Reminiscence
JUSTICE SHAFIQUL HAQUE & MRS.AFRUZA BEGUM
– AN UNIQUE COUPLE
Justice Shafiqul Haque passed away suddenly on the 21st Januray, 2009. To all of us, it was news. Few days before his death, we met him in a social gathering. He was then all hale and hearty. Rather his dear wife Mrs.Afruza begum was not keeping well. Suddenly, he passed away leaving his ailing wife. Mrs.Haque passed away 43 days after his death. How caring a husband he was, could only be perceived by noticing at Justice Haque. A beautiful couple, courteous and warm who enjoyed extending hospitality and hosting parties. Mrs. Haque knew the art of arranging comely parties, delicately arranging everything in a befitting manner. She was indeed master of culinary art. Mrs.Haque had the ability to walk with the kings but did not lose the common touch. A caring, compassionate lady with a big heart, who was compatible in all situations.
Late Justice Haque traveled a long distance. He obtained the Master of Arts degree both in Economics and Persian Literature. He also obtained law degree. He was one of the distinguished alumni of Aligarh Muslim University. Justice Haque started his career as a pleader in the Dibrugarh Court of the then Lakhimpur district. After a short stint, he joined Assam Judicial Service Grade-II. Time to time he climbed the ladder and was promoted to the rank of District and Sessions Judge. He served in that capacity over a decade. The trial lawyers fondly remembered the affable and courteous Trial Judge, so also those who came into his contact. In the year 1984, he was elevated as the Judge of Gauhati High Court and demitted the office of the Acting Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in the year 1992 to join the office of the Vice-Chairman, Central Administrative Tribunal, Guwahati Bench. No problem before him was ever so difficult or too little for his attention. His human sympathy, understanding, study of human conduct and search for the Justice were reflected in his decision making process. The work of a Judge, as said by Justice Benjamin N Cardozo, distinguished Judge of the U S Supreme Court, was in one sense enduring and in another sense ephemeral. The good endures, what is erroneous is sure to perish. Justice Haque left an ever lasting impression upon the litigant public and the lawyers by his compassionate style of dispensation of justice. As a Judge, Justice Haque was a matter of fact, could easily go to the root of the matter. He was quick in perception, fresh in application of mind that instilled strong common sense in his judgments. Patience was intuitive in him. The lawyers still remember Judge Haque for his unfailing courtesy, graciousness, gentle self –effacing and unpretentiousness. Justice Haque retired from dispensation of justice through judicial system in the year 1994. After retirement Justice Haque continued to serve the society till his last. The Government as well as the society reposed faith in him and utilized his services all throughout. The State Government assigned him with the responsibility to head the Assam Backward Classes Commission, the State Commission for Minorities and numerous Government, semi-Government and public institutions. Justice Haque was a leading light of numerous charitable institutions of diverse faith in the area of religion, scientific studies and health and other vocation training. Those who came into his personal contact will long remember his nobility, simplicity, courteous and caring and gentle manner. He was a man devoid of ego and averse to any advertisement. One, who came into his association not only could attain something, but also could become something. Mrs. and Justice Haque did not author any book but they were themselves a book. To conclude, it would be apt to recall the following lines by Iqbal:-
“Fire of life does not have its ending reduced to ashes
Pearl of life is indestructible, destined not for crashes”
While fondly remembering the deceased couple, on the occasion of the prayer meeting, let us also join in the prayer for the peace of the departed souls.
Written by:
Justice Dhiresh Narayan Chowdhury
Former Judge, Gauhati High Court ‘Amithabh’, 95 Dr.Banikanta Kakati Road Ulubari, Guwahati-781007