Obituary: Mr S. Venkiteswaran

'Venky' Venkiteswaran (S. Venkiteswaran) who died on 21st December was a most distinguished lawyer (a Senior Advocate or QC) who worked for the transport Clubs' interests in India for over 40 years. A brilliant lawyer and charismatic figure, he was the confidante and advisor to many in the Indian transport world and his advice was equally sought by the Government and the Director-General of Shipping.

When the UK Club's then correspondents were found wanting in the early 90's he responded to a request from ourselves, Britannia and Bilborough's to set up the commercial corespondent - Pandi Correspondents - and became their chairman. This role will pass to his son Kumar who with Venky's niece Priya are partners in his Chambers.

Venky had many notable achievements to his name including the striking down through the Supreme Court of Indian Customs' practice of presenting thousands of ancient 'Show Cause' notices (ie customs fines) that plagued P&I, TT, ITIC and the shipping lines for years and being the first to successfully prosecute a pirate caught by the Navy in international waters. In 2004 he was awarded the Varuna Award for services to the shipping industry.

Venky was sometime a director of the Bombay Stock Exchange, a director of Adani Port, Mundra and had recently constituted the Indian Maritime Law Association which has been accepted as a member of the CMI.