Tributes pour in for lawyer and former Union minister Ram Jethmalani

NEW DELHI: Tributes poured in from various sections of the society for eminent lawyer and former Union law minister Ram Jethmalani who passed away on Sunday morning at his residence in New Delhi.


President Ram Nath Kovind said that "the nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a person of great erudition and intellect."


Vice president Venkaiah Naidu tweeted "the nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a great intellectual & a patriot, who was active till his last breath."


READ ALSO: Ram Jethmalani: Doyen of criminal law & politician with colour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union home minister Amit Shah, were among the first to condole the death.

"I consider myself fortunate to have got numerous opportunities to interact with Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji. In these sad moments, my condolences to his family, friends and many admirers. He may not be here but his pioneering work will live on! Om Shanti," PM Narendra Modi tweeted.


"Ram Jethmalani ji’s passing away is an irreparable loss to the entire legal community. He will always be remembered for his vast knowledge on legal affairs. My condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," Shah tweeted.


"Condolences on the demise of Shri Ram Jethmalani, Member of Rajya Sabha and an eminent lawyer. Truly, he was a legal eagle. Fiery and ever ready to pick on legal merit, in Jethmalani’s passing away, India has lost a jurist," tweeted Nirmala Sitharaman, Union finance minister.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Jethmalani made valuable contribution to the legal field.

Congress acting president Sonia Gandhi too extended her condolences to Jethmalani's family and friends.


Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the country has lost a "giant of a man" who was a rare combination of constitutional expertise, razor-sharp understanding of criminal law, and a "roaring tiger" when it comes to defending his clients.

"Ram is not dead. Ram can never die. He will live in our memories for generations to come. Every time a new legal dimension is discussed, one would get Ram's argument on it and he will peep into our heart with his characteristic mischievous smile," Mehta told PTI while condoling his demise.


Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the death of veteran lawyer Ram Jethmalani, saying his void would never be filled and his name would be written in golden words in the legal history.

"Extremely saddened at the passing away of legendary lawyer Ram Jethmalani ji. An institution in himself, he shaped criminal law in post-independence India. His void would never be filled and his name will be written in golden words in legal history.RIP Ram sir," he tweeted.



Senior Congress leaders too joined in paying rich tributes to him describing him as "fearless" and a "crusader in both law and politics".

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted: "Deep grief at the passing away of Ram Jethmalani. He was a dear friend, fellow Parliamentarian and a legal legend. Deepest condolences to his family and the large number of friends and admirers".

Attorney general KK Venugopal said the country has lost its finest lawyer who was bold and handled the most sensational criminal cases and constitutional matters.

Opposition leader Sharad Yadav said Jethmalani was a "very good friend of mine" and in fact he was "a friend of friends".

"He was a fighter who used to contest with tremendous energy, knowledge and logics not only in Courts but also in Parliament and public forums. He was a great thinker, philanthropist and always ready to help friends not only in the Courts but in general also," Yadav said in his condolence message.

(With inputs from agencies)

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