The Indian legal and political fraternity is in mourning following the demise of Swaraj Kaushal, the former Governor of Mizoram and a distinguished senior advocate. Kaushal, who was also the husband of the late External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, passed away in New Delhi on Thursday at the age of 73.
A Life of Legal and Political Distinction
Born in 1952 in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Swaraj Kaushal's career was marked by a series of remarkable achievements from a very young age. After studying law at Panjab University, Chandigarh, he married Sushma Swaraj in 1975. His legal prowess saw him designated as a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court at the age of 34.
His political journey reached a historic peak in 1990 when, at just 37 years old, he was appointed as the Governor of Mizoram. This made him the youngest person ever to become a Governor in India, a record he held with quiet pride. He served in the Raj Bhavan until 1993.
The Lawyer Who Stood Against the Emergency
Kaushal's commitment to justice was most prominently displayed during the Emergency era. He famously took up the defense of socialist leader George Fernandes in the high-profile Baroda dynamite case. This act was considered exceptionally bold, given the political climate of the time.
Former colleagues recall that his wife, Sushma Swaraj, actively campaigned for Fernandes, coining the popular slogan "Jail ka faatak tootega, George hamara chhootega." The couple's dedication to the cause was a testament to their shared socialist ideals and courage.
Architect of Peace in Mizoram
Beyond his courtroom battles, Swaraj Kaushal played a pivotal, behind-the-scenes role in one of India's most successful peace processes. In 1979, he secured the release of Mizo leader Laldenga. He later acted as an adviser to the Mizo National Front (MNF) and was instrumental in the negotiations with the Central Government.
His legal guidance and diplomatic efforts were crucial in bringing about the historic Mizoram Peace Accord of 1986, which ended two decades of insurgency in the northeastern state. As a reward for his contributions, he was appointed as the Advocate General of Mizoram in 1987, again becoming the youngest in the country to hold such a post.
Kaushal also served as a Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana between 1998 and 2004, representing the Haryana Vikas Party. Friends remember him as a man of simple tastes, a lover of Punjabi poetry, and a gentle soul who preferred persuasion over aggression, both in life and in law.
A Nation Pays Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Swaraj Kaushal. In a post on X, the PM said, "He distinguished himself as a lawyer and a person who believed in using the legal profession to improve the lives of the underprivileged." Modi also highlighted Kaushal's impactful tenure as Mizoram's Governor and his insightful contributions as a Parliamentarian.
Leaders across party lines, including BJP MP Baijayant Panda, offered their condolences. Kaushal is survived by his daughter, BJP Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj, and a legacy of service that bridged the gap between law, governance, and peacemaking.
