At the inauguration of the E-Library and centenary celebrations of Late Mr. G. Balasundaram in Tiruchirappalli on 23 August 2025, Hon’ble Justice Suryakant reflected on the enduring relevance of tradition in shaping the future of the legal profession. He described the establishment of the e-Library as both a tribute to Mr. Balasundaram’s vision and a transformative step toward ensuring equitable access to legal knowledge in the digital era.
Justice Suryakant recalled Mr. Balasundaram’s contributions as a towering figure in Tiruchirappalli’s legal history. As President of the Bar Association, Balasundaram had nurtured a vibrant culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and professional excellence. His foresight, particularly his emphasis on adapting legal practice to evolving times, and his efforts to support marginalized students, were highlighted as enduring legacies that continue to inspire the legal fraternity.
Speaking on the significance of the e-Library, Justice Suryakant observed that while traditional libraries have long been sanctuaries of scholarship, today’s legal practice requires instantaneous and universal access to resources. The new digital facility, he remarked, would democratize access to knowledge, enabling young lawyers, students, and solo practitioners to compete on equal footing with larger institutions. He underlined that the initiative not only fulfils Balasundaram’s vision of accessible legal education but also meets the demands of a rapidly changing professional landscape.
Justice Suryakant further reflected on the contributions of the Madras High Court to constitutional jurisprudence. He highlighted the work of stalwarts such as Sir T. Muthuswamy Iyer and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, noting the Court’s role in progressive constitutional interpretation and its enduring influence on India’s legal landscape. From clarifying substantial questions of law to reinforcing fundamental rights and social justice, he said, the Court has consistently combined scholarly analysis with practical wisdom.
Concluding his remarks, Justice Suryakant commended Justice B. Rajendran for establishing the e-Library in honour of his father. He stressed that the Centre was not merely a collection of resources but a responsibility for the profession to carry forward. Quoting Thiruvalluvar, “Desire always to do what is right”, he urged the legal community to use knowledge in the service of justice, liberty, and democracy.