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Justice (r) Rana Bhagwandas passes away in Karachi
KARACHI: Former acting chief justice Rana Bhagwandas passed away in Karachi on Monday, DawnNews reported.
The 73-year-old former judge was under treatment for a heart ailment at a private hospital at the time of his passing.
He was the first Hindu and the second non-Muslim head of Pakistan’s judiciary and had been a Supreme Court judge since Feb 2000.
Born in Naseerabad, Larkana District (now Qamber Shahdadkot District) in Sindh in Dec 1942, Justice (retd) Bhagwandas had a postgraduate degree in Islamic Studies and was considered an expert on constitutional law.
He was a practising advocate for about two years before being appointed as a judge in July 1967. He was made a judge of the Sindh High Court in June 1994.
Read| Non-Muslims not barred from becoming judges: SHC
In 2002, the Sindh High Court had dismissed a challenge to his appointment to the higher judiciary on the grounds that he was a non-Muslim.
He was appointed acting Chief Justice for a few days in 2005 and 2006, during the absence of then Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry from the country.
Also read: Bhagwandas backs lawyers’ struggle
He was again appointed as acting chief justice of Pakistan during the judicial crisis in 2007.
Also read: Bhagwandas appointed FPSC chief
Justice (retd) Bhagwandas was appointed as the Federal Public Service Commission.(FPSC) chairman in November 2009 after his retirement from the Supreme Court.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon Hussain, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Sardar Muhammad Raza, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan issued condolence messages expressing grief and sorrow over the demise of Rana Bhagwandas.
Comments (146) Closed
He was most respectable,and honorable judge in Pakistan.Will be long remembered.
Very sad. RIP & condolence to the family of late Justice Bhagwandas.
"In 2002, the Sindh High Court had dismissed a challenge to his appointment to the higher judiciary on the grounds that he was a non-Muslim." what a racist challenge? RIP!
RIP. A great Justice of the SC
He was surely a gentle soul. A proud of Karachiitte. He would of perform way much better than Chaudhry Iftikhar but he was sadly born in a country where there are racism based on religion and ethnicism.
RIP Sir...
Sad news .He was a legend man as he not only survived in a fanatic society of pakistan but also made his name.
RIP..
why in Pakistan good people die so early. May his soul rest in peace
RIP
An excellent part of Judicial History is gone. A principled person.RIP Sir.
Rest in Peace to a Great Pakistani. Wish Pakistan would learn to cultivate and exploit the talents of all of its citizens for mutual benefit.
RIP!!! A man of struggle and professional excellence who rose from lowest rank (judicial magistrate/ civil judge) to the highest rung of Pakistan's Judicial Hierarchy.
RIP...
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
R.I.P. Great human being always remembered!
What a plight of Non Muslims in Pakistan...!!!
God bless him Moksha.
Rest in peace champion
The man of virtues and great character passed away; we all Salute him and his roll as man and as Justice; Pakistan needs Baghwan Day like men
May Allah rest his soul in peace. I met with him personally and was quite impressed how simple and humble person he was.
An honest and upright man.RIP
Sad and respects. A loss!! Very sad
Rest in Peace Sir....
What a great loss. So learned yet so humane. Had the honour of meeting him during his transit in Chicago. Will miss his learned conversations and regular emails. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
We need many more like Justice Bhagwandas in our judiciary.
RIP. You were one of the few honest Pakistanis that served the country in recent years.
Rest in Peace Justice May Justice be done to you. Ameen
A great loss for Pakistan. He was both an able and honest Pakistani, a man of his principles and a paragon of integrity.
A very sad day for Pakistan.
Dear Late Justice Bhagwan Das,
We will miss you very much, You are/were an inspiration.
Pakistan salutes you for your outstanding services.
Pakistan has lost one of her most vigilant GUARD today.
Pakistan weeps for her Great Loss!
Rest in peace at ur heavenly abode sir,respect
The only one honest judge among a pack of leeches. Rest in peace!
@Pady - This has nothing to do with plight of non-muslims in Pakistan. Did you also question plight go non-muslims in Pakistan when Rana sahib was made judge of supreme court? He has died after service to his country. May his should rest in peace.
