Mr Tiwary’s Lawyer Dreams Fulfilled After Posthumous Admission To The Bar
Many of us have childhood dream jobs that we spend our whole lives pursuing. For 28-year-old Mr Vikram Kumar Tiwary, his childhood ambition was to become a lawyer.
But 9 days before he could fulfil his lifelong dream of being admitted to the Bar, he tragically passed away in his sleep.
On Monday (20 Sep), 3 months after his passing, Mr Tiwary made history by becoming the 1st person to be posthumously called to the Singapore Bar.
Passed away 9 days before application hearing
Since young, Mr Tiwary had always dreamt of becoming a lawyer, just like his father and uncle.
He was well on his way to achieving that, having graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2018 and passing Part A and Part B of the Bar examinations.
Mr Tiwary had also completed his practice training at K&L Gates Straits Law.
On 16 Mar, he filed his application for admission to the Bar. The application was fixed for hearing on 9 Jun.
However, just 9 days before the hearing, Mr Tiwary’s heart suddenly stopped on 30 May, reported The Straits Times (ST).
1st lawyer to get posthumous admission to the Singapore Bar
Even while grieving, Mr Tiwary’s family knew one thing—they wanted his name to be on the rolls as a lawyer and fulfil his dream.
In a court testimonial, his parents said that Mr Tiwary would listen in on discussions about the law between his father and uncle when he was young.
He knew his life calling was about the law and representing the voiceless.
On 9 Jun, Mr Tiwary’s uncle, criminal lawyer Mr Ramesh Tiwary, pushed for his nephew to be admitted to the Bar posthumously.
There was no precedent for such an application in Singapore, and so Justice Choo adjourned proceedings to ensure there were no legal impediments for granting the application.
On Monday (20 Sep), the judge exercised the court’s discretion to grant the application, reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
4 months after his death, Mr Tiwary became the 1st person to be posthumously called to the Bar.
Explaining the process, Justice Choo said the court could invoke its inherent jurisdiction to exercise certain powers and, in this case, in pursuit of noble causes.
Bittersweet moment for the family
In granting Mr Tiwary’s application, Justice Choo said that judging by Mr Tiwary’s efforts, justice will be served if his application is allowed.
He pointed out that Mr Tiwary fulfilled all requirements. He had even applied to work full time with the Law Society’s Criminal Legal Aid Scheme to represent accused persons who cannot afford a lawyer.
The application was supported by lawyers such as Senior Counsel N. Sreenivasan who testified to his good character.
Speaking to ST, Mr Tiwary’s mother said it was a “really bittersweet” moment.
Law Society president Mr Vijayendran said the call has symbolic significance for the family and the legal profession.
He continued that this will go down as a lasting legacy of a young man’s life whose potential in the law practice was tragically cut short.
Mr Vijayendran also hopes that Mr Tiwary’s family will gain some comfort and closure with the posthumous admission.
A significant moment he will be remembered by
With the unprecedented decision, Mr Tiwary’s name is officially on the rolls as a lawyer.
However, the circumstances under which his dream was fulfilled is undoubtedly a bittersweet one.
Nonetheless, it is a significant decision, and he will be remembered as he lived—a passionate man who wanted to do right by people.
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