"I have lost a valuable colleague," Chief Justice of India N V Ramana said on Saturday while expressing grief at the passing away of sitting Supreme Court judge, Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar.
“I was hoping for his speedy and complete recovery and his return to the Bench at the earliest. The news of his passing has come as a rude shock. I have lost a valued colleague. In the last four years of my association with him in the Supreme Court, I have benefitted immensely from his amazing legal acumen," Chief Justice Ramana said.
In a statement, he said he spoke to the son of Justice Shantanagoudar and offered condolences to the bereaved family on his own behalf and that of the other judges of the Supreme Court.
Justice Shantanagoudar passed away here at a hospital in Gurugram on Saturday evening, following a prolonged illness.
He was 62. The judge, who hailed from Haveri in undivided Dharwad in North Karnataka, was elevated to the Supreme Court on February 17, 2017.
He was to retire on May 4, 2023.
The Supreme Court Advocates-On-Record Association also paid its homage to the judge, saying he continued to hear cases and gave his full to the judicial hearings when the nation was trying to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Justice Shantanagoudar was part of 24 reported judgements since March 17, 2020, till he breathed his last. This, by itself, shows his undeterred determination to the cause of justice," SCAORA Secretary Joseph Aristotle said.
Maintaining that Justice Shantanagoudar would be remembered for his judicial acumen, humility and pleasant disposition, the lawyers' body said he was considerate and courteous towards all and believed in encouraging the young members of the Bar.