HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER M RAVI BANNED FROM PRACTISING LAW FOR 2 YEARS

<Facebook post by M Ravi>

Dear friends,

The Court of Appeal handed out a judgement today prohibiting me from practising law for a period of two years. I have already been out of practice for more
than 18 months. My doctor had certified me fit to practice since December last year. The Law Society had in fact approved my application for Practising Certificate in August 2016.

However, the Attorney General objected to application for a Practising Certificate. During the hearing before the Court of Appeal the Law Society had agreed that a fine is an appropriate penalty in line with the recommendation made by the Disciplinary Tribunal below.

I accept that I did not behave appropriately when I was unwell. However, the Court of Appeal's Judgment is acutely disproportionate in view of the Disciplinary Tribunal's recommendation of a fine. The effect of the Court of Appeal's judgment means I am put of of Practice of Law for close to 4 years.

However, inasmuch I am devastated, this will not deter me from continuing my work in the field of international human rights and constitutional law and contribute to society where I can. To this extent, I will continue my work by assisting the firm of Eugene Thuraisingam LLP in my current role as a Head of Knowledge Management and Strategic Alliance Division.

Thank you for your support and encouragement all these while!