Singapore's top lawyer Subhas Anandan dead

Subhas Anandan, a top Indian-origin lawyer known for fighting several high-profile cases in Singapore, died of cardiac arrest today at the age of 67.
Anandan was reported to have been struggling with multiple health issues.
Anandan, president of the Association of Criminal Lawyers in Singapore and a senior partner at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing, had gained a reputation for taking on several high-profile criminal cases.
A bursary for ex-inmates in his name -- The Yellow Ribbon Fund Subhas Anandan Star Bursary Award -- was launched on October 28 last year by the Association of Muslim Lawyers.
It provides financial support for ex-convicts who wish to study, allowing them a second opportunity to realise their dreams, according to a report by Channel News Asia today.

Foreign Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam wrote on his Facebook page: "Heard the sad news of the passing of the much admired, loved and respected Subhas Anandan -- my dear friend and fellow lawyer."

Shanmugam, who himself was a top lawyer before becoming a Cabinet minister, described Anandan as "a sharp intellect and above all, a generous heart."
"Subhas' strong sense of justice, has made him a legal legend to the Bar as well as general public. His unswerving belief in fair representation for the accused, and granting them a second chance in life, makes him an inspiring role model for the rest of the Criminal Bar," he said.

Singapore Attorney-General V K Rajah said Anandan was a "pioneer in promoting pro bono services long before this gained recognition as constituting an essential facet of legal practice."
"His remarkable resilience, extraordinary fortitude and boundless optimism in overcoming many professional and personal challenges bear further mention. All in all, he was a lawyer with a good head, a big heart and an uncommon touch. The legal community will miss him," said Rajah, condoning the death of Anandan.