Justice Ranganath Misra passes away

The former Chief Justice of India, Ranganath Misra, died at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, Orissa on Thursday after prolonged illness.

Misra, 86, is survived by his wife, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

Misra started his career as an advocate in Cuttack in 1950. He was as the 21st Chief Justice of India and was also the first chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

In 2004, he headed the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities.

The Vice President of India M Hamid Ansari has deeply condoled the sad demise of Misra.

In his message, he said that Justice Misra was a distinguished jurist and parliamentarian who rendered yeoman service in furthering the cause of justice and human rights.

"I am deeply grieved to learn the sad demise of Justice (Retd.) Ranganath Misra, former Chief Justice of India, former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and the first Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission," he said.

"My wife joins me in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and pray to the Almighy to give peace to the departed soul," he added.

Justice Misra headed the commission of inquiry that probed the anti-Sikh riot following the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.

In 2004, he headed the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities which was constituted to identify socially and economically backward sections among religious and linguistic minorities. The Commission had recommended the inclusion of Dalit Christians and Muslims in the scheduled caste list.