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One of the most reputed figures in the history of the Indian judiciary, Mohammad Hidayatullah is a man of refined virtues and excellence. Let us have a look into the life of this legal luminary who was the 11th Chief Justice of India
Passed away on 18th September 1992
Mohammad Hidayatullah was born in 1905 to the prolific Urdu poet Mirza Samiullah Beg whose poetry was famous countrywide. It is perhaps from him that Hidayatullah adopts a flair in poetry and a love for literature.
Hidayatullah was a prodigy and an exceptional student right from the beginning. While attending Morris College in Nagpur, he was nominated as the Phillip's Scholar in 1926 and was awarded the Malak Gold Medal on graduation. Like all other influential Indians of that time, he went abroad for further studies. As expected, Hidayatullah again bagged a gold medal for his excellent performance at Trinity College in 1930.
At the young age of 25, he earned the privilege of being called to the Bar from Lincoln's Inn. Therefore, it is no surprise that he was awarded LL.D. by the University of the Philippines and D. Litt. by the University of Bhopal and the University of Kakatiya.
Hidayatullah embarked on ihs career as an advocate in the High Court of Central Provinces and Berar at Nagpur in July 1930. His numerous achievements and allocates elevated him to the post of Advocate General of Central Provinces and Berar in 1943. He was the youngest recorded Advocate General of an Indian state. His long tenure at the Supreme Court also witnessed some landmark judgements in the history of judicial India. The case of Golaknath V. State of Punjab supported the view that the Parliament could not cut the Fundamental Rights by constitutional amendments.
Hidayatullah was also the acting President of India during his tenure as the Chief Justice. With the sudden death of the then President of India, Zakir Hussain, the post needed immediate attention. What made Hidayatullah's term historic was the visit of the U.S. President, Richard Nixon. His glorious career does not end at his retirement. He was one of the most undisputed people who was elected as the Vice President of India from 1979 to 1984. His impartiality and friendly nature, won the hearts of many people.
While the list of awards and achievements from his career runs long, Hidayatullah's efficiency as a writer was also well received and appreciated. His magnum opus consists of My Own Boswell, his autobiography and A Judge's Miscellany. His judgement in the case of Ranjit D. Udeshi portrays his flair for literature, which is uncommon amongst judges.
A jurist of distinction, Hidayatullah had a keen intellect and showed a quick grasp coupled with amiable nature and courtesy. With his wit and sharp readiness, he has served our nation with all his might. He was one of the rare people who left a prominent mark on the pages of Indian history by being the only person who served in the three most prestigious posts of Chief Justice of India, President of India, and the Vice President of India.
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