The Supreme Court on Wednesday paid tribute to one of India’s most influential legal figures, former Union Law Minister and senior advocate Ashoke Kumar Sen, with the unveiling of his portrait at the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Library.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant unveiled Sen’s portrait at Library No. 1 in the Supreme Court complex in the presence of senior members of the legal fraternity, former judges, the Attorney General, members of Sen’s family and law students. The ceremony brought together the Bar and the Bench to remember a lawyer whose career spanned advocacy, Parliament, government and public service.
CJI Surya Kant described Sen as a distinguished scholar, advocate and statesman who successfully connected the worlds of law and governance. He said the occasion was not simply about adding another portrait to the Court’s walls, but about preserving the values represented by a life dedicated to justice, intellect and public service.
For the Chief Justice, Sen’s presence in the Supreme Court should serve as a continuing reminder to lawyers about the standards expected of the profession. He said the Court’s institutional memory is shaped not only by its judgments but also by the people who helped build its character.
CJI Surya Kant also referred to the existing AK Sen Block at the Supreme Court, noting that thousands of lawyers and visitors pass through it every day. With the unveiling of the portrait, he said, the name would now have a face and a more personal connection for future generations of lawyers.
He recalled Sen’s famous courtroom wit to illustrate the senior advocate’s confidence and command of the law. In one anecdote, Sen was explaining the meaning of a statutory provision when a judge questioned how he could be so certain about its interpretation. Sen reportedly replied that he knew because he had drafted the provision himself.
The CJI also recalled stories of Sen’s informal “corridor briefings”, where the veteran lawyer could quickly master a case and present it with the authority of someone who had spent considerable time studying the matter.
The tribute also focused on the values behind Sen’s legal career. CJI Surya Kant said the portrait should encourage lawyers to ask themselves whether they had prepared adequately, treated the court and opposing counsel fairly, and used the law to clarify issues rather than unnecessarily complicate them.
He stressed that institutions are strengthened not only through landmark judgments and important legislation but also through everyday professional habits such as preparation, restraint, humour and respect.
Sen’s career remains unusual in the history of independent India. Born in 1913, he became a prominent barrister and later entered Parliament. He served as Union Law Minister multiple times and is widely recognised as India’s longest-serving Law Minister. His ministerial career also included the Communications and Steel and Mines portfolios.
His association with law and public policy stretched across several governments. He served under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru early in his political career and returned as Law Minister under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He was also involved in important legislative developments, including the constitutional amendment that introduced the anti-defection provisions through the Tenth Schedule in 1985.
Sen was also closely associated with the legal profession itself. He served as President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and represented India at international conferences dealing with law and human rights. His career therefore extended well beyond courtroom advocacy and ministerial office.
Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, speaking at the event, recalled Sen as a lawyer who remained deeply connected to the Bar even while occupying high public office. He highlighted Sen’s contribution to the dignity and independence of the legal profession.
Senior Advocate Harish Salve delivered the keynote address. He also used the occasion to speak about the importance of responsible public criticism, saying that criticism of the government and institutions is essential but should not become an attack on the country itself.
The event was attended by former Supreme Court judges Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice Pankaj Mithal, SCBA President and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, Attorney General R Venkataramani, Harish Salve, senior members of the Bar, academics, law students and members of Sen’s family.
For the legal community, the ceremony was more than a formal commemoration. It offered an opportunity to revisit the professional values associated with a generation of lawyers who helped shape India’s legal institutions after Independence.
Ashoke Kumar Sen’s portrait will now stand in the Supreme Court Library as a reminder of that legacy. As CJI Surya Kant put it, the veteran lawyer would effectively remain present as a “silent senior” — no longer speaking in court, but still capable of prompting lawyers to reflect on preparation, fairness, restraint and the human purpose of law.
