Former Governor NN Vohra expresses grief over death of Justice Kuldip Singh
“Deeply saddened by the passing away of Justice Kuldip Singh, whom I had known for over six decades,” said Jammu and Kashmir’s former Governor NN Vohra, as the last journey of the legendary jurist took place at the electric crematorium at Sector 25, Chandigarh, this afternoon.
Paying tribute to the former Supreme Court judge, the Tribune Trust President Vohra in his condolence message said: “An uncompromising professional of impeccable integrity, the entire spectrum of his versatile judicial decisions reflects a rare blend of immense understanding of the law, blended with the dictates of common sense which guides the lives of millions. He was admired across the country for his easy-to-understand pronouncements. May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace. I send my heartfelt condolences to his dear wife.”
As 1959 batch IAS officer, Vohra’s words and feelings echoed in the quiet atmosphere of the crematorium, which was charged with emotion. Judges, both sitting and retired, along with advocates and admirers, stood side by side, their faces a mixture of sorrow and respect.
In that moment, emotions ranged from personal loss to deep reverence for a judge who had reshaped environmental law in India and steadfastly championed human rights. Conversations centered on his landmark judgments, unwavering integrity, and the compassion that informed every decision he made from the Bench.
The stillness in the air seemed to amplify the lingering presence of the judge whose voice once reverberated in the highest echelons of the legal world. Outside, the fading afternoon sun cast long, poignant shadows over the mourners, a silent reminder of the immense void left by Justice Kuldip Singh’s passing away.
Among the mourners was Allahabad High Court’s former Chief Justice S.S. Sodhi, who, along with the gathered mourners, embraced Justice Kuldip Singh’s sons – eminent lawyers and senior advocates Paramjit Singh Patwalia and Deepinder Singh Patwalia.
Those who worked closely with him said Justice Kuldip Singh's legacy was far-reaching, transcending legal doctrine to embrace humanity and the environment. They remembered his meticulous attention to detail and unyielding pursuit of justice. Chief Justice Sodhi’s resonated deeply with all present: “Justice, human rights, and concern for the environment—this is what he will be remembered for.”
Ashwani Kumar, former Union Minister for Law and Justice, said the passing of Justice Kuldip Singh is an irreparable loss for the legal fraternity and his vast circle of friends and admirers across diverse social spectrums. Committed to the doctrine of ‘Living Constitutionalism’, he scripted his judgments to advance progressive social change and the objectives of a dynamic constitution. His distinction as a judge was his unswerving sense of compassion and commitment to substantive justice, never allowing a failure of justice at the altar of legal technicalities.
