By Sangeeta Sharma
New Delhi, July 29 (LAB) Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Wednesday paid rich tributes to legendary jurist, former Union Law Minister and former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Ashoke Kumar (A.K.) Sen while unveiling his portrait at the SCBA Library in the Supreme Court.
Describing the occasion as far more than a ceremonial event, the Chief Justice said the installation of Sen’s portrait symbolises the enduring values of justice, scholarship and public service that he represented throughout his distinguished career.
Speaking before an audience of judges, senior advocates, members of the Bar and Sen’s family, Justice Surya Kant said the legacy of A.K. Sen continues to inspire generations of lawyers. According to him, courts preserve not only landmark judgments but also the memories of individuals whose lives shaped the conscience of the legal system.
The Chief Justice observed that every portrait displayed within the Supreme Court carries a message for the legal fraternity. He said such portraits remind lawyers and judges alike of the standards of integrity, preparation, fairness and dedication expected from those who serve the institution.
Recalling Sen’s remarkable legal acumen, Justice Surya Kant narrated a well-known courtroom incident where, after confidently interpreting a statutory provision, Sen was asked by the Bench how he could be so certain of its meaning. His response, “Because, My Lords, I drafted it,” drew appreciation and remains one of the most remembered examples of his wit and mastery over the law.
The Chief Justice also referred to the legendary “corridor briefings” associated with A.K. Sen, where despite receiving instructions only moments before a hearing, he would argue cases with extraordinary command, giving the impression that he had prepared them for weeks.
Justice Surya Kant noted that while the A.K. Sen Block has long been a familiar landmark within the Supreme Court complex, the unveiling of his portrait now gives future generations a visual reminder of the extraordinary advocate and statesman behind the name.
He said the portrait would silently encourage young lawyers to reflect on whether they had prepared adequately, acted fairly towards the Court and opposing counsel, and used the law to simplify rather than complicate the pursuit of justice.
Concluding his address, the Chief Justice described A.K. Sen as a legal giant whose influence transcended generations.
“A legal titan has been eternalised. May his presence remind us that brilliance without balance is incomplete, office without service is temporary, and law without humanity is barren,” Justice Surya Kant said.
Ashoke Kumar Sen remains one of India’s most distinguished legal personalities, having served as the country’s longest-serving Union Law Minister under Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi. During his public career, he also handled the Communications as well as Steel and Mines portfolios and represented India at several international forums on law and human rights. He also served as President of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of former Supreme Court judges Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice Pankaj Mithal, Attorney General R. Venkataramani, Senior Advocate Harish Salve, SCBA President Vikas Singh, Vice-President Nikhil Jain, Secretary Yugandhara Pawar Jha, Vice-Chancellors Prof. C. Raj Kumar and Prof. Mahesh Verma, Senior Advocate Sanjeev Sen, members of the legal fraternity, law students and members of A.K. Sen’s family.
Addressing the gathering, Attorney General R. Venkataramani recalled Sen’s unwavering commitment to the legal profession, saying that even while occupying high constitutional office he never distanced himself from the Bar. He credited Sen with strengthening the independence and dignity of the legal profession.
Senior Advocate Harish Salve also addressed the gathering, highlighting A.K. Sen’s remarkable contribution to Indian jurisprudence and his lasting influence on the country’s legal institutions./ SNG