Former SC judge Ratnavel Pandian no more

Ratnavel Pandian is survived by five sons and a daughter, family sources said. Subbaiah, a sitting judge of the Madras High Court, is his son, they added. His wife predeceased him. Ratnavel Pandian served as SC judge from 1988 to 1994. 

After retirement as judge of the apex court, he was appointed chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes. 

Pandian, a native of Thirupudaimaruthur in Tirunelveli district, was born on February 13, 1929.

Condoling his demise, DMK leader MK Stalin said Ratnavel Pandian was one of the SC judges who had delivered the historic Mandal case verdict and upheld 27% reservation provided for OBCs in Central government jobs.