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Chief Justice Unveils Portrait of Late A.K. Sen at Bar Club
In a ceremony that resonated with history and reverence, Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge of the unveiled a portrait of the legendary senior advocate and former Union Law Minister, , at the Bar Library Club on Friday. The event, presided over by the Chief Justice alongside Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and the President and Secretary of the Bar Library Club, paid homage to one of India’s most towering legal figures whose career spanned courtroom advocacy, constitutional governance, and legislative reform. Sen’s portrait now joins the gallery of eminent jurists that adorn the walls of the historic club, serving as a perpetual reminder of the standards of excellence and public service he embodied.
The Man Behind the Portrait
’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Indian legal history. He holds the distinction of being India’s longest-serving Law Minister, a post he held under Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi, and also helmed the Communications and Steel and Mines portfolios. Sen was not merely a politician; he was a lawyer’s lawyer, earning admiration from stalwarts like and . Palkhiwala famously remarked that it would take “ten lifetimes to know what Ashoke Sen knows”—a sentiment that Justice Ghuge echoed during the unveiling. Sen also served as President of the , and his courtroom prowess was demonstrated most notably when he represented Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the election case. His contributions extended beyond litigation: he was instrumental in drafting , , and , among others, leaving an indelible mark on India’s statutory framework.
A Ceremony Steeped in Tradition
The Bar Library Club, which has existed for over 200 years—outliving the High Court itself, which was established in —provided an apt setting for the unveiling. Chief Justice Ghuge, in his address, reflected on the club’s legacy as a sanctuary for “readers, researchers, and wisemen.” He stated, “Everybody knows his achievements, the nation has seen… a doyen of the bar. As was said earlier, in the words of Nani Palkhiwala, it will take us ten lifetimes to know what Ashoke Sen knows. A sentence of such magnitude, coming from none other than the great Nani Palkhiwala… it would be a great testimonial for the late .” The Chief Justice further noted that the portraits on the walls are “watching us to see how we work and how we fare,” emphasizing the moral responsibility the current generation bears.
Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty described Sen as “a legend of the bar” who “enlarged our collective horizons, carrying the tradition of the Calcutta Bar all over the country.” He highlighted Sen’s meteoric rise—establishing himself as a leading practitioner within just five years of practice—and noted that public service ran deep in his family: his elder brother Sukumar Sen served as India’s first Chief Election Commissioner. “We are placing his face back on the room which nurtured his early days,” Justice Chakraborty added, underscoring the sentimental value of the ceremony.
, who had appeared with Sen in several matters, shared anecdotes that brought Sen’s character to life. He recollected stories from , who had worked closely with Sen. Mitra emphasized that Sen’s involvement in drafting key legislation such as , , and demonstrated his commitment to shaping the nation’s legal architecture. Mitra went further to suggest that Sen deserved not just a portrait in the Bar Library Club, but also a bust in the corridors of the court—a testament to the lasting impact he had on the profession.
, the grandnephew of Ashoke Sen and an advocate at the Supreme Court, expressed his family’s pride. “It is a matter of great honor and pride for my family that the portrait of my grand uncle shall find a permanent place at the Calcutta HC Bar Library Club… that was so integral to the towering national figure he became. The habit of reading was very dear to him,” he said, reminding the audience of the intellectual rigor that defined Sen’s life.
A Wider Recognition
The Calcutta ceremony follows a similar tribute earlier this year at the , where Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant unveiled Sen’s portrait at the Library. On that occasion, Justice Kant described Sen as “an accomplished scholar, an advocate of exceptional erudition and a statesman committed to public service.” The simultaneous commemorations at the nation’s highest court and at the underscore Sen’s unique stature—a lawyer who was equally at home in the corridors of power and the hallowed chambers of the judiciary.
Significance for the Legal Community
For legal professionals, the unveiling is more than a ceremonial formality. It is an opportunity to reflect on the values that the late A.K. Sen represented: erudition, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the . The Bar has historically produced a galaxy of legal luminaries, and Sen’s portrait serves as a bridge between past and present, inspiring young lawyers to aim for excellence. The event also highlights the role of bar associations and library clubs in preserving institutional memory. These spaces, often overlooked in the rush of daily litigation, are repositories of tradition and mentorship.
The choice of the Bar Library Club—a body that predates the High Court itself—is significant. It symbolizes continuity: the club has nurtured generations of lawyers, and Sen was a product of that environment. By placing his portrait there, the legal fraternity acknowledges that greatness does not arise in a vacuum; it is cultivated in institutions that value learning and collegiality.
Looking Ahead
As the portrait now hangs among those of other eminent figures, it will silently observe the lawyers and judges who work in the High Court. Chief Justice Ghuge’s remark that “these portraits are watching us” is a poignant reminder of the accountability that comes with the privilege of practising law. The ceremony also invites a broader conversation about how the legal community honours its icons. Jayanta Mitra’s suggestion for a bust of Sen in the court corridors may well be taken up, ensuring that future generations of lawyers and judges encounter his legacy daily.
In an era where the legal profession is rapidly evolving—with technology, globalization, and new areas of law reshaping practice—the example of offers timeless lessons. He demonstrated that a lawyer could be both a fierce advocate and a statesman, that public service and private practice are not mutually exclusive, and that intellectual curiosity is the bedrock of lasting achievement.
The unveiling at the Bar Library Club thus stands as a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the law and the nation. It is a call to remember, to learn, and to aspire.
