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CJ Lauds at Bar Library Club Portrait Unveiling
In a ceremony steeped in history and reverence, the unveiled a portrait of the late and former Union Law Minister on , as part of its bicentennial celebrations. The event, which brought together judges, senior counsel, and members of the Sen family, served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of one of India's most formidable legal minds.
Chief Justice R.V. Ghuge, marking his first judicial posting on the east coast, performed the unveiling alongside Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty. The portrait now hangs in the Bar Library, a space that Sen himself frequented during his early years as a lawyer and which helped shape his extraordinary career.
A Legacy of Unmatched Intellect
Chief Justice Ghuge, in his address, drew upon a memorable observation attributed to the legendary , stating that “what Ashoke Sen forgot would take two lifetimes to remember, while what he remembered would take ten more lifetimes to remember.” The Chief Justice underscored that Sen’s intellectual prowess was not merely a matter of memory but of deep, disciplined engagement with the law. He urged the to aspire to be good lawyers rather than merely seek positions on the , using Sen’s life as a benchmark.
Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty, quoting Rabindranath Tagore, described Sen as “one of India’s greatest legal minds,” whose contributions left an indelible mark on the . The Acting Chief Justice reflected on Sen’s wide-ranging intellect, which allowed him to master not only domestic law but also international legal frameworks.
The Man Behind the Legend
The ceremony featured heartfelt reminiscences from those who knew Sen personally and professionally. , Secretary of the , recalled Sen’s legendary “.” He noted that Sen would take up new case files moments before entering court and argue them with a command of the brief that suggested years of preparation. “He could assimilate the most complex facts in seconds and present them with clarity that left judges and opponents in awe,” Chaudhury said.
, a former of West Bengal, spoke of Sen’s role as a to successive governments and his association with seven Prime Ministers. Mitra particularly noted Sen’s involvement in consultations concerning the , in the aftermath of the . He also recounted an ACC Cement arbitration in which Sen appeared as an at the age of 85, astonishing Justice Chandrachud with his extensive knowledge and memory.
, President of the Bar Library Club, paid tribute to Sen’s unmatched brilliance and vast legal knowledge, while also recalling his well-known fondness for food—a human touch that endeared him to colleagues.
A Lifelong Student of the Law
Perhaps the most moving tribute came from , the grandnephew of the late lawyer. He spoke of Sen’s insatiable reading habits and his philosophy: “When the lawyer reads well, the judge reads better; when the judge reads better, the citizen lives better.” Sanjiv Sen revealed that his uncle never raised his voice in disagreement and never “turned debate into delay.” He also highlighted Sen’s pivotal role in piloting the , and disclosed that Justice B.P. Sinha had once offered him a at the age of 45—an offer Sen declined to remain in active practice.
Jr., the grandson, offered a broader perspective on Sen’s contributions beyond the courtroom. He recalled that Sen represented India at the alongside V.K. Krishna Menon at the age of 42, and participated in the First United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS I) in Geneva. According to Barrister Sen Jr., his grandfather walked out of the conference when he felt the proposed framework did not adequately address the needs of developing countries or ensure access to the sea for all.
Barrister Sen Jr. also shared an anecdote involving Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who declined to comment on a maritime proposal made by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower without first consulting Sen. He further noted that former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao often praised Sen’s legal genius and wisdom. Concluding his address, Barrister Sen Jr. quoted former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who said that “stood like a colossus in the legal arena of the country.”
A Place in History
The portrait unveiling is part of a broader recognition of Sen’s legacy. Earlier, on , his portrait was also unveiled at the Bar Association Library of the . The , which itself marked 200 years of continuous existence, is the oldest bar library in India and has been a witness to the evolution of the legal profession in the country.
Chief Justice Ghuge emphasized the importance of institutions like the Bar Library Club in preserving legal heritage. “This library has nurtured generations of lawyers. To see the portrait of one of its most illustrious sons find a permanent home here is fitting,” he said.
Reflection for the Legal Community
For practicing lawyers and judges, the event served as a reminder of the values that define the profession: rigorous preparation, intellectual honesty, and a commitment to justice. Sen’s career, spanning over four decades as both a lawmaker and a courtroom advocate, offers a template for excellence. His ability to bridge the worlds of politics and law, his unparalleled memory, and his humility in debate remain benchmarks.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Club Secretary , who expressed gratitude to the Sen family and the dignitaries for making the event a memorable tribute. As the continues to navigate an increasingly complex landscape, the life and work of stand as a beacon—a reminder that the pursuit of legal knowledge, when combined with integrity and service, can leave an enduring legacy.
