President Pranab Mukherjee Thursday condoled the demise of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, saying "his sad demise leaves a void which is difficult to fill".
The president, in a message, said as an eminent jurist, Iyer used law as an instrument of social engineering and social change making justice accessible to all, including the marginalised and the vulnerable.
"He earned a reputation for his extraordinary knowledge of law. As a judge of the Supreme Court, he made immense contribution to the development of human rights jurisprudence. He will remain an inspiration for the members of legal fraternity," Mukherjee said.
"In his death, the nation has lost a great judicial statesman, whose long years in public service will be remembered for years to come," he said.
Iyer, who last month celebrated his 100th birthday, passed away Thursday in a hospital in Kochi.
--Indo-Asia News Service
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