Judge honoured at UKZN Westville campus
The judge has dedicated his life to ensuring a better South Africa for all of its citizens and received a degree of Doctor of Laws recently.
JUSTICE Barathanathan (Thumba) Pillay was honoured with the degree of Doctor of Laws by UKZN in recognition of his contribution to the legal profession, the struggle against apartheid and the development of a democracy in SA.
Pillay delivered a speech to the graduation congregation after receiving his award at the UKZN Westville campus. His involvement in human rights work began in 1963 when he had to defend the first group of MK militants. He has served on the Executive of the Natal Indian Congress from 1961 and remained there with the exception of the period of his banning order which was from 1964 to 1974.
In conferring an honorary degree, UKZN recognises Judge Pillay’s contribution to the development of the following areas: acceptance of Human Rights Law and the ushering in of a Constitutional Democracy, rights of neglected populations, inviolability of the rule of law, separation of powers, administrative justice, restoration of Habeas Corpus, consistent opposition to racism, upholding the provisions of the Bill of Rights and the empowerment of NGOs.
Judge Pillay has dedicated his life and skills to restoring the dignity and constitutional rights to all South Africans. He espouses the principles of non-racialism, non-sexism and democracy. He is as a law student, lawyer, political activist, political leader and ultimately a judge of the High Court.
His sterling tenure in the judiciary is shown by him occupying different positions on the bench with an appointment to the High Court in 1998. He has also been recognised by Amnesty International as a ‘prisoner of conscience.’
