PM condoles death of Justice Sarkaria

New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the demise of Justice R S Sarkaria, who passed away at a private hospital in Chandigarh after prolonged illness on Friday night.

In his condolence message, the Prime Minister said, "I am deeply grieved to hear of the sad news of the passing away of Justice Sarkaria. He was one of our tallest and most sagacious constitutional lawyers.'' ''Starting his practice in the courts of Patiala in pre-independence India, he rose to the highest levels of our judiciary. He played a vital role in the evolution of the Indian Republic and our Constitution.'' ''I join the nation in paying homage to Justice Sarkaria and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family and his many admirers and disciples,'' the Prime Minister said.

Justice Sarkaria, 91, was visiting his sister when he complained of breathlessness and was rushed to a private hospital on Friday. He breathed his last at about 2300 hrs.

Born on January 16, 1916, Justice Sarkaria did his LLB from University Law College, Lahore and began practice in Patiala. He made rapid progress in his chosen career and held many prominent offices, including Registrar Punjab High Court, judge of Punjab and Haryan High Court. He was appointed judge of Supreme Court in September 1973 and retired in 1981.

UNI