Eminent personalities expressed their shock and condolences at the demise of jurist V.R. Krishna Iyer on Thursday. He had turned 100 last month.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Fine lawyer, eminent jurist, incredible philosopher and above all a phenomenal human being. I bow to Justice Krishna Iyer.”
Mr. Iyer was a Supreme Court judge from 1973 to 1980 and was earlier a Minister in the EMS Namboodripad Government in Kerala from 1957 to 1959.
A void difficult to fill: President
The President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer.
In a message he has said: “It was with profound sorrow that I learnt of the passing away of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer. As an eminent jurist, he used law as an instrument of social engineering and social change making justice accessible to all, including the marginalized and the vulnerable. As a judge of the Supreme Court of India, he made immense contribution to the development of human rights jurisprudsence. His sad demise leaves a void which is difficult to fill.”
People's tribune
CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said, “Throughout his life, Krishna Iyer stood for the cause of justice, equality and socialism. With his moral stature and deep compassion for the downtrodden, he played the role of a people's tribune till the end of his life.”
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor of the Congress tweeted, “Sad to learn that centenarian Justice VR Krishna Iyer has passed away. Judge, minister, social reformer, human rights activist, great human. RIP”
An author of more books than his age, he was conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the AB Vajpayee Government in 1999.
Sense of purpose
RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat said, “It was only recently I had an opportunity of meeting him, which was an invigorating experience for me. What appealed to me the most was his sense of purpose and unadulterated love for all, An erudite scholar, he was content with simple living.”
Iyer had unsuccessfully contested against the Congress’ R. Venkataraman in the Presidential polls of 1987. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam tweeted, “Saddened by demise of Justice Krishna Iyer… Such souls take birth rarely.”
Pride of the Indian judiciary
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, “He was the pride of the Indian judiciary and was active till his last breath… He pronounced several far reaching judgments and was a role model for the entire judiciary.”
“As a lawyer, legislator, jurist, judge and campaigner, he was a unique phenomenon, never lured by power, position or temptations of any kind," Kerala Governor and former Chief Justice of India P. Sathasivam said in a statement.
