Delhi HC ex-CJ Justice Sachar dead

New Delhi, April 20

Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice and noted social activist Rajinder Sachar died here on Friday after prolonged illness. He was 94. 

Justice Sachar was the chairperson of a committee set up by the Manmohan Singh government to prepare a report on the social, economic and educational conditions of Muslims in India. Tabled in Parliament in 2006, the report is cited as a reference on socio-economic issues relating to Muslim community. He was cremated at the Lodhi Road crematorium in New Delhi this evening, family sources said.

Many political leaders, including former JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, CPI’s D Raja, several leaders from Muslim community, former Supreme Court Judge DP Wadhwa and several sitting and retired judges and advocates attended his funeral.

Justice Sachar was Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court between August 6, 1985, and December 22, 1985. After his retirement, he had been active in social field and was associated with the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).

Sachar was admitted to a hospital earlier this week, sources said, adding he died of pneumonia with septic shock syndrome and heart-related complications. — TNS