Justice JL Gupta passes away

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 3

When two books penned down by former Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta, were released just about a fortnight back, including one on fighting cancer, no one could really tell his end was so near. After battling brain tumour for more than three years, he passed away at Delhi today at the age of 74. The cremation will take place at Sector 25 grounds at 4 pm tomorrow.

His books, a collection of his writings and on fighting cancer, were released on December 13, last year, by Chief Justice of India Justice Tirath Singh Thakur. Justice Gupta, who completed 50 years in law in February 2013, was also an active blogger.

Enrolled as a lawyer on February 28, 1963, Justice Gupta was designated senior advocate on December 10, 1982. As a practising advocate, he was a part-time member of the teaching faculty at the Law College, member of Panjab University’s law faculty, besides being member of the Board of Studies in Law.

Justice Gupta was elevated as Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge on March 15, 1991. During his tenure, he delivered landmark judgments both on criminal, civil and taxation and constitutional issues.

Justice Gupta was always appreciated by the Bar as a “bold Judge” who performed his duties “without fear or favour”. Known for his “quotable quotes”, he was also praised for his humane approach in handling sensitive issues.