By TCN Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: Justice (Retd.) Ranganath Misra, former Chief Justice of India and former Member of Rajya Sabha died at a private hospital in Orissa on Thursday following prolonged illness. He was 85. He is survived by wife Sumitra Misra, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. He was admitted to the hospital on May 22.
He was the first Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission. In 2004, he headed the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities, and submitted a historic report which sought 15% quota for minorities at national level – 10% of it exclusively for Muslims.
Vice President of India Mohd. Hamid Ansari has condoled the sad demise of Justice (Retd.) Ranganath Misra. In his message he has said that Justice Misra was a distinguished jurist and parliamentarian who rendered yeoman service in furthering the cause of justice and human rights.
“I am deeply grieved to learn the sad demise of Shri Justice (Retd.) Ranganath Misra, former Chief Justice of India, former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and the first Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission. Justice Misra was a distinguished jurist and parliamentarian who rendered yeoman service in furthering the cause of justice and human rights,” said Vice President in his statement.
Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik, leader of the opposition Bhupinder Singh and National Law Commission member Narasingha Mishra have also expressed their grief over his death.
Life of Justice Misra at a glance
1926 – Born to legendary Odia poet Godavarish Mishra
1950 — Started his career as an advocate in Cuttack
1969 — Appointed as a judge of the Orissa high court
1980 — Became its chief justice
1983 — Appointed a judge in the Supreme Court
1990 – Became the 21st chief justice of India
1993 – Became the first chairman of the National Human Rights Commission
1998 — Nominated to Rajya Sabha
2004 — Headed the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities