Justice Harjit Singh Bedi, former Supreme Court judge and ex-Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 78. Known for his significant role in reviewing cases of alleged fake encounters in Gujarat, Justice Bedi was an eminent legal luminary who served the judiciary with distinction. His cremation is scheduled for Friday in Chandigarh.
Legal Career Highlights
Justice Bedi began his legal journey in 1972 and held several prestigious positions throughout his career:
Deputy Advocate General of Punjab (1983-1987): A key legal representative for the state.
Advocate General of Punjab (1990): Appointed after being designated Senior Advocate in 1987.
High Court Judgeships: Served as an Additional Judge in Punjab and Haryana High Court from 1991, becoming permanent in 1992.
Chief Justice of Bombay High Court (2006): Demonstrated judicial leadership before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2007.
Role in Gujarat Encounter Cases
In 2012, Justice Bedi chaired the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Authority to review alleged fake encounter cases in Gujarat. His investigation covered 17 cases, with recommendations for further probes in three.
Personal Life and Legacy
Born on September 5, 1946, Justice Bedi hailed from a family with a strong judicial legacy. His father, Justice Tikka Jagjit Singh Bedi, also served in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Justice Bedi’s survivors include his wife, his son Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi, and daughter-in-law Shruti Bedi, director at the University Institute of Legal Studies.
Tribute from the Legal Fraternity
The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association expressed deep sorrow at his demise, announcing a work suspension after 1 PM on Friday as a mark of respect. Justice Bedi’s contributions leave an indelible mark on Indian jurisprudence, with his integrity and judicial acumen serving as a benchmark for future generations.
Summery of the news
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | Justice H.S. Bedi, former Supreme Court judge, passed away at 78. Chaired the SC Monitoring Authority for reviewing Gujarat fake encounters cases in 2012. |
| Birth Date | September 5, 1946 |
| Family Legacy | Son of Justice Tikka Jagjit Singh Bedi, former Punjab & Haryana High Court judge. |
| Education | Studied at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla; completed Senior Cambridge in 1962. |
| Legal Career Start | Enrolled with Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana on July 17, 1972. |
| Key Positions | – Deputy Advocate General of Punjab (1983-1987) |
| – Senior Advocate (1987) | |
| – Advocate General of Punjab (1990) | |
| Judicial Appointments | – Additional Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court (1991) |
| – Permanent Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court (1992) | |
| – Chief Justice, Bombay High Court (2006) | |
| – Supreme Court Judge (2007-2011) | |
| Role in Gujarat Cases | Appointed by SC in 2012 as Chairman of Monitoring Authority; reviewed 17 cases of alleged fake encounters, recommended further probe in 3 cases. |
| Retirement | Retired from Supreme Court on September 5, 2011. |
| Survived By | Wife, son Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi, and daughter-in-law Shruti Bedi (Director, University Institute of Legal Studies). |
| Cremation | Scheduled in Chandigarh. |
| Relevant State (Punjab) | CM: Bhagwant Mann; Capital: Chandigarh |
| Relevant Court | Punjab & Haryana High Court; suspended work after 1 PM on Friday as a mark of respect. |
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