Justice Eurico Santana da Silva, who passed away in March 2025, was an undeniable legal stalwart. But for Goans, he was a son of the soil and a beacon of honesty and integrity.
Born in Margao, Goa (then Portuguese India) in 1933, Justice da Silva's journey began with a degree in law from the prestigious University of Coimbra, Portugal - the second oldest University in Europe. He followed this up with a postgraduate degree in Historical and Juridical Sciences.
In 1957, before the liberation of Goa, he began his career in judicial services with the Portuguese Overseas Judiciary. He seamlessly continued in the role after liberation in 1961.
His distinguished 38-year career on the bench saw him rise steadily through the ranks.
In 1964, he was appointed Civil Judge, Senior Division and Judicial Magistrate First Class. He held numerous other pivotal positions before making history in February 1981, when he was appointed as the first District and Sessions Judge of the newly created South Goa District.
In July 1990, he was elevated to the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court as an additional judge. He became a puisne judge in 1991 and retired from office in 1995.
Even after retiring from active judicial service, Justice da Silva's dedication to public service and the legal field continued.
He led the Silva Commission of Inquiry, tasked with probing irregularities by officers functioning as Custodians of Evacuee Property. He was a member of the Goa University Court, nominated by the Governor, and chaired the University Fee Structure Committee. He was also a member of the Indian Society of Human Rights, Nagpur.
He also held significant positions as President of the Goa State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and Chairman of the Goa State Police Complaints Authority (SCPA). Notably, as chairperson of the SPCA, he passed an order criticising political interference in police work, underscoring his unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and the independence of the judiciary.
By all accounts, Justice da Silva was also a passionate agriculturist, a dedicated philanthropist, a prolific reader, an enthusiast of western classical music and a lover of culture and conservation of heritage.
Justice da Silva's contributions to the legal field and to Goan culture will be remembered, as evidenced by the outpouring of tributes after his death earlier this year.
Margao MLA and former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat posted his condolences on X.
“We have lost an honest judge,” said Senior Advocate and former Advocate General of Goa, Zilman Coelho Pereira.
Former BJP MP from South Goa Narendra Sawaika wrote that Justice da Silva was admired for his knowledge, integrity and strong sense of discipline.
Justice Eurico Santana da Silva leaves behind a legacy of unwavering integrity which ought to serve as inspiration for generations to come. His influence continues to extend beyond the confines of the courtroom, impacting the very fabric of Goan society.