Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Sunday expressed profound grief over the sudden passing of Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu, describing the loss as “an irreparable loss to the judicial fraternity.” In a heartfelt condolence message, the CJI recalled the strikingly parallel paths their lives took—from neighboring villages in the same district and modest agricultural backgrounds—to eventually sitting together on the Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Shared Roots and Similar Journeys
Justice Kant noted that Justice Sindhu’s career closely mirrored his own. “Justice Sindhu’s journey in the profession closely mirrored my own. He came from a modest agricultural background, incidentally from my own area. Our villages—where we were born, did schooling, and aspired to achieve something in life—are very close by in the same district,” the CJI wrote. He emphasized that these shared beginnings forged a deep understanding between them.
Distinguished Legal Career
Before his elevation to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Sindhu served as Additional Advocate-General for both Punjab and Haryana. The CJI remembered appearing before him in numerous cases and later working alongside him as a colleague on the Bench. “Through those interactions, I came to know him as a composed and patient lawyer who deeply respected the integrity of the institution and treated members of the Bar, particularly young advocates, with kindness, courtesy and encouragement,” Justice Kant said.
Irreparable Loss to the Fraternity
Calling the passing “an immeasurable loss to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing him,” the CJI extended his heartfelt condolences. “At this difficult time, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. I pray to God to grant them strength and courage to bear this tragic loss and the comfort to find solace in his cherished memories,” he wrote. The CJI also expressed regret for being unable to attend the prayer meeting due to personal exigencies, adding, “Though I am unable to join you all in person, my thoughts and prayers remain with the family as they gather to honour his life and memory.”
A Prayer for Eternal Peace
Concluding his message, Justice Kant offered a prayer: “May the Almighty grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to all who mourn his loss. Om Shanti!”
