CJI BR Gavai Unveils Portraits Of Legal Luminaries Lal Narayan Sinha And Shanti Bhushan At Supreme Court

In a solemn ceremony at the Supreme Court of India, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai unveiled the portraits of two legendary figures of the Indian legal fraternity, Late Shri Lal Narayan Sinha and Late Shri Shanti Bhushan.

The event, held in the presence of Supreme Court judges, senior advocates, and members of the Bar, celebrated their unparalleled contributions to the nation’s legal and constitutional landscape.

Justice Gavai described the unveiling as both an honour and a privilege, recalling how the two jurists had inspired generations of lawyers through their unwavering commitment to the law. He highlighted that both Sinha and Bhushan were “lawyers of exceptional brilliance and citizens whose pledge to the Constitution defined their very lives.”

Remembering Shri Lal Narayan Sinha

Reflecting on the legacy of Shri Lal Narayan Sinha, who served as both Solicitor General and Attorney General of India, the Chief Justice commended his pivotal role in shaping constitutional jurisprudence.

Justice Gavai noted that Sinha’s arguments in landmark cases such as Golak Nath, Kesavananda Bharati, and Hussainara Khatoon fortified the foundation of India’s democracy.

His advocacy, he said, “reflected both brilliance and empathy, defending sovereignty while standing for the most vulnerable.”

Tribute to Shri Shanti Bhushan

Turning to Shri Shanti Bhushan, Justice Gavai lauded his courage and foresight, particularly during his tenure as Law Minister (1977–1979), when he worked to restore democratic values after the Emergency.

His stand in the historic Indira Gandhi v Raj Narain case, the Chief Justice said, “preserved the principles of judicial review and free and fair elections as the heart of our Republic.”

Justice Gavai also shared personal memories of witnessing Bhushan’s compelling advocacy, both in court and during online hearings in later years.

A Legacy for Future Generations

Justice Gavai emphasised that the portraits now adorning the Supreme Court walls are ‘mirrors of our constitutional conscience’.

They will continue to inspire young lawyers and judges to uphold justice, ethics, and constitutional values.

The CJI expressed heartfelt gratitude to SCBA President Vikas Singh, Jayant Bhushan, and Justice Partha Sarthy for their roles in arranging and donating the portraits. He concluded by urging the legal community to “recommit themselves to the ideals of courage, integrity, and service exemplified by these two legends.”

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