Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Wednesday said that in the passing away of former Supreme Court judge Justice Tarun Chatterjee, the country has lost a great legal mind and jurist of unmatched integrity, who wore several hats.
Speaking during the full court reference held in the memory of Justice Chatterjee, who passed away on July 7 this year, the CJI said that the former Apex Court judge would appear in pro bono matters and cases involving intricate points of law.
Justice Chatterjee served as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. In the PA Inamdar case, he emphasised on the role of educational institutions to ensure transparent admissions. He was also appointed to resolve the Assam Arunachal border dispute, CJI Chandrachud revealed.
He said the former Supreme Court judge had a life apart from the law. He had a passion for driving. He never let his work come in between his love for football and cricket. He was a fan of Mohun Bagan FC, noted the CJI.
He said Justice Chatterjee was a beacon of kindness, humility and empathy, who treated each person with utmost respect and understanding.
His impact on countless lives would remain for the times to come. May his soul rest in eternal peace and his memory remain a guiding light in the pursuit of justice, added CJI Chandrachud.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani said that the Supreme Court had assembled today to cherish forever in the most solemn way, the indelible values left behind by Justice Chatterjee. Honesty was his strongest personal quality, which he always showcased, noted the AG.
President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Dr. Adish Aggarwala said that Justice Chatterjee attended a conference in UP by train to address lawyers, at the risk of his life.
Tarun Chatterjee was born on January 14, 1945. After finishing his B.Sc. and LL.B, he enrolled as an Advocate in 1970 and practised in the High Court in Civil, Criminal and Revenue cases. He was appointed as a permanent Judge in the Calcutta High Court on August 6, 1990.
Justice Chatterjee joined the Bar in 1970 and started practising in the Calcutta High Court on Appellate jurisdiction. He mainly dealt with Civil and Constitutional matters.
He was appointed as Judge in the Calcutta High Court on August 6, 1990. Justice Chatterjee took oath as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court on January 31, 2003. He was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court on August 27, 2004 and retired on January 14, 2010.
His father, late Justice Purshottam Chatterjee, served as Judge of the Calcutta High Court and also as Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court.
Digambar Chatterjee, Judge of the Calcutta High Court during the British government period, was the great grandfather of Justice Tarun. His son Aniruddha Chatterjee is also a practising Advocate at the Calcutta High Court.