Constitution.
Lawyer K. Shanmuga, on behalf of the Malaysian Bar, fully agreed with the AGC’s sentiments regarding her dedication and landmark judgments.
Another lawyer, Benjamin John Dawson, described her as setting a very high standard for the bench in constitutional jurisprudence.
Senior lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar said Justice Nallini has left an indelible mark on the nation’s constitutional law landscape.
Lawyer Lim Wei Jiet added it was inspirational for junior lawyers to see her develop jurisprudence in constitutional and administrative law.
Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh described Justice Nallini simply as a “great jurist”.
In response, Justice Nallini said it was an absolute privilege to serve the nation and she would miss it.
She thanked everyone for the kind words, calling the unconditional praise “far too kind”.
Justice Nallini, 66, is the most senior Federal Court judge and the first Indian woman appointed to the position.
She was granted a six-month extension by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and is due to retire in two weeks.
The accolades followed a Federal Court ruling which found the terms “offensive” and “annoy” under the Communications and Multimedia Act to be constitutional.
