At 100, P.B. Menon has no retirement plans; he has court

Retirement has yet to find a place in P.B. Menon’s vocabulary. At 100, the Palakkad lawyer continues to walk into court with a brief in hand, nearly eight decades after he first donned the black coat. For him, the practice of law is not a career that has run its course, but a calling that continues to give his life purpose.

Mr. Menon, who turned 100 on Saturday (October 10, 2026), holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a practising lawyer. Three years ago, he completed 73 years and 60 days in practice, surpassing the record of Gibraltar lawyer Louis Triay, whose career spanned 70 years and 311 days. Mr. Menon has continued practising since then, extending a record built on an extraordinary commitment to the profession.

He celebrated his centenary with family and friends on Saturday (October 10, 2026). Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who greeted him, commending his contribution to the legal profession and his service to people over several decades.

“A century is a remarkable milestone. To dedicate one’s time and energy over such a long period in the service of people is even more inspiring,” Mr. Modi said in his message. He pointed out that Mr. Menon had helped hundreds of people in their quest for justice and expressed confidence that his achievements and experience would inspire generations of lawyers.

A group of lawyers felicitate P. B. Menon on the eve of his turning 100 years old. Photo: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT