The story of two lawyers who met in the train… one became President and the other CJI, Justice Nagarathna narrated his/her story

New Delhi : Supreme Court judge Justice Bibi Nagarathna became emotional during a function in Bengaluru. Justice Nagarathna recalled the lifelong support of his/her parents and his/her mother for his/her father, CJI of India ES Venkataramaiah. Justice Nagarathna, who is in line to become the country’s first woman Chief Justice, was addressing a gathering at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru. On this occasion, Justice Nagarathna narrated a very interesting story of two judges.

Interesting story of two lawyers

A lecture was organized on the occasion of the birth centenary of Chief Justice Venkataramaiah at the prestigious law school here. In the programme, Justice Nagarathna narrated an interesting anecdote about the meeting of two lawyers in a train. One of them later became the President and the other the Chief Justice of India.

This is from December 1946, when the All India Lawyers’ Conference was held in Nagpur. Since there was no direct train between Bangalore and Nagpur. Therefore, to take the Grand Trunk Express one had to go to Madras i.e. Chennai. In the railway compartment, some lawyers were traveling from Bangalore as well as Madras. he/she told that everyone became friends due to common interests.

When we met after 43 years

43 years later, in June 1989, two gentlemen from a railway compartment met in the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan. One of these was R Venkatraman who was sworn in as the President of India. On the other hand, there was Justice ES Venkataramaiah who became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. Justice Nagarathna said that when my father told this to President R Venkatraman after the oath ceremony, he/she also remembered the train journey to Nagpur.

Got emotional remembering mother

Earlier, Justice Nagarathna, known for his/her sharp remarks, held back tears while remembering his/her mother’s support to his/her father. My mother Padma immediately understood my father’s real calling, he/she said before inviting his/her Supreme Court colleague to deliver a lecture.

he/she left no stone unturned to support and enable them to realize their dreams. Most importantly, she knew what it took to remain a conscientious and hard-working judge. Justice Nagarathna said that my mother always supported him/her. She was known for her practicality and patience.