SINGAPORE — Tributes from the who’s who in the legal fraternity flowed in yesterday after the profession was rocked by the death of Mr Subhas Anandan, who was widely regarded as one of Singapore’s finest criminal lawyers.

Mr Anandan died from heart failure yesterday morning while he was at Singapore General Hospital for his thrice-weekly dialysis session. He was 67. He leaves behind his wife Vimala, 56, and son Sujesh, 24.

Mr Anandan had been battling a host of health problems for years. He had suffered three heart attacks since 1978, lost one kidney to cancer in 2001 and was struck with diabetes. Last year, he was diagnosed with heart and kidney failure, putting him out of action for six months.

Despite his ill health, the death of the lawyer, renowned for taking on the most sensational and high-profile criminal cases in recent memory, still came as a rude shock to many when the news spread after about 11am.

In the evening, family, friends, fellow lawyers and public figures, including former Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong and Senior Minister of State (Law and Education) Indranee Rajah, streamed in to Mr Anandan’s Leonie Hill condominium to pay their respects, even before his body was taken to his home.

While the public remembers him for representing some of the most notorious criminals Singapore has seen, the senior partner at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing and president of the Association of Criminal Lawyers in Singapore earned the respect of those who have worked for or with him with his heart of gold behind his fearsome appearance.

Describing him as a “dear friend”, Law Minister K Shanmugam said Mr Anandan’s name is “synonymous with tenaciousness in court, a sharp intellect and, above all, a generous heart”.

“Subhas’ strong sense of justice has made him a legal legend to the Bar as well as general public. His unswerving belief in fair representation for the accused, and granting them a second chance in life, makes him an inspiring role model for the rest of the Criminal Bar,” wrote the minister on his Facebook page.

Attorney-General V K Rajah, who had presided over Mr Anandan’s cases when he was on the High Court Bench, said the lawyer was well respected for his “admirable forthrightness in the presentation of his legal submissions and an uncanny legal acumen that identified the most persuasive points to be made even in apparently ‘hopeless’ cases”. He also highlighted how Mr Anandan was a “pioneer” in promoting pro bono services — he took on many prominent clients’ cases for free.

“All in all, he was a lawyer with a good head, a big heart and an uncommon touch. The legal community will miss him,” said Mr Rajah.

Criminal lawyer and pro bono champion Josephus Tan, 35, who served his pupillage under Mr Anandan from 2008 to 2009, said his mentor had ignited the spirit of public service in him. “Beneath that tough exterior lies a heart of gold and he was always there for the underprivileged.”

Agreeing, KhattarWong partner P E Ashokan added: “He’ll leave a legacy for fighting for the underdogs relentlessly and giving everybody a chance.”

Mr Anandan’s standing in legal circles also saw him advocate for many issues in criminal defence work, including the mandatory death penalty, and the video-taping of police interrogations.

Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon recounted that Mr Anandan had patiently explained many of the issues facing the Criminal Bar when he was the Attorney-General and noted that the lawyer was honest and fearless, yet always courteous, in the courtroom.

Outside the courtroom, Mr Anandan also left his mark. “People who have been helped by Subhas, and there have been so many, will know that beneath that stern and fierce demeanour was one of the kindest and warmest men you could ever meet,” said his colleague, Mr Rajan Menon.

Mr K Anparasan, a former colleague, added: “What struck me as well was his friendliness. He could relate to the tea lady to the most senior person in the firm.”

Childhood friend Mr Soman, 67, said: “He had a very good heart to help people. If anyone went to him, he would try his best to help them.” ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ELGIN CHONG