@tawari 72 years is not "so early". May his soul rest in peace.
RIP
@Amjad This is supposed to be a condolence message, unnecessary criticism
Everyone notices the Lotus from the pond like Mr.Bhagwandas.
They are good example people never bent rules for the rulers. That bring justice to the society, and no is above the law.
Like Mr.Bhagwandas in Pakistan or Abdul Kalam in India brings us Trust, harmony and peace in society.
May God bless his soul to be rest in peace.
He worked honestly and was man of principles.
Mr.Bhagwandas, all of Pakistan salutes you!
RIP and thank you for your service
R I P .......
RIP...another great of our community has left us :'(
He was a man of principals. He refused the post of CEC because of the proposed person specific constitutional amendment.
As a patriotic Muslim Pakistani, I feel grateful to, and proud of an honest and honourable Hindu Pakistani, who honoured our country by his noble and worthy services, and by serving at the highest level of our Judiciary.
Not everyone is an ignorant indoctrinated fanatic in PK. Many of us have researched Islam, grown thereby, and found therefrom...love for all.
I salute you sir. May God bless you, and may you rest in peace.
Sad news. May Allah rest his soul in peace.
Such a great, committed and knowledgeable Judge. RIP!
A great, noble Pakistani has passed away. Pakistan and the world is a lot poorer for that. God bless Mr. Bhagwandas.
He was a great man indeed. But sometime people get recognition just because of not being that bad as their competitors are. Thats the same which happened with bhagwan das he was a normal person but Iftikhar chauhadry was too bad to comared with thats why bhagwan das got the fame.
I was honoured to know Rana Sahib. Just 4 or 5 days back I had received an email from him asking me to stop sending him emails for the interim, since he was unwell, and unable to reply. Not in my wildest dreams did I think he would be gone, so soon.
An honourable, honest and inherently decent man, free from biases, Rana Sahib was an institution. He spoke the truth, and was unafraid to call a spade a spade. Pakistan today has lost one of its icons. May God/ Allah/ Bhagwaan bless the soul of Rana Sahib.
It is indeed a very sad day for Pakistan today.
RIP Mr. Bhagwandas!
RIP
A decent person and a good judge, not involved in controversies ,his services could have been utilized better by giving him position of more importance then what he was given.May his soul rest in peace.
May Allah rest his soul in peace..!
I will never forget the petition where it was challenged that he is not competent because he is not a Muslim. Court had agreed to hear it as the party who could not influence him wanted to use any tactic to have their way. It was international pressure which forced the Shariff's government of the day to get this hearing called off - sadly third time round it is the same old story.
Will be long remembered.We need many more like Justice Bhagwandas in our judiciary. Pakistanis are proud of you. May Allah give sabar to family of late Justice Bhagwandas.
Only politician divid us not religion sir. You have proved it. ...
@Syed - Can you change in a small way?
Rana sahb., you will be missed.
rest in peace sir
A great human is always remembered. He could have migrated to India after partition but instead he chose to serve people of Pakistan. An honest and brave Pakistani.
Rest in peace sir!! You so always be remembered. .. a great n noble soul.... condolences to the family. .. big loss for Pakistan
Salute to Honorable Justice Rana Bagwandas...
He was the great,I met him some months ago...Sad departure.
Great warrior departs after relentlessly serving his motherland Pakistan despite all odds and difficulties. These men and women are real life heroes in our diversed disturbing societies of South Asia who uphold their duty and country first.
@Pady Justice Bhagwandas along with Justice Patel and Justice Cornelius (all non-muslims) were three of the best jurists in Pakistan and they were given their due respect by a grateful nation for their services to Pakistan. So, what is your beef?
RIP! A great name in the history of Pakistan.
RIP
RIP
Rana sahibwas one man that M. A. Jinnah would be most proud of...a man of highest morals or intellect, integrity and honesty... a true justice of people and who could deliver justice to one and all as the created meant and Jinnah had hoped.. I am sure he had wished in progressive Pakistan there would .there would be more Bhagwandas 's of the World then less of Chaudhries like Iftikhar and Sharreefs and Zardari ;s world in Pakistan.
A great and honest man passes away. Rest in peace sir
RIP...He was great person Honorable judge will be remembered.
