Posthumous Commencement: A Lawyer’s Dream Lives On
Just nine days before he was set to join Singapore’s Bar, 28‑year‑old Vikram Kumar Tiwary slipped into a peaceful sleep and never woke up. This sudden loss left his family and the legal community in a swirl of heartbreak and, oddly, a touch of historic awe.
Why The Moment Matters
- Historical First – Vikram became the first person to be named to the Singapore Bar posthumously.
- Queens Regent’s Vote – High Court Judge Choo Han Teck granted the admission, citing Vikram’s relentless effort and dedication.
- Justice’s Word – “What ought to have been done, equity treats as done,” the judge noted, echoing a timeless legal principle.
Fast‑Forward to Career Highlights
Vikram’s legal journey was as impressive as it could be:
- Graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2018 with a law degree.
- Passed both Part A and Part B Bar exams.
- Completed practice training at K&L Gates Straits Law on July 1 last year.
- Filed his admission application on March 16 this year, with a hearing set for June 9.
- Proactively applied to work full‑time with the Law Society’s Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, aiming to defend the voiceless.
The Sudden Silence
In the early hours of May 30, Vikram’s heart stopped in his sleep. His father, Ram Prakash Tiwary, 65, was beside him at 1:30 am, helping him with eye drops before delivering a warm “goodnight.” By noon, his wife, Ramoti Tiwary, 62, woke him up to find him trashed out on the floor—no sign of life.
“He was my confidante, my best friend, my son, my baby, and he always had a smile for everybody,” her emotional tear‑laden words pierced the conversation. The family remains at a loss: “It’s a real mystery what happened. I just can’t reconcile it,” Ram Prakash added.
Beyond the Courtroom
Vikram was more than a budding lawyer:
- Classic Car Enthusiast – He proudly owned a 1990 Volvo 240 and was a beloved figure at the Classic Car Club Singapore.
- Music Lover – He had a soft spot for 50s and 60s tunes, keeping his spirits high even on the toughest days.
The Family’s Wish
Despite their grief, the Tiwary family wanted Vikram’s name engraved on the Bar roll, “to fulfill his dream, to let him realise, wherever he may be, that he has been called… and his hard work has been amply rewarded.”
In a heartfelt testimonial to the court, parents echoed, “Since he was a little boy, he listened in on discussions between his father and uncle about the law, and recognized that the law, especially representing those with no voice, was his calling.”
Legal Proceedings & Precedent
Given the unique nature of this request, Judge Choo adjourned hearings to confirm there were no legal obstacles. He listened to counsel from various bodies: the Attorney‑General’s Chambers, the Law Society, and the Singapore Institute of Legal Education.
There’s a silver lining—other jurisdictions have precedent for posthumous admission. For instance, Ms. Iris Barry Yake was admitted to the Edmonton Bar 40 years after her death because she was too ill to attend the ceremony. (Edmonton, Canada, for the record.)
Lawyer N. Sreenivasan testified to Vikram’s impeccable character, and Law Society President Gregory Vijayendran praised the symbolic significance. “This call has symbolic significance for the family and the legal profession. It will endure as a lasting legacy of a young man whose potential in law practice was tragically cut short,” he said.
“Our heartfelt hope is that, with this posthumous admission, it will bring Vikram’s family some comfort and closure,” Vijayendran added.
Back to the Bar
As the Bar rolls its final seal, Vikram Kumar Tiwary’s name fits snugly among the lawyers—an eternal reminder that justice extends beyond the living, and that a dream, once nurtured, cannot be denied.
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(The story was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.)
