Dr.Stuti Deka delivering her talk on the book ” Justice Shafiqul Haque: Reflections and Juridical Thoughts”
It’s a great privilege for me to speak a few words about the book, just released by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ranjan Gogoi before this august gathering. The book “Justice Shafiqul Haque: Reflections & Juridical Thoughts” is the outcome of one and a half year long research investigation. The project was sponsored by the members of ‘Justice Shafiqul Haque Memorial Initiative’ for documentation of the chequered and illustrious life and works of Hon’ble Late Justice Haque. Considering the academic interest and in compliance to the approach of the family members, I volunteered for the project in memory of Justice Haque. I proceeded with the work only on receiving the approval of the Gauhati University authority.
It is very much evident that the results of the research investigations unless published do not come to the public domain. I, therefore, edited the present book containing the summary of the outcome of the investigation.
In the course of the work, it was felt that such a publication would be more comprehensive if contributions from eminent persons who were closely associated with Justice Shafiqul Haque could be included.
Pursuant thereto, contributions were invited from different personalities and intimation was also extended through a communication in the Assam Tribune. It is indeed heartening that I received an overwhelming response much beyond my expectation.
The book is divided into two sections. The first section of the book portrays the biography and life sketch of Justice Haque contributed by distinguished Judges, legal luminaries and eminent persons of the society. Former members of the Assam Judicial Service Officers Association and individuals from various walks of life paid rich tribute recalling the extraordinary qualities of Justice Haque as a human being and as a superior Judge of his time. This section also contains a few photographs depicting late Justice Haque’s life.
This section includes some interviews with Hon’ble former Judges of the Supreme Court and High courts, tribute paid by persons from various walks of life through Reflections from Memory Lane.
This section is enriched with the write up of Hon’ble Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice D.N. Choudhury, Justice Amitabh Roy, Justice B. K. Sarma, Dr. Justice M.K.Sarma,Dr. Justice A,H, Saikia, Mrs. Majula Das, Hon’ble Judicial Members of Central Administrative Tribunal and Learned members of the Bar- S.P.Deka, A.M.Mazumder, A.S. Bhattacharjee, G.N. Shahewlla, B.P.Todi, J.L.Sarkar, H. Rahman, Monjuli Dev and few others.
The contributions included in the first section throw light on late Justice Haque as a person as well as provide insight into the juristic mind of Late Justice Shafiqul Haque, which would otherwise have remained unknown to the present generation.
The second section of the book comprises legal literature in the shape of articles comprising Law & Justice of contemporary issues. The valued articles contributed by Prof S.C. Singh, Prof S. Rajkhowa, Dr R.D.Dubey, Mr. H.N. Das. Dr S. Kanunjna, Dr N. K. Dutta, Ms. Chetana Khanikar and others. I would like to admit here that for constraints of space, a few articles that could not be accommodated, in no way detracts from the values of the contributors.
The 2nd section also focuses upon some judicial pronouncements rendered by Justice Haque during his term as Judge of the Gauhati High Court and later on as the acting Chief Justice, and also in his capacity as the Vice Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Guwahati Bench. These judgements had reflected the philosophy of Justice Haque and if read between the lines, reveal the finer inquisitive aspects which otherwise would have been confined only to select few.
In the whole process of this work, it is revealed that late Justice Haque never deviated from the path of judicial value. In every field of adjudication, his concern was that Justice had to be done to the common people of the society. He was always against injustice and a judge of generous heart. His profound legal knowledge was revealed in his judgments comprising civil, criminal and service matters. Justice Haque showed his proficiency in the arbitration process in the national and international dispute resolution as well. He applied his talent and leadership to the preparation of the Draft Police Act, 2007. As a result we have the Assam police Act, 2007.The Government of Assam utilised the services of Justice Haque till his death. Thus, it is seen that there was no retirement in Justice Haque’s life. In this context, one of the learned contributors of this book expressed in his write up, ‘retired or tired, no, act and act, yes,’ that was Hon’ble Justice Shafiqul Haque.
It would be deemed worthwhile if the present work is considered to be a valued one reflecting properly the life and works of Late Justice Shafiqul Haque.
I would be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge the co-operation and contributions made by the family members of Late Justice Haque in this honorary endeavour. Special thanks are due to Dr. M. Islam Barbaruah for his energetic and sincere efforts in bringing out the book. I offer my sincere gratitude to all the contributors who spared their valuable times to write valued article for this volume.
I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to each and every one who volunteered to offer their assistance, advice and support in the preparation of this book. I must acknowledge the invaluable assistance received from my husband, Mr. M.C. Deka, Advocate, Gauhati High Court and Mr. Ratul Saikia, a research scholar, Gauhati University. Without their help the work would never be completed.
Last but not least, I offer my sincere thanks to all the distinguished persons present here for their patient hearing. With this few words I conclude.
Thank you.
Stuti Deka.