In a poignant address at the Justice ES Venkataramiah centennial memorial lecture held at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud shed light on the distinguished career of the 19th Chief Justice, Justice Venkataramiah, emphasizing that teaching law was his first and ultimate passion.
Justice Venkataramiah, who served as the 19th Chief Justice of India from June 19, 1989, until his retirement on December 17, 1989, embarked on his legal journey in Bengaluru, starting as a lawyer and eventually ascending to the bench of the Karnataka High Court before reaching the pinnacle of the judiciary.
“Justice was the 19th Chief Justice of India. He started his journey as a lawyer in Bengaluru. He went on to elevate it to the bench of the Karnataka High Court and eventually found his way to the supreme post, in which he spent over a decade. Though his legal journey is nothing short of inspirational, he was a teacher before becoming a lawyer or a judge. His practice of the law was always accompanied by his academic endeavors,” remarked CJI Chandrachud.
Beginning his teaching career in 1945, Justice Venkataramiah’s commitment to legal education remained unwavering throughout his life. CJI Chandrachud highlighted the profound impact of his academic work on the many landmark judgments authored by Justice Venkataramiah, spanning human rights, freedom of the press, and federalism.
“In the Supreme Court of the 1980s, among the distinguished judges who comprised the bench, there was, as there is now as well, a great sense of camaraderie among the judges,” said Justice Chandrachud. Reflecting on the camaraderie, he shared amusing anecdotes about the nicknames given to judges, emphasizing the deep respect and connections that existed among them.
Justice Chandrachud concluded by revealing that Justice Venkataramiah was affectionately nicknamed “Swamiji” due to his extensive education in Sanskrit and spirituality, illustrating the unique bonds forged within the judiciary.
