28-Year-Old Called To The S’pore Bar Posthumously After Passing Away In His Sleep

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.

Source

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.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured images adapted from Facebook.

Sabrina Seng

Sabrina is always facing some form of existential crisis but other than that, she's pretty chill.

Recent Posts

Large python caught in bushes near Paya Lebar Square, sent to Mandai Wildlife Group

The python might have just eaten something, going by the bulge in its belly.

11 Nov 2024, 1:32 am

Elderly man falls & hits head when wheelchair gets stuck in drain at Paya Lebar

The town council said it replaced the broken drain cover that day.

11 Nov 2024, 12:13 am

Bishan resident complains of early-morning noise from crows, says it sounds like ‘gang clash’

A resident reportedly said he was almost attacked by a crow.

10 Nov 2024, 11:21 pm

Priest who was stabbed at Bukit Timah church is recovering well, critical organs were protected

The Archbishop told followers that they must "continue living our lives normally".

10 Nov 2024, 10:29 pm

Endangered Malayan tiger killed by lorry, parts of body including teeth & claws allegedly stolen

There are less than 150 Malayan tigers left in the wild.

10 Nov 2024, 6:06 pm

Woman believed to be mastermind of husband’s kidnapping in JB, demanded S$9M ransom

The couple had just celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary in August.

10 Nov 2024, 5:53 pm