Kriti Agrawal –
The Union Government, led by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared the Emergency in the country more than 45 years ago, a period known as the ‘darkest hours of democracy.’ A story of courage and fundamental rights enforcement by Justice Rajendra Nath Aggarwal emerged from the shadows.
This morning, the former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court passed away. He died at the age of 95. Those who knew him to recall his efforts to keep the Courts from succumbing to an absolute dictatorship.
According to available information, journalist Kuldip Nayar was detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, which his wife contested in the Delhi High Court.
The case was heard by a two-Judge panel consisting of Justice S Rangarajan and Justice Aggarwal. It ordered his release, emphasizing that his right to a petition of habeas corpus had not been revoked.
Both Judges received a punishment. Justice Rangarajan was sent to Sikkim, while Justice Aggarwal’s term as an Additional Judge was not renewed.
Justice Aggarwal was elevated to the Delhi High Court after the Emergency ended, and his seniority was restored.