Former CJI JS Verma cremated in Delhi

New Delhi: The mortal remains of former Chief Justice of India J S Verma, who headed a panel to frame a tough law to combat crimes against women, were on Tuesday consigned to flames in the presence of prominent political leaders and those from legal fraternity. The funeral pyre was lit by Verma’s grandson Amirudh at the Lodhi crematorium where former Solicitor General Gopal Subramanian, a close associate, joined in performing the last rites. [caption id=“attachment_722229” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Former CJI JS Verma. IBNLive[/caption] 80-year-old Verma, who is survived by wife Pushpa and two daughters Shubra and Rashmi, passed away last night at Medanta hospital where he was admitted on Friday following liver problems and internal bleeding. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, senior BJP leaders LK Advani and Arun Jaitley, Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy, CPI(M)’s Brinda Karat, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav, Prime Minister’s Advisor T K A Nair, prominent lawyers Ram Jethmalani and Prashant Bhushan and actress Dia Mirza were among those who attended the cremation. “Verma is one of the exceptional judges I knew in my life who was known for his boldness and uprightness,” Advani told PTI. Wreaths were placed on behalf of President Pranab Mukherjee and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Chief Ministers of Bihar (Nitish Kumar), Rajasthan (Ashok Gehlot) and Uttar Pradesh (Akhilesh Yadav) as well as UP Governor BL Joshi condoled the death of Verma, who was also the chairman of National Human Rights Commission. While Kumar said the country lost a good personality in the field of law, Gehlot said his contribution in protection of human rights, law and justice and prevention of crime against women was remarkable. Joshi said Verma would be long remembered for his milestone judgements while Akhilesh noted that the former Chief Justice played an important role in ensuring justice to the weaker sections of the society. Akhilesh said that from time to time he gave suggestions on various issues having far reaching impact. Condoling the death of Verma, CPI(M) women’s wing AIDWA said in his death, all those fighting against injustice and oppression have lost a true friend and supporter. “As Chairman of the NHRC, he had authored a detailed report on the killings and on the acts of omission and commission of the state government. The significance of this report cannot be exaggerated. It was the first comprehensive indictment of the Narendra Modi administration the credibility of which could not be doubted by anyone,” it said. PTI