The man who participated in ‘Quit Kashmir’ movement before rising to become Kashmir’s eleventh chief justice has lost the battle of life at 92. Mian Mian Jalal-ud-Din, the man known for his simple habits and landmark judgements, passed away at his Baghat-i-Barzulla residence recently.
Before spending his post-retirement years in a hushed-up manner away from public gaze, the late justice was popular among his peers and people for his pen and words. As the justice, his colleagues say, Jalal-ud-Din possessed head and heart that never wavered to pronounce judgement on the merit of the case. They knew him as a legal luminary, who had his share in Kashmir’s transition from Dogra to Delhi era.
After completing his Masters in Economics and later pursuing LLB from Aligrah Muslim University in 1939, the deceased eventually began his career as advocate in J&K High Court in 1941. With Kashmir rallying against Dogra rule, Jalal-ud-Din participated in ‘Quit Kashmir’ movement and ended up serving two-year jail term. He later joined the judicial service and remained associated with several panels.
Apart from his pro-Kashmir political beliefs, the deceased hailing from a respected family of old city’s Khanyar was known for his honesty and integrity. For his hassle-free delivery of justice to downtrodden, his colleagues remember him a role model for young jurists. The same trait couldn’t stop Mufti Sayeed to describe him as “a great statesman” who contributed immensely in the field of judiciary. The deceased possessed a great worth for his judgments reflected his great legal acumen, Bar said in a condolence message.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of the late justice was his legal journey marked with phenomenal rise. The fact that he rose by ranks from Munsif to become the first Kashmiri chief justice is still being held with high esteem. He served as chief justice from February 15, 1978 to February 22, 1980 before succeeded by late Mufti Baha-ud-Din, who later protested against his transfer to Sikkim High Court.
