Justice Krishna Iyer – Champion of Human Rights

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By Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui
Prominent jurist, politician, social activist, a champion of human rights and Islamic finance, former judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice V. R Krishna Iyer left the pavilion of this mortal world after a fabulous innings of 100 years. The country is engulfed in a pall of gloom with his demise. From the communists to the communalists, all have paid glowing tributes to him. President Pranab Mukherjee led the nation in mourning the loss of the multi-faceted Krishna Iyer.

Justice Iyer had a mind of his own and he delivered judgements without fear or favour. Even his opponents like Soli Sorabjee, who had opposed his appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court because of the assumption that his political association may colour his judgements had to change his mind. Sorabjee was even a part of the committee to celebrate the 75th birthday of Justice Iyer. He strived to bring the legal system within the reach of the common man. He was crusader of human rights.

In 1952, Justice Iyer was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly. In 1957, he became a minister in the first Communist government in Kerala and served under the veteran communist E. M S Namboodiripad until 1959. Later, he took up legal practice again. He was sworn in as judge of the Supreme Court on 17 July 1973. He delivered some remarkable judgements in the history of the highest court of justice. He retired as a judge on 14 November 1980. He led an active social and political life. He was the author of a number of books on law and some travelogues. He wrote his autobiography – Wandering in Many Worlds. He was winner of umpteen number of awards.

Padma Vibhushan Krishna Iyer was a great supporter of Islamic banking and finance. In 1July 910, Justice Iyer supported a campaign to introduce Islamic banking and finance into India. He said, “I welcome Islamic finance in India. Islamic finance has proven successful in poverty alleviation and promoting sustainable growth in many countries, including the United States and it is relevant in our country where 20 million people are starving.”

In October 2010, while inaugurating an international seminar – ‘Islamic Finance in India: Products, Institutions and Regulations’, Justice Iyer stressed that ‘’Islamic banking provided the humane face to the business of banking and it took into consideration the needs of the poor with kindness and compassion. Islamic banking was not limited to any particular community or faith but open to all.’’

Last week, the State Bank of India (SBI) deferred the start of the Islamic banking in India. It will be a befitting tribute to Justice Iyer, a great supporter of Islamic Finance, if the SBI moves ahead and announces the Shariah banking operations soon. The common good of the people is a corporate responsibility.

Former president of India Dr A. P. J Abdul Kalam has rightly said that such souls like Justice Iyer are rarely born.

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