President, PM condole former CJI Bhagwati's death

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the death of former Chief Justice of India P.N. Bhagwati.

"Deepest condolences on demise of former CJI P.N. Bhagwati, his contribution to judicial system shall always be remembered," Mukherjee said in a tweet on Thursday.

Describing Bhagwati, who died on Thursday, as a stalwart of India's legal fraternity, Modi said he gave voice to millions.

"The demise of Justice P.N. Bhagwati is saddening. He was a stalwart of India's legal fraternity. My deepest condolences," Modi tweeted.

"Justice P.N. Bhagwati's remarkable contributions made our judicial system more accessible and gave voice to millions," he said.

Bhagwati died in Delhi, a few days after he was admitted to a hospital with a brief illness. He was 95.

Known for introducing and pioneering Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Bhagwati had also participated in India's freedom movement.

Several Union Ministers also condoled Bhagwati's death.

"Deeply saddened by demise of Justice P.N. Bhagwati. May God give his family the strength to bear this loss. My sincere condolences. RIP," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said: "Saddened by the demise of Justice P.N. Bhagwati, a stalwart of India's legal fraternity. My condolences to the bereaved family. Rest in Peace."

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also condoled the passing away of the former Chief Jutsice and said: "I am sorry to know about the sad demise of Chief Justice P.N. Bhagwati. He was People's judge. My condolences to the bereaved family."

Chief Justice of India from July 12, 1985, to December 20, 1986, Bhagwati was born on December 21, 1921, and studied in Bombay.

The son of N.H. Bhagwati, who went on to become a Supreme Court judge, he began his law practice at the Bombay High Court and was elevated to the bench of the Gujarat High Court in 1960. He became its Chief Justice in 1967, and a Supreme Court judge in 1973.