Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ramesh Chandra Lahoti passed away at a Delhi hospital on Wednesday (March 23).
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) mourns the sad demise of former CJI RC Lahoti.
Expressing his condolences, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said, "We deeply mourn the sad demise of the former Chief Justice of Bharat R C Lahoti. Rising from a humble background, he reached the top position of the country's judiciary because of his earnestness, professional integrity and deep understanding of law and society."
"He will be remembered for his gentle but firm approach and compassion. Our heartfelt condolences to the family members of Justice Lahoti. Pray the almighty to bestow sadgati on the departed soul," Hosabale added.
Justice Lahoti was appointed as the Chief Justice of India on June 1, 2004, and retired on November 1, 2005.
He was born on November 1, 1940, joined the Bar in District Guna in 1960 and enrolled as an Advocate in 1962.
Condolences started pouring from various dignitaries. Paying his tributes to Lahoti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Anguished by the passing away of former CJI Shri RC Lahoti Ji. He will be remembered for his contributions to the judiciary and emphasis on ensuring speedy justice to the underprivileged. Condolences to his family and well-wishers. Om Shanti."
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju remembered Lahoti as a man of knowledge and wisdom. Expressing his condolence, Rijiju said, "Saddened to hear the passing away of Shri RC Lahoti, former Chief Justice of India. He rose from a humble background and reached the highest position of our country's judiciary because of his ability, knowledge and wisdom. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family."
The Supreme Court Bar Association expressed its anguish at the passing away of Lahoti. "Former Chief Justice of India Justice RC Lahoti is no more. He was one of the finest Chiefs I had ever known. May his soul rest in peace," tweeted Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai, vice-president of Supreme Court Bar Association.
Expressing condolences on his demise, Central Railway tweeted, "Saddened to hear the passing away of RC Lahoti Ex. Chief Justice of India. In this hour of grief, we stand with the family of Justice Lahoti to bear the loss and sends heartfelt condolences."
In April 1977, he was recruited directly from the Bar to the State Higher Judicial Service and was appointed as a District & Sessions Judge.
After functioning as a District & Sessions Judge for a year, he resigned in May 1978 and reverted to the Bar for practice, mainly in the High Court.
He was later appointed as the Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 3, 1988, and was made permanent Judge on August 4, 1989.
He was transferred to Delhi High Court on February 7, 1994, and thereafter he was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on December 9, 1998.
(With inputs from ANI)
