Witty, courageous, and bold: PM Modi mourns Ram Jethmalani's death
What's the story
Prominent Supreme Court lawyer and former Union Law Minister, Ram Jethmalani passed away today morning at his Delhi residence, after his health deteriorated, following a prolonged illness. He was 95. Post his sudden demise, political leaders have expressed their respects and offered condolences to the family. "India has lost an exceptional lawyer and iconic public figure," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the death.
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He never shied away from boldly expressing himself: PM Modi
"In the passing away of Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji, India has lost an exceptional lawyer and iconic public figure who made rich contributions both in the Court and Parliament. He was witty, courageous and never shied away from boldly expressing himself," PM Modi said.
Details
Jethmalani's last rites to be performed today at Lodhi crematorium
Jethmalani was born in Sikharpur (Sindh province, Pakistan) on September 14, 1923. He is survived by his son, Mahesh (also a lawyer), and a daughter who resides in the United States. Reportedly, Jethmalani who was bedridden for a week, breathed his last at around 7:45 AM at his residence in New Delhi. His last rites will be performed today evening at Lodhi Road Crematorium.
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PM Modi praised "his fight for public liberties"
One of the best aspects of Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji was the ability to speak his mind. And, he did so without any fear. During the dark days of the Emergency, his fortitude and fight for public liberties will be remembered. Helping the needy was an integral part of his persona.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2019
Career
Jethmalani was part of many high-profile criminal cases
Throughout his decades-long career, Jethmalani was part of some of the most high-profile criminal cases in India. His first noteworthy case came in 1959 when he was the prosecutor in KM Nanavati v/s State of Maharashtra matter. He went on to represent close friend LK Advani in Hawala case; Manu Sharma in the Jessica Lal murder case; Lalu Prasad Yadav, Kanimozhi, and J Jayalalithaa.
Politics
Jethmalani took the political plunge in 1977
Meanwhile, Jethmalani started his political career in 1977. He also won 1980 general elections but in 1985, lost to Congress' Sunil Dutt. He became a member of Rajya Sabha in 1988 and was made the Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1996. During Vajpayee's second term, he was made Union Minister of Urban Affairs and Employment in1998.
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"Lost a great human who was full of life"
Deeply pained to know about the passing away of India’s veteran lawyer and former Union Minister Shri Ram Jethmalani ji. In him we have not only lost a distinguished lawyer but also a great human who was full of life.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 8, 2019
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My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family: Rajnath Singh
Deeply saddened by the demise of former Union Minister and eminent lawyer, Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 8, 2019
Blessed with knowledge and intelligence he made noteworthy contribution to lawmaking and pubic life. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.