C. K. Daphtary, Attorney General of India
Attorney General of India

C. K. Daphtary

Born 1 April 1893 · Maharashtra — Died 18 February 1983

First Solicitor General of India from 1950 to 1963 and Attorney General from 1963 to 1968.

Chander Kishan Daphtary was an Indian lawyer and was the first Solicitor General of India from 1950 to 1963. He was the Attorney General for India from 1963 to 1968. He was the President of the Bar Association of India. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha the Upper House of Indian Parliament from 1972 to 1978.

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A detail that
surprised us

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In 1967, C.K. Daphtary was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, recognizing his exceptional service in law.

The Story

1. ⚖️ In 1950, C.K. Daphtary took office as the very first Solicitor General of India, shaping the role over thirteen years until 1963. 2. 🏛️ In 1963, he stepped up as Attorney General for India, serving as the government's chief legal advisor until 1968, a period marked by intense constitutional debates. 3. 🎭 Once, during a heated legal argument defending the Prohibition Act, Daphtary wittily remarked to the bench, “Surely it is known and experience teaches us that alcohol is not the only thing which intoxicates... Power, my Lords,” revealing his sharp courtroom intellect. 4. In 1950, at a Bar function celebrating India's Republic, he joked that a republic without a 'pub' was merely a 'relic,' reflecting his candid views on social laws like prohibition. 5. 🏛️ His legal career spanned beyond the courtroom when he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from 1972 to 1978, contributing to parliamentary debates and legal reforms. 6. In the Bombay High Court, Daphtary once diffused a contempt charge against a young advocate with a humorous remark, showcasing his mastery of courtroom diplomacy and respect for legal traditions. 7. ❓ How did C.K. Daphtary’s wit and legal acumen influence landmark decisions that continue to shape Indian constitutional law today?

🏅 Awards & Honours

1965
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1950, during a Republic Day Bar function, Daphtary quipped that a republic without a 'pub' was only a 'relic', a rare public critique of prohibition laws by a top legal figure.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Maharashtra
Chander Kishan Daphtary was born on April 1, 1893, in Maharashtra, setting the stage for his future legal career.
1893
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Career
Appointed Solicitor General of India
Became the first Solicitor General of India, serving from 1950 to 1963 and defining the new office’s role post-Independence.
1950
⚡
Career
Became Attorney General for India
Succeeded as Attorney General, serving until 