New Delhi: Eminent lawyer and former union minister Ram Jethmalani passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. He breathed his last at 7.45 am at his official residence in New Delhi. His son Mahesh Jethmalani and other close acquaintances said Ram Jethmalani was not keeping well for a few months. The distinguished lawyer passed away a few days before his 96th birthday on September 14. Mahesh said his father's last rites will be performed in the evening at the Lodhi road crematorium here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the demise of the illustrious lawyer. Remembering the 'iconic' public figure, the prime minister said, "In the passing away of Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji, India has lost an exceptional lawyer and iconic public figure who made rich contributions both in the Court and Parliament. He was witty, courageous and never shied away from boldly expressing himself on any subject."
He also recalled Jethmalani's remarkable work saying, "One of the best aspects of Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji was the ability to speak his mind. And, he did so without any fear. During the dark days of the Emergency, his fortitude and fight for public liberties will be remembered. Helping the needy was an integral part of his persona."'
I consider myself fortunate to have got numerous opportunities to interact with Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji. In these sad moments, my condolences to his family, friends and many admirers. He may not be here but his pioneering work will live on! Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 8 September 2019
Extending his condolences to the family, Modi said, "I consider myself fortunate to have got numerous opportunities to interact with Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji. In these sad moments, my condolences to his family, friends and many admirers. He may not be here but his pioneering work will live on! Om Shanti." President Ram Nath Kovind expressed condolence and remembered the late lawyer for his 'characteristic eloquence', 'erudition and intellect'. "Saddened by the passing of Shri Ram Jethmalani, former Union Minister and a veteran lawyer. He was known to express his views on public issues with his characteristic eloquence. The nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a person of great erudition and intellect," he wrote.
Saddened by the passing of Shri Ram Jethmalani, former Union Minister and a veteran lawyer. He was known to express his views on public issues with his characteristic eloquence. The nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a person of great erudition and intellect #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 8, 2019
Leaders and people across political and legal circle condoled the demise the noted jurist.
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh expressed grief saying, "Deep condolences on the demise of Shri Ram Jethmalani. In his death India has lost an eminent jurist, an able administrator and a seasoned parliamentarian."
Expressing pain over the demise, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "In him we have not only lost a distinguished lawyer but also a great human who was full of life."
Deeply pained to know about the passing away of India’s veteran lawyer and former Union Minister Shri Ram Jethmalani ji. In him we have not only lost a distinguished lawyer but also a great human who was full of life. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) 8 September 2019
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also condoled Jethmalani's demise, remembering him as "a distinguished jurist, a great intellectual and a patriot."
Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Shri Ram Jethmalani, former Union Minister, a legal luminary & one of the brilliant minds of Bharat. In his passing away the nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a great intellectual & a patriot, who was active till his last breath pic.twitter.com/Z0xCTm0R7q — VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) 8 September 2019
Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also paid homage to the late Supreme Court lawyer. "His brilliance, eloquence, powerful advocacy and sound understanding of law will remain a worthy example in legal profession," he wrote.
Deeply condole the passing away of the veteran lawyer and former Law Minister Ram Jethmalani. His brilliance, eloquence, powerful advocacy and sound understanding of law will remain a worthy example in legal profession. My profound condolences. — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) 8 September 2019
Deeply saddened by the demise of former Union Minister and eminent lawyer, Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji. Blessed with knowledge and intelligence he made noteworthy contribution to lawmaking and pubic life. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 8, 2019
Ram Jethmalani is no more . A crusader in both law and politics he stood steadfastly for the causes he took up . His knowledge in criminal law was matched by none . He was also a bundle of affection . The nation has lost a great son . May his soul rest in peace. — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) September 8, 2019
पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री, राज्यसभा सांसद एवं वरिष्ठ अधिवक्ता राम जेठमलानी जी का निधन दुःखद। कानून के क्षेत्र में उनके योगदान को हमेशा याद किया जाएगा। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दे।https://t.co/gOGKAhr8Rx — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) September 8, 2019
Extremely saddened at the passing away of legendary lawyer Ram Jethmalani ji. An institution in himself, he shaped criminal law in post-independence India. His void would never be filled and his name will be written in golden words in legal history. RIP Ram sir — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 8, 2019
My friend turned foe turned very good friend Ram Jethmalani passed away today at 95 years age. Farewell friend — Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) 8 September 2019
Deep grief at the passing away of Ram Jethmalani. He was a dear friend, fellow Parliamentarian and a legal legend. Deepest condolences to his family and the large number of friends and admirers. — Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) 8 September 2019
An eminent lawyer, a good friend and a wonderful human being. His prowess will not just be missed by the legal community but by everyone whose life he touched. Farewell Ram, you will always be missed. Pray that the lord almighty take care of you. #RamJethmalani — Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) September 8, 2019
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of former Union Minister and noted legal luminary of the country Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji. My thoughts and prayers are with bereaved family. Om Shanti — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 8, 2019
Saddened to hear the news of passing away of eminent lawyer & former union law minister Shri Ram Jethmalani. He was a legend of bar and inspiration for many lawyers. His vast experience and knowledge will be missed. — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) 8 September 2019
Condolences on the demise of Shri. #RamJethmalani, Member of Rajya Sabha and an eminent lawyer. Truly, he was a legal eagle. Fiery and ever ready to pick on legal merit, in #jethmalani’s passing away, India has lost a jurist. — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 8, 2019
Saddened by the passing away of distinguished jurist and Rajya Sabha colleague, Shri Ram Jethmalani ji. Condolences to the bereaved family. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 8, 2019
Comments
0 comment