In a rare, benevolent gesture, two Supreme Court judges on Monday, 27 August, sang at a cultural programme organised by apex court journalists in Delhi to raise money for relief and rehabilitation of people in flood-ravaged Kerala.
Justices Kurian Joseph and KM Joseph, both hailing from Kerala, performed at the auditorium of Indian Society for International Law, opposite the Supreme Court complex, reported PTI.
The programme was attended by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and several apex court and Delhi High Court judges. The CJI said it was a consolidated effort for a cause.
Some may feel that this is a celebration because there are certain performances, but I would like to say this is a consolidated effort of finding energy to raise contribution for a noble cause.CJI Dipak Misra
Justice KM Joseph, who was recently elevated to the apex court, sang a song from the classic Malayalam movie 'Amaram', which tells the story of a fisherman, reported PTI.
Fishermen were the first to react when the state was reeling under severe floods. This song is a tribute to them.Justice KM Joseph
Justice Kurian Joseph and playback singer Mohit Chauhan sang the song 'We Shall Overcome’.
Huge Contributions Pour In
Earlier, the apex court judges contributed Rs 25,000 each to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. The apex court staff has donated one day's salary.
Attorney General KK Venugopal had contributed Rs 1 crore to the fund. Venugopal's son and senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal also contributed Rs 15 lakh to the relief fund.
Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi has announced a contribution of Rs 50 lakh to the flood-ravaged state, PTI further reported.
A group of Delhi-based Malayali lawyers had initiated a collection drive and dispatched necessary supplies, including clothes, sanitary napkins, candles, baby food, water bottles and medicines in a Navy aircraft.
Justice Kurian Joseph has remained active in ensuring and arranging relief materials. He had taken part in a drive in support of lawyers collecting supplies at a collection point near the apex court. He had also contributed a significant amount for flood relief activities for Kerala.
Senior lawyer Jaideep Singh contributed Rs 5 lakh towards the distress relief fund. Another senior advocate, Chander Uday Singh, has reportedly contributed Rs 5 lakh as well.
On 16 August, the Supreme Court Bar Association donated Rs 30 lakh from its Calamity Relief Fund.
According to the Home Ministry's National Emergency Response Centre, 443 people have died in Kerala and 54.11 lakh have been severely affected in 14 districts this monsoon season.
Kerala has been receiving financial aid from various state governments across the country.
(With inputs from PTI)
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