Mr Ravi, whose full name was Ravi Madasamy, was born in 1969 and practised law for more than 25 years. Widely known for representing death row inmates, he was also a prominent figure in public discourse due to controversies surrounding his conduct. Beyond his legal work, Mr Ravi was a long-time advocate for LGBTQ rights and campaigned for the abolition of the death penalty in Singapore.

Advocacy and Impact

Non-profit organisation Oogachaga expressed condolences, highlighting Mr Ravi’s bold and unprecedented 2010 representation in Singapore’s first court challenge against Section 377A, which criminalised sex between men. The law was eventually repealed in 2022, marking a historic milestone for LGBTQ rights in Singapore.

Lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam, who once acted as Mr Ravi’s counsel, described him as a principled advocate who stood firmly by his beliefs. He praised Mr Ravi’s deep commitment to pro bono work and the care he extended to his clients, noting that he would be missed by the legal community.

Lawyer Ariffin Sha reflected on Mr Ravi’s influence, saying he played a significant role in inspiring his own legal career and praising his unwavering passion for access to justice. The Singapore Democratic Party also paid tribute, calling him a strong advocate for civil liberties and political rights, having represented the party in court.

Education and Career

According to the Encyclopedia of Singapore Tamils, Mr Ravi graduated from the National University of Singapore and Cardiff University, and was called to the Bar in 1996. He founded his own firm, M Ravi Law, in 2019.

In 2023, the International Bar Association recognised him for his human rights work, praising his dedication to defending human rights, advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality, and supporting the abolition of the death penalty.

Controversies and Legal Challenges

Mr Ravi’s career was not without legal challenges. He faced several run-ins, including:

• A fine for disorderly behaviour in 2004

• A mandatory treatment order in 2018

• A 14-week jail sentence in 2024

• A five-year suspension from legal practice in 2023 over accusations deemed baseless

Despite these setbacks, he remained a prominent and outspoken figure in both law and society.

Politics and Authorship

Mr Ravi entered politics in 2015 as a Reform Party candidate in Ang Mo Kio GRC.

He was also an author; his autobiography, Kampong Boy, published in 2013, was shortlisted for the Singapore Literature Prize the following year.

Lawyer Lim Tean summed up Mr Ravi’s legacy, stating that he took on cases few dared to challenge, reminding society that the law is not just about rules and procedures, but a reflection of our collective conscience.

Mr Ravi leaves behind a lasting legacy as a fearless advocate for justice, human rights, and equality.