Public, political and legal circles pay tribute to M Ravi, a passionate advocate who shaped justice discourse

SINGAPORE: An outpouring of tributes emerged across social media and civil society networks on 24 December 2025 following news of the death of prominent human rights lawyer M Ravi. He was 56.

Ravi, whose full name was Ravi Madasamy, was widely recognised for more than 25 years of legal advocacy on behalf of marginalised communities.

His work spanned constitutional challenges, death penalty cases, political rights, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Police told state media they were alerted to a case of unnatural death at Tan Tock Seng Hospital at about 6.50am on Wednesday. Based on preliminary investigations, police said foul play was not suspected. Investigations remain ongoing.

A wake for Ravi will be held from 5pm on Thursday (25 December 2025) at the void deck of Block 663, Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore 760663.

His cremation is scheduled for Friday.

Tributes from across legal and civil society circles

Members of the public, politicians, political parties, civil society organisations and legal peers paid tribute to Ravi, describing him as a passionate, uncompromising advocate whose work shaped public discourse on justice and rights.

Eugene Thuraisingam, a friend who had previously represented Ravi, said he was “always true to the cause he fought with all his heart”. He added that the constitutional cases Ravi argued helped shape Singapore’s legal landscape.

Lawyer Shashi Nathan said Ravi was often a divisive figure but emphasised that he had a good heart and was deeply committed to his clients, particularly those with limited access to legal resources.

Ariffin Sha, another lawyer, shared a personal reflection, saying Ravi sparked his interest in law and had encouraged his late father to allow him to pursue legal studies. He recalled Ravi offering guidance, sharing stories of legal battles, and expressing hopes for future reforms.

Political parties and public figures respond

In a statement, the Singapore Democratic Party said it was shocked by Ravi’s sudden demise and was mourning his death.

The party described him as a staunch advocate for civil liberties and political rights who worked tirelessly to speak up for the voiceless in Singapore and beyond.

Ravi had previously represented the party in court, including in cases related to constitutional and electoral matters.

Former Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian paid tribute by recognising Ravi’s immense contribution to promoting humanity through legal advocacy.

Former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng also commented, noting that although he did not know Ravi personally, public records showed Ravi’s relentless efforts in defending death row inmates and advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

Cheng said Ravi fought “tooth and nail”, sometimes getting into trouble for his methods, but his actions reflected compassion and a good heart.

Role in landmark LGBTQ+ legal challenges

Bryan Choong, Chairperson and former executive director of LGBTQ+ group Oogachaga, highlighted Ravi’s pivotal role in challenging Section 377A of the Penal Code.

Choong said Ravi took a bold and unprecedented step in 2010 when he represented Tan Eng Hong and initiated Singapore’s first legal challenge against the law criminalising sex between men.

He described Ravi as deeply passionate and committed, adding that his contribution was significant to the movement that culminated in Parliament repealing Section 377A in 2022.

Public sentiment and online reflections

Observing comments on platforms including CNA and The Straits Times, many netizens acknowledged Ravi’s life as one defined by standing firm in his beliefs.

Commenters described him as compassionate and courageous, particularly in his defence of death row inmates, the poor and other marginalised groups.

While acknowledging his flaws and controversies, many agreed his dedication to justice and humanity left a lasting legacy.

Some praised his sharp legal mind, noting his ability to identify evidentiary limits and challenge institutional bias.

Others reflected that Ravi thought “out of the box” and sought reform, even if his confrontational style drew criticism.

Several commenters noted Singapore needed reform-minded individuals who could challenge established norms without fear.

Impact on constitutional and capital punishment law

Lawyer Peter Ong described Ravi as a fearless constitutional advocate whose work fundamentally shaped Singapore’s criminal and capital punishment jurisprudence.

Ong highlighted Ravi’s unwavering belief that every life deserved the fullest defence, particularly in death penalty cases. He credited Ravi’s persistent last-ditch applications with indirectly prompting the Post-appeal Applications in Capital Cases Act 2022, which introduced a structured safeguard for late-stage capital appeals.

Despite personal struggles, Ong said Ravi remained a principled gentleman whose courage made the legal system more humane and conscientious.

Legal career and disciplinary proceedings

Ravi graduated from the National University of Singapore and Cardiff University, and was called to the Bar in 1996. He later founded his own practice, M Ravi Law, in 2019.

His career was marked by repeated disciplinary action.

In March 2023, Ravi received a five-year suspension from legal practice, the maximum term, after a tribunal found he had made grave and baseless accusations of improper conduct against the Attorney-General and officers from the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

He was subsequently struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors following a High Court order, after an application brought by the Law Society of Singapore.

Court proceedings cited statements made about then-President Halimah Yacob, alleged disrespectful behaviour towards a judge during a November 2021 trial, and dishonest representations to the court regarding a client’s wishes.

International reactions and recognition

The decision to disbar Ravi drew criticism from international non-governmental organisations. Front Line Defenders expressed concern, describing the actions as harassment of a prominent human rights lawyer, and urged authorities to cease measures it said undermined human rights defenders.

Despite disciplinary actions, Ravi received the International Bar Association Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights in 2023.

The award recognised his tireless advocacy for marginalised groups, particularly death row inmates and the LGBTQ+ community.

Personal struggles and life beyond the law

Friends and associates said Ravi experienced mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder, which they attributed to prolonged stress linked to his legal work and public confrontations.

Ravi had spoken publicly about mental health and resilience.

Despite suspension and disbarment, close contacts said Ravi remained hopeful of reinstatement and continued contributing through speeches, seminars and consultations.

Ravi also briefly entered politics, contesting the 2015 General Election under the Reform Party banner in Ang Mo Kio GRC, though the team was unsuccessful.

Outside law, he was an author. His autobiography, Kampong Boy, published in 2013, was shortlisted for the Singapore Literature Prize in 2014.