C. Madhavan Nair

Sir Chettur Madhavan Nair CIE PC (24 January 1879 - 3 March 1970) was an Indian lawyer who served as a judge of the Madras High Court and member of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

Early life and education

Born in Mankara in the Malabar district, Madras Presidency, Madhavan Nair was the nephew of C. Sankaran Nair. Madhavan Nair was educated at the Victoria College, Palghat and matriculated from the Pachaiyappa's High School, Madras. Madhavan Nair graduated from the Madras Christian College and Madras Law College before pursuing his higher education at the University College, London and qualifying as a barrister from the Middle Temple.

Career

Madhavan Nair started practising as a lawyer in the Madras High Court in 1904. He also served as a law reporter with the Madras Law Journal. Madhavan Nair served as a Government Pleader from 1919 to 1923 and Advocate-General of the Madras Presidency in 1923-24. In 1924, he had to resign as Advocate-General when appointed temporary judge and was succeeded to the post by T. R. Venkatarama Sastri. Madhavan Nair was appointed permanent judge in 1927. He served as judge of the Madras High Court till retirement on 2 January 1939, upon which he was knighted. In 1941, Madhavan Nair was appointed to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.

Family

Madhavan Nair married Palat Parukutty Amma, the daughter of Sir C. Sankaran Nair. They had two sons - Palat Sankaran Nair, Palat Madhavan Nair and a daughter Palat Narayani Amma. The couple resided at a property named Lynwood in Mahalingapuram, Madras. Lady Madhavan Nair was the prime beneficiary of the Ayyappa Temple in Mahalingapuram.

References

• "The Law Weekly" 17. 1923: 50. 
• Muthiah, S. (23 October 2006). "An illustrious lineage". The Hindu.