by Aditya Sondhi.At a trustees’ meeting of the Thrombosis Research Institute (“TRI”) some months ago, eminent physicist Dr. M.G.K. Menon told the Chairman, Justice J.S. Verma (“JSV”) that he could not continue on the board any longer owing to his being close to 84 years of age. JSV responded with the typical glint in his clear eyes, “You see” (as he liked beginning his sentences), “it’s not that we are getting younger either. But the trust needs you now.” He seemed most amused that Dr. Menon would tell him about getting on in age, considering the fact that JSV was himself over 80 years old! But he certainly seemed evergreen and in many ways immortal. It was therefore a rather dumbfounding shock when he passed away, suddenly, in April this year..JSV retired in 1998, which was when I enrolled, and obviously did not have the privilege of appearing before him. But it was at his instance that I joined the TRI as a trustee and had the pleasure of spending a few hours with him every once in a while. The keen energy that he brought to every meeting and the sharp sense of purpose about his tasks made one feel rather inadequate. It made one wonder how tremendous it might have been to appear in His Lordship’s court. A court that produced epochal judgements in S.P. Gupta, Nilabati, Vishaka, Jain Hawala, Ayodhya & AFSPA, among many others. And an era that saw the judiciary claim its undisputed position as the tallest institution at the Indian high-table, for both its intellectual as well as moral supremacy..JSV as Chief Justice of India was bold and clear. His judgements and admininstrative decisions were flawless, or certainly, unquestionable for their intent and purpose. The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life that act as the conscience keepers for sitting judges were driven by JSV’s stewardship. He hand-picked many young (at the time) judges, who now bask in the glory he foresaw for them. Indeed, he took pleasure in reminding us that many a lawyer’s career was made in his court. For instance, his refusal to grant Kapil Sibal an adjournment in Veeraswami’s case to enable a (more) senior counsel to appear for the appellant, propelled Sibal to new heights..JSV’s keen sense of propriety and uncompromising inegrity shone through in his post-retirement decisions as well. His adamant refusal to act as an arbitrator or hanker after tribunal jobs disclosed how much he adored his independence, and his choice to be remembered as a judge (and no more). He did hold the position of Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission but this seemed axiomatic for someone with his jurisprudence of human rights and social change. Hence, his being hand-picked to head the Committee for Amendments to Criminal Laws relating to sexual offences against women came as no surprise. It was equally no surprise that his Committee was able to turn in its compelling report within time, and with no holds barred. JSV was gracious to repeatedly acknowledge the fine support he and his colleagues received from his team of young lawyers and researchers..I called on him at his Noida residence last year for some career guidance. He minced no words in asking me to keep at the job, and not to get distracted with either bouquets or brickbats. His advice reminded me a little of my school’s motto translated from Latin to mean “Neither to the right, Nor to the left” – a motto that is pithy but difficult to observe. But such was JSV – pithy and true to his motto. Of being fearless and incorruptible. Values that seem priceless in our times. It seems unsurprising that one of his closest confidants was Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, one of the few remaining stalwarts of the old guard..JSV responded to emails almost instantly on his iPhone. When I didn’t hear from him for over 3 days after my last email to him, it made me wonder why. Just then I saw a post informing us that JSV was no more. That explained why I never heard from him. There would be no other reason. Nothing was too trivial or too important not to get a firm response from him instantly. Whether on the Bench, or off it..Rest well My Lord. But stay with us..Aditya Sondhi is an Advocate practising in the High Court of Karnataka and Supreme Court of India.
