‘Gentleman Judge’ Nijjar passes away

Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 26

A gentleman never judges is one idiom that didn’t fit Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar at all. For, he was a gentleman and a Judge too. The former SC Judge, who passed away at PGIMER here this morning following cardiac arrest at the age of 71, would always be remembered not just for his judgments, but also his etiquettes—both inside and outside the courtroom.

There was something different about the way the extremely fair and handsome Justice Nijjar would carry himself. The English penchant for manners and socially appropriate behaviour was constantly visible in his working and interactions. It, perhaps, had something to do with his pre-practice days.

Available information suggests Justice Nijjar studied in London since childhood and obtained his LLB degree from the University of London in 1972. He practised in Britain from 1977-79 before shifting to India. He practised before the Punjab and Haryana HC from 1979 till his elevation as an Additional Judge in 1996. He went on to become the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana HC before his elevation as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta HC.

“When you appeared before Justice Nijjar, you judged him by his demeanour and his judgment. When you left, you also judged him by his heart,” says a senior Punjab and Haryana HC advocate. Those who bid adieu to Justice Nijjar include ex-SC Judge Justice Kuldip Singh and former Chief Justices SS Sodhi and Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan. Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh also mourned his death.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.