<p>Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Thursday paid tributes to former Chief Justice Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, who died at a hospital on Wednesday evening. He was 81-year-old.</p>.<p>Before the start of the proceedings, the Chief Justice said, "His passing away is a jolt to the entire legal fraternity. Justice Lahoti will always be remembered as a fearless and independent judge."</p>.<p>Justice Ramana said he extends his deepest condolences to the family and friends on behalf of his brother and sister judges in this hour. He said that a full court reference will be held later.</p>.<p>Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave also expressed his condolences on behalf of the Bar. Dave said Justice Lahoti was one of the finest Chief Justices. The Chief Justice courtroom observed a minute's silence as a sign of respect to Justice Lahoti.</p>.<p>Justice Lahoti was born on November 1, 1940 at Guna in Madhya Pradesh. He was enrolled as a lawyer in 1962. In April, 1977, he was recruited directly from the Bar and appointed as a district and sessions judge in Madhya Pradesh.</p>.<p>He was elevated to the Supreme Court on December 9, 1998 and took over as the Chief Justice of India on June 1, 2004 and retired in November 2005.</p>.<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of Justice Lahoti. "Anguished by the passing away of former CJI Shri R C Lahoti Ji. He will be remembered for his contributions to the judiciary and emphasis on ensuring speedy justice to the underprivileged. Condolences to his family and well-wishers," he tweeted.</p>.<p>Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also paid tribute to Justice Lahoti. He tweeted, "Saddened to hear the passing away of Shri R C Lahoti, former Chief Justice of India. He rose from a humble background and reached the highest position of our country's judiciary because of his ability, knowledge and wisdom. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family".</p>
<p>Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Thursday paid tributes to former Chief Justice Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, who died at a hospital on Wednesday evening. He was 81-year-old.</p>.<p>Before the start of the proceedings, the Chief Justice said, "His passing away is a jolt to the entire legal fraternity. Justice Lahoti will always be remembered as a fearless and independent judge."</p>.<p>Justice Ramana said he extends his deepest condolences to the family and friends on behalf of his brother and sister judges in this hour. He said that a full court reference will be held later.</p>.<p>Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave also expressed his condolences on behalf of the Bar. Dave said Justice Lahoti was one of the finest Chief Justices. The Chief Justice courtroom observed a minute's silence as a sign of respect to Justice Lahoti.</p>.<p>Justice Lahoti was born on November 1, 1940 at Guna in Madhya Pradesh. He was enrolled as a lawyer in 1962. In April, 1977, he was recruited directly from the Bar and appointed as a district and sessions judge in Madhya Pradesh.</p>.<p>He was elevated to the Supreme Court on December 9, 1998 and took over as the Chief Justice of India on June 1, 2004 and retired in November 2005.</p>.<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of Justice Lahoti. "Anguished by the passing away of former CJI Shri R C Lahoti Ji. He will be remembered for his contributions to the judiciary and emphasis on ensuring speedy justice to the underprivileged. Condolences to his family and well-wishers," he tweeted.</p>.<p>Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also paid tribute to Justice Lahoti. He tweeted, "Saddened to hear the passing away of Shri R C Lahoti, former Chief Justice of India. He rose from a humble background and reached the highest position of our country's judiciary because of his ability, knowledge and wisdom. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family".</p>
