New Delhi, Jan 4.
Outgoing Supreme Court judge S. Abdul Nazeer came in much praise during his farewell function on Wednesday for being “truly secular” and “always putting the nation first” as demonstrated in course of the Ayodhya ruling.
As the only minority face on the bench, Justice Nazeer agreed to delivering a unanimous judgement in the case handing over the land at the disputed Ramjanambhoomi Babri Masjid site for building a Ram temple at the spot.
Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh spoke fondly of his simplicity, his congeniality, and his inclusivity at his farewell function. He learnt Sanskrit, which showed his open mind, CJI Chandrachud said in his speech.
“He was not only dedicated to the law, but also dedicated to all those affected by the law. It was a long, hard journey and it was not at all easy for him. He overcame many socio-economic obstacles to reach where he has.”
CJI Chandrachud also lauded his “equanimity,” his “courteous” manners and “hard work” to work out a just and proper solution to a dispute.
He was truly a people’s judge and was part of many key judgements including triple talaq, demonetisation, free speech of MPs and MLAs and the right to privacy.
The SCBA president praised Justice Nazeer for being truly secular and for putting the nation first. CJI Chandrachud singled him out for always doing the “right thing”.
Justice Nazeer on his part said that there was always scope of improvement in the judiciary and gender representation in the courts left a lot to be desired.
He, spoke of the need for senior lawyers to give more opportunities to juniors in the profession and also pay them well so that they don’t find litigation unviable.
Everything is founded in dharma and hence dharma is the ultimate supreme. Dharma, he said, protects those who protect it and destroys those who destroy it, concluding with a Sanskrit shloka.
He will retire to Bangalore his home town and would be dabbling in the odd arbitration cases. He has keen interest in theatre, singing, and cricket.
