Kochi, January 25, 2026 : Justice S. Siri Jagan, former judge of the Kerala High Court and a jurist widely respected for his people-focused approach to justice, passed away late Saturday night at a private hospital in Kochi. He was 74 and had been undergoing treatment for the past three weeks.

A native of Mayyanad in Kollam district, Justice Siri Jagan served on the Kerala High Court bench from 2005 until his retirement in 2014. During his tenure, he dealt with several significant cases, including a number of suo motu public interest litigations. He was known for his compassionate outlook, accessibility, and strong commitment to social justice, earning the trust and admiration of the public.

After retiring from the judiciary, Justice Siri Jagan continued to play an active role in public life. He headed a Supreme Court-appointed committee to assess compensation for victims of stray dog attacks in Kerala, which later came to be known as the Justice Siri Jagan Committee. He was also appointed chairman of the Sabarimala High Power Committee and served as acting Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) in Kochi.

Justice Siri Jagan was widely admired for his personal involvement in public causes and his unwavering support for ordinary citizens. Reports noted that he even contributed from his own funds to help compensate victims of stray dog attacks, reflecting his deep sense of social responsibility and empathy.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. M. Jayalakshmi, a retired doctor, and his two daughters, Prof. Jesny Uday and Dr. Roshni Vishnu, along with their families. The funeral rites will be held at the Ravipuram crematorium in Kochi on Sunday afternoon, following public viewing.