Will be long remembered as being honest, un-biased and above board judge! our so called Qazis (judges) must learn a lesson from his career!
A great Pakistani.
May his soul rest in peace he did much to serve the cause of justice.
R I P. You were pride pf Pakistan.
May Allah bless him with peace, ameen. Truely a great man.
One less decent and honest man in Pakistan. Condolence to his family.
RIP sir one of the very few honest judges we had had. a man of character and a man of integrity condolences to family
Rest in Peace. He was most respectful and senior judge in the history of Pakistan. your work towards the development of our country will be remembered forever.
Great personality. I really admire Rana Bhagwan Das. He was an extremely disciplined and man of principles. His stance of avoiding remarks and media during his appointment as CJ in 2007.
By seeing comments of so many pakistanis here regarding Justice Rana Bhagwan Das, I have come to believe that pakistanis have respect for non muslims in their country and have no issues in minorities holding eminent positions.
This is in sheer contradiction of generally perceived image of pakistani people towards minorities as portrayed by Media.
truly a man of high values a man who proved justice is above cast and creed, a goat in the heard of sheeps.
@Gaurav Arya Well said...
One of the country's greatest jurists. May he rest in peace.
May be only Minority face of Pakistan RIP Sir
@Abdullah Yousuf Definitely a honest, honourable and respected human being we will be answerable for our failure to convey haqaniat of Islam to him.
RIP Mr. Bhagwandas. You were inspiration to those who think being a minority is hurdle in a serving your motherland in highest order. You served your country well. A big salute from India.
He was not a Hindu and not a Muslim judge first but a full citizen of Pakistan with all the rights for any citizen. My condolences go to his Family.
RIP Sir, Our hearts go out to the bereaved family. Will always be remembered.
He was good man. May he rest in peace.
Sad news. I wonder why good poeple leave Pakistan so early leaving behind lotaras and currupt that never leave.
Pakistan have lost one very valuable citizen. RIP
RIP, very nice Man of History in SC, I salute u sir.
RIP, sad day.
Our salute to a great justice. Who facing all problem to serve nation. This is big answer to person who is extremist . And minorties has very senstive to serve own nation. Sir and apj kalam are inspiraton to all minorties.and our big duty to save the right and faith of minorties in any nation in world.and the good person fought for minorties to save their identity and integrity,so he serve her nation with full potential and preserve humanity.
I am so sorry.
We will miss you Sir! Lots of Love and prayers for your final abode. Very few people know his strong inclination towards spirituality, positiveness and faith in immorality of one's soul which led him live a selfless life. He spread that positiveness to all people around him like a rose who spreads its perfume to its surroundings. Thank you
RIP...
the only possible way.....
one of the few extra ordinary ppl who lived in pak. had he been a normal person, cj iftikhar could have said good bye to his cj ship. the success of lawyer movement has more to do with the stance of rana bhagwandas then cj iftikhar himself
he was the unanimous candidate for election commissioner only a shortwhile ago. the parties were willing to amend constitution to appoint him on the post. he refused on the grounds of principles that amending of constitution for one person was not the right thing to do
wish we had more ppl of integrity like him
A man of character.
A judge who earned the respect from all and sundry and upheld the principles and dignity of his office through out. A pride for the country. May his soul rest in peace.
An inspiration to all the pakistani people, May his soul always rest in peace....
Respects sir, You have proved that people can come up to any level in the face of adversities . May his soul rest in peace.
RIP
Pakistan has lost a such man, who were beneficial to it. Great Man.!!
Rest in peace!
He paid heavy price of not migrating to india. He would have respected and achieved much more in india. ( like apj abdul kalam)
I hope more ETHNIC MINORITY people are given chances in Pakistan and protected. Christian, Shia, balochi, Sindhi, Ahmadi, Pakhtun, Hindu and others hopefully get a equal treatment and face no violence in future!
RIP.
We lost another great person, praying for his sole rest in peace and ALLAH give strength to his family for irreparable loss.
@Amjad .. dont write negative comment .. he was Chief Justice but Ch. Iftikhar was the most senior and youngest therefore many great judges retired under him ! everyone ignored his religion cz he was exceptional human
Rest in Peace. He was one of the better judges in Pakistan. He served his country well. A loss indeed.
@apoorva "May be only Minority face of Pakistan RIP Sir" No, there are many many more. It's just that we don't brag about it.
A man with strong principles, what a man he was.
@Balram Sharma
We dont care what religion he was, as long as he was competent.
Although to be very frank, I will also miss a personality like him because he reminded me of what the original vision was for Pakistan, a tolerant and inclusive society where you would be judged on your honesty, dedication to duty and competence.
Sigh, anyway, RIP Justice Sahib
RIP
RIP Sir, one of the country's most decent and hard working jurists. admire you for upholding the highest professional values
A sad day for all of us as a nation.A man of wisdom integrity and honesty he has left a shining legacy for our judiciary to follow.May god bless him and may his soul rest in eternal peace.He will be missed now and always.
R.I.P.
It is indeed a saddening news. However, it is heartening to read overwhelming positive comments about him, which only proves we all have good inside, which we rarely allow to come out.
Pakistan salute you Sir. You have served your country well and may your legacy lives on and set example of those from our minorities that everything is achievable in this country once you have put your mind and soul into it.
Sad news, great loss for the country, RIP.
Mr. Justice (retired) Rana Bhagwandas; was a highly respected name of the Pakistani judiciary. He was honest, honourable and respected human. He was a man who earned the respect from all and sundry and upheld the principles and dignity of his office through out. A pride for the country. He was the first Hindu and the second non-Muslim head of Pakistan’s judiciary and had been a Supreme Court judge since Feb 2000. May his soul rest in peace.
What a legend ..what an absolute legend.
@Abdulla Hussain Great reaction. May the soul of Justice Bhagwan Das RIP
RIP sir. proud to be his neibhour from nasirabad. very honest and dedicated person also have a great knowledge of islam.
Very honest Judge. RIP Bhagwandas Sahab
RIP
He was a patriotic Pakistani as a non Muslim and Honorable judge. He was a man of honour when compared to all the Muslim judges in Pakistan.
RIP.
A judge went into the Court of the Lord of all the worlds. He will now be judged on his judgments made on earth. :) A judge being judged.
R.I.P
He was such a nice person i personally knew him, He is man of courage and belong to middle class family while during the childhood he earned his name by getting education and still his younger brother has Autos business. You are the symbol of Pakistan!
@Amjad which country is free from it? But yes we should strive to eradicate it in our country
@tahir May God place the soul of Bhagwandas Sahib among the believers of Justice !
Pakistany Authorities did a good job. Briefing also very good. I know he was appointed as achief justice of Supreme Court by Journal retired Chief of staff army Journal Musharraf.
Thank you sir for your contribution to judiciary in Pakistan, remarkable career!
RIP great soul. you are an inspiration to both pakistan and india.
A great judge in a great country of Pakistan. To have a Hindu judge. Sure this must be shocking to some, as it is not what they were taught about pakistan.
I think he was the second Hindu judge, the first being,Mr Joginder Nath Mandal, appointed as the very first Chief Justice and Minister of Law, by Qaied-e-Azam in 1947.
Rest in peace. Ashes to ashes, they say, but you (soul) lives, your good deeds live, your wisdom lives. Salute you the son of Indus Valley Civilization, that flourished in Sindh Province, home to enterprising, hard working, broad minded intelligentsia.
Sad news. But as a justice he was not competitive. He has biased in himself and made controversial decisions, which I personally affected. Justice was not served...
My condolences to Iftikhar Chaydhary, Arsalan Iftikhar, Asif Ali zardari and Nawaz Sharif.
@Balram Sharma Yes. It shows that many Pakistanis see the truth for what it is, even without religious or other bias. It reveals the presence of an objective and honest mindset notwithstanding the prevalent compulsions, and here indeed is the Hope for Pakistan.
You were a ray of hope for us. May Allah bless your soul.
It's a great loss! very sad day for a nation who already looking for such high value honest person in judiciary. We all will miss you Rana jee! RIP!
He was my best friend in Karachi I know he was a good person.
Very sad.great humanbeing & judge.RIP. My condolence to the family.
Very sad. RIP. Sir....