Farewell to Narendra Chapalgaonkar: Judge, Writer, Scholar

Narendra Chapalgaonkar, a retired judge of the Bombay High Court and a respected author, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 87. His demise comes after a brave battle with cancer over the past few months. Chapalgaonkar was a significant figure in the Marathwada region, known for his contributions to literature, law, and social thought. As a distinguished judge, academic, and author, he left a lasting legacy in the fields of law, literature, and social history.

Key Highlights

Personal Background

• Born on April 10, 1937, Chapalgaonkar was a well-educated individual who pursued an MA and LLB before enrolling as an advocate in 1962.

Legal Career

• He practiced law in Beed (1962-1978) and in the Bombay High Court (1979-1981), later moving to the Aurangabad bench. He was appointed as an additional judge to the Bombay High Court in 1990, eventually becoming a permanent judge before retiring in 1999.

Academic Career

• Before entering the legal profession, Chapalgaonkar served as the head of the Marathi department at Dayanand College, Latur.

Literary Contributions

• Chapalgaonkar had a deep interest in philosophy, social history, politics, and the judiciary, and authored numerous books on these subjects. One of his most notable works was the biography of Swami Ramanand Tirtha, a freedom fighter and leader of the Hyderabad liberation struggle.

Leadership in Marathi Literature

• He served as the president of the 96th All-India Marathi Literary Meet held in Wardha in February 2023.

Honors and Recognition

• Chapalgaonkar received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maharashtra Foundation, among other honors, recognizing his contributions to literature and society.

Condolences

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other prominent figures mourned Chapalgaonkar’s death, acknowledging his contributions to Marathwada’s history and literature, as well as his ideological heritage passed down from his father, who was involved in the Hyderabad liberation struggle.