Former Supreme Court Judge Justice HS Bedi Passes Away at 78

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.

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