Chief Justice BR Gavai unveiled the portraits of former Attorneys General Shanti Bhushan and Lal Narayan Sinha at the Supreme Court, calling them “mirrors of our constitutional conscience.” He praised their lifelong dedication to justice and the Indian Constitution.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Monday unveiled the portraits of two of India’s most respected legal luminaries — former Attorneys General Lal Narayan Sinha and Shanti Bhushan — at the Supreme Court of India.
The ceremony was attended by members of the judiciary and the Bar, celebrating the lifelong dedication of these two legendary lawyers to the Constitution and justice.
Speaking at the event, CJI Gavai said,
“It is an honour and privilege to unveil today the portraits of two towering personalities of our legal profession: Late Shri Lal Narayan Sinha and Late Shri Shanti Bhushan.”
He praised both jurists for setting an extraordinary standard of excellence in the legal field, saying they were
“not only lawyers of exceptional brilliance, but also citizens whose pledge to the Constitution of India defined their very lives.”
Recalling the outstanding contributions of Lal Narayan Sinha, Justice Gavai highlighted his remarkable role in shaping India’s constitutional history.
He said,
“His advocacy in landmark constitutional cases such as Golak Nath and Kesavananda Bharati helped shape the very soul of our Constitution. His foresight and preparation were legendary. He anticipated the constitutional debates that would define the Basic Structure doctrine, a doctrine that today stands as the bedrock of our constitutional democracy.”
CJI Gavai further noted that Sinha’s principled stance in the famous Hussainara Khatoon case gave a new interpretation to Article 21 of the Constitution by ensuring that the right to a speedy trial was recognised as a fundamental right.
Sharing a courtroom anecdote that showcased Sinha’s persuasive brilliance, the Chief Justice said,
“The Constitution Bench was against the Government of India. However, he took over the matter at the stage of clarification and could convince four of the five judges who agreed in support of his proposition. There was only one dissenting judgment.”
Turning his attention to the late Shanti Bhushan, CJI Gavai described him as one of the strongest voices for justice and democracy in India.
He said,
“Late Shri Shanti Bhushan was a distinguished statesman of the Bar, a lawyer whose courage, vision, and integrity shaped the course of modern Indian jurisprudence and strengthened the foundations of our democracy.”
Justice Gavai also praised Bhushan’s impactful tenure as the Law Minister from 1977 to 1979, describing it as a turning point in Indian legal history.
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According to him, Bhushan played a key role in restoring democratic values after the Emergency and institutionalised the concept of public interest litigation (PIL) by co-founding the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), a landmark move that made justice more accessible to the public.
Referring to one of Shanti Bhushan’s most iconic cases, Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain, Justice Gavai remarked,
“Standing against the might of executive power, he argued that Parliament’s amending power could not destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution, preserving forever the principles of judicial review and free and fair elections as the heart of our Republic. His contribution in developing the Doctrine of Basic Structure is remarkable.”
CJI Gavai also shared his personal admiration for Bhushan, recalling his early days as a young lawyer.
“I was always impressed by his brilliant arguments and persuasive skills. As a judge of this Court, I had an occasion to hear him during Covid on online hearing and an unpleasant case.”
Reflecting on the significance of the portraits, CJI Gavai stated that they represent the enduring values of India’s legal and constitutional system.
“They are mirrors of our constitutional conscience. They remind us that the rule of law depends on the vigilance and moral courage of those who uphold it.”
He expressed gratitude to Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Vikas Singh for organising the unveiling on the 100th birth anniversary of Shri Shanti Bhushan, calling it a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Concluding his address, Justice Gavai said,
“These portraits shall remind us that true distinction is earned through a lifetime devoted to justice, ethics, and the fearless pursuit of truth. The values embodied by Shri Lal Narayan Sinha and Shri Shanti Bhushan will continue to show the path for those who follow. For generations to come, these portraits will inspire all who enter these halls to uphold the Constitution, defend the rights of the people, and remain unshakable in moments of crises.”
This ceremony served as a heartfelt reminder of the values that define India’s judiciary — integrity, courage, and devotion to the Constitution.
The legacy of Lal Narayan Sinha and Shanti Bhushan, as highlighted by CJI Gavai, continues to inspire generations of lawyers and judges in their pursuit of justice and constitutional morality.
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