NL Rajah Named Tamil Nadu Governor Legal Advisor Pro Bono

• Senior Advocate N.L. Rajah has been appointed legal advisor to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
• The appointment, effective September 2, is on a pro bono basis, meaning no remuneration or financial benefits will be provided.
• Mr. Rajah, designated a Senior Advocate in 2016, specializes in commercial litigation, arbitration, and constitutional law.
• He is authorized to undertake official travel with the Governor's approval, subject to Tamil Nadu government orders.
• This role highlights a precedent for senior legal professionals offering significant pro bono advisory services to government.

This appointment identifies the specific legal counsel for the Tamil Nadu Governor, which is crucial for lawyers or firms interacting with the Governor's office.

Senior Advocate N.L. Rajah has been named the legal advisor to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, an appointment made on a pro bono basis. The Governor's Secretariat formally announced this through office proceedings issued on September 2, with the arrangement taking immediate effect. This significant role is set to continue indefinitely, or until further directives are issued by the Governor's office.

The terms of this appointment explicitly state that Mr. Rajah will not receive any form of financial compensation, including remuneration, salary, or honorarium, nor will he be entitled to other monetary benefits. Despite the pro bono nature of his service, the advisor is authorized to undertake official travel, both within Tamil Nadu and to locations outside the state, provided he secures the specific approval of the Governor. Such travel arrangements will also be subject to the prevailing orders issued by the Tamil Nadu government, ensuring adherence to established protocols.

This appointment identifies the specific legal counsel for the Tamil Nadu Governor, which is crucial for lawyers or firms interacting with the Governor's office. It also showcases a precedent for senior legal professionals undertaking significant pro bono advisory roles within government.

Mr. N.L. Rajah brings a wealth of experience to his new advisory role, having embarked on his legal career in 1986 following his graduation from Madras Law College. He commenced his practice within the esteemed chambers of S. Govind Swaminadhan, who previously served as the Advocate General for Tamil Nadu. His dedication and expertise were formally recognized in 2016 when the Madras High Court conferred upon him the designation of Senior Advocate.

Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Rajah has cultivated a diverse and robust practice, specializing in several key areas of law. His professional focus includes commercial litigation, arbitration, constitutional and writ matters, consumer law, and energy law. Beyond his direct legal practice, he has also contributed significantly to legal institutions and reform efforts.

Among his notable contributions, Mr. Rajah is a founding director of the Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre. He has also lent his expertise to various committees of the Madras High Court, including its Heritage Committee and Arbitration Committee. Furthermore, his commitment to legal development saw him serve as part of an expert committee established by the Law Commission of India, which was tasked with examining and proposing changes to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. His professional interests also extend to a long-standing passion for the history and heritage of the Madras High Court.

The decision by a legal professional of Mr. Rajah's stature to accept a pro bono advisory position underscores a commitment to public service and the legal framework of the state. While the Governor's office requires expert legal guidance for its various functions, securing such counsel without financial remuneration highlights a unique model of engagement. This arrangement ensures that the Governor has access to top-tier legal advice on complex matters, ranging from constitutional interpretations to administrative decisions, without incurring public expenditure for the advisor's services.

This appointment also resonates with Mr. Rajah's broader philosophy regarding the ownership of constitutional principles. He has previously articulated the view that "Judges and lawyers don't own the Constitution, citizens do," a perspective that aligns with the spirit of public service inherent in a pro bono role. His willingness to dedicate his time and expertise without financial gain sets a notable precedent for senior legal professionals contributing to governmental functions, emphasizing civic duty over personal profit.

Such an arrangement provides the Governor's Secretariat with continuous, high-level legal support, crucial for navigating the intricate legal landscape of state governance. The conditions surrounding his travel, requiring specific gubernatorial approval and adherence to state government orders, further integrate his advisory capacity within the established administrative framework, ensuring accountability and coordination.

Source: Original reporting via Bar and Bench