CJI BR Gavai unveils portraits of Lal Narayan Sinha, Shanti Bhushan at Supreme Court

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Monday unveiled the portraits of former Attorneys General Lal Narayan Sinha and Shanti Bhushan at the Supreme Court of India.

Speaking at the ceremony, CJI Gavai said,

“It is an honour and privilege to unveil today the portraits of two towering personalities of our legal profession: Late Shri Lal Narayan Sinha and Late Shri Shanti Bhushan.”

He said both jurists set a standard of excellence that continues to guide generations of lawyers. He described them as “not only lawyers of exceptional brilliance, but also citizens whose pledge to the Constitution of India defined their very lives.”

Recalling the contributions of Lal Narayan Sinha, the Chief Justice said,

“His advocacy in landmark constitutional cases such as Golak Nath and Kesavananda Bharati helped shape the very soul of our Constitution. His foresight and preparation were legendary. He anticipated the constitutional debates that would define the Basic Structure doctrine, a doctrine that today stands as the bedrock of our constitutional democracy.”

Justice Gavai said Sinha’s principled arguments in Hussainara Khatoon case gave new meaning to Article 21 by affirming the right to a speedy trial as a fundamental right.

He also shared an anecdote about Sinha’s persuasive skills in Tulsiram Patel v. Union of India.

“The Constitution Bench was against the Government of India. However, he took over the matter at the stage of clarification and could convince four of the five judges who agreed in support of his proposition. There was only one dissenting judgment.”

On Shanti Bhushan, CJI Gavai said,

“Late Shri Shanti Bhushan was a distinguished statesman of the Bar, a lawyer whose courage, vision, and integrity shaped the course of modern Indian jurisprudence and strengthened the foundations of our democracy.”

He described Bhushan’s role as Law Minister from 1977 to 1979 as crucial in restoring democratic values after the Emergency and noted that he institutionalised the movement for public interest litigation by co-founding the Centre for Public Interest Litigation NGO.

On Bhushan’s work in Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain, Justice Gavai said,

“Standing against the might of executive power, he argued that Parliament’s amending power could not destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution, preserving forever the principles of judicial review and free and fair elections as the heart of our Republic. His contribution in developing the Doctrine of Basic Structure is remarkable.”

Justice Gavai added that he had an opportunity to see Shanti Bhushan argue in court as a young lawyer in Mumbai.

“I was always impressed by his brilliant arguments and persuasive skills. As a judge of this Court, I had an occasion to hear him during Covid on online hearing and an unpleasant case.”

He said the portraits of the two stalwarts serve as a living testament to the highest ideals of our profession.

"They are mirrors of our constitutional conscience. They remind us that the rule of law depends on the vigilance and moral courage of those who uphold it.”

CJI Gavai also thanked Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh for thoughtfully arranging this unveiling on the 100th birthday of Shri Shanti Bhushan.

“These portraits shall remind us that true distinction is earned through a lifetime devoted to justice, ethics, and the fearless pursuit of truth. The values embodied by Shri Lal Narayan Sinha and Shri Shanti Bhushan will continue to show the path for those who follow. For generations to come, these portraits will inspire all who enter these halls to uphold the Constitution, defend the rights of the people, and remain unshakable in moments of crises," the CJI said in conclusion