Indian judiciary remembers 'lawyer' Jaitley, CJI Gogoi terms him 'eminent senior advocate'

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday expressed his grief over the death of former Uinance minister Arun Jaitley, saying that the country has lost "an eminent senior advocate" and "a tall leader". Speaking to the reporters in New Delhi, Gogoi said that he personally was deeply saddened by the passing of Arun Jaitley.

On behalf of the country's judiciary, Gogoi told PTI, "I express my condolences to his family and pray for the noble soul to rest in peace".

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Attorney General KK Venugopal who shared a cordial bond with Jaitley, during their stint as lawyers, also termed his demise a "big loss" for the country, his party and the legal fraternity. Describing the veteran leader as the brain behind managing difficult situations of the BJP, Venugopal further said he had lost a "friend" who was an excellent lawyer and an equally good politician.

"His death is not only a loss for the country but also the legal community and his political party. We all will be missing him and his memory will last for long future to come (sic)," Venugopal was quoted by PTI.

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A lawyer by profession, Jaitley was known for his in-depth analysis and assessment of possible outcomes in cases. The manner in which he used to build his strategies for a hearing are traits all lawyers will do well to imbibe. In short, watching Jaitley arguing in a court room was a dream come true moment for every aspiring or working lawyers.

Jaitley, 66, who opted out of the Modi 2.0 government over health issues, died at AIIMS, Delhi on Saturday after being admitted on August 9 following complaints of breathlessness and restlessness.