Aastha Pareek
Justice Harjit Singh Bedi, a distinguished former judge of the Supreme Court of India, passed away on November 21, 2024, at the age of 78.
Born on September 5, 1946, Justice Bedi had a storied career in law and jurisprudence, marked by significant contributions to justice and accountability in India.
Justice Bedi began his judicial career as an additional judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1991 and became its permanent judge in the year 1992. He was later elevated as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court in 2006 before his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2007, where he served until his retirement in 2011.
Notably, he was appointed Chairman of a Special Task Force monitoring committee by the Supreme Court in 2012 to oversee investigations into custodial deaths in Gujarat, underscoring his commitment to transparency and human rights. His report in 2019 identified misconduct in several cases, leading to calls for accountability.
Justice Bedi’s legacy extends beyond his courtroom judgments, therefore he was known for his scholarly approach to law and dedication to justice. His passing has elicited condolences from the legal fraternity, with tributes highlighting his fairness, integrity, and lasting impact on Indian jurisprudence.
It has been announced that, as a gesture of respect towards the late Justice Harjit Singh Bedi, the legal community at the High Court will refrain from work post 1 PM on Friday.