The legal fraternity mourns the loss of a distinguished member, Justice HS Bedi.
According to Bar and Bench, Justice HS Bedi, a former Supreme Court judge, passed away on Thursday, with his cremation arranged for the following day in Chandigarh.
This somber event prompted a significant response from the legal community. The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association declared a half-day work stoppage in his honor.
Honorable Career Dedicated to Law and Justice
Justice Bedi's legal journey was marked by his deep-rooted connections in the judiciary, highlighted by his father, Justice Tikka Jagjit Singh Bedi, serving in the same High Court. His career in law began on July 17, 1972, when he enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana.
His scholarly engagement included a stint as a part-time lecturer in Law from 1974 to 1983 before advancing to serve as Deputy Advocate General for Punjab from 1983 to 1987. His expertise was recognized with his designation as the Senior Advocate in 1987.
Ascension to Higher Judicial Ranks
Justice Bedi subsequently held significant positions including Additional Advocate General and, eventually, as the Advocate General of Punjab by 1990. His judicial appointments commenced with his role as an Additional Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1991, becoming permanent the next year.
In 2006, he reached a milestone as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, and by 2007, Justice Bedi ascended to the Supreme Court, where he served until his retirement in 2011.
Post-Retirement Contributions and Integrity
Rising to continuing demands for justice, in 2012, the Supreme Court appointed him as Chairman of the Monitoring Authority to oversee the investigation of alleged fake encounters in Gujarat. His commitment to justice shone as he called for probes into specific cases, ensuring no bias in the pursuit of truth.
Justice Bedi worked diligently on these sensitive cases, and his observations safeguarded the inquiry's credibility.
Expressing the collective heartache of the legal community, the High Court Bar Association stated:
"With profound grief and sorrow, it is to inform that Hon'ble Mr. Justice H.S. Bedi [Former Judge of Supreme Court of India, Former Chief Justice of High Court of Bombay and Former Acting Chief Justice of this High Court] father of Hon'ble Mr. Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi, has left for his heavenly abode."
Justice Bedi's educational and professional journey was monumental, not just for his achievements but for his unwavering commitment to upholding justice. His legacy in the judiciary and his role in complex investigations, even post-retirement, reflect a tireless guardian of the law.
In honor and respect, lawyers from the Punjab and Haryana High Court will abstain from their duties after 1 PM on the day of his cremation. This gesture reflects the profound impact Justice Bedi had on his colleagues and the legal community as a whole.
Justice HS Bedi leaves behind not only a legacy of significant judicial service but also a reminder of the role seasoned veterans play in guarding the judiciary's integrity. As the legal community pays their respects, his enduring contributions to Indian law and justice will surely be remembered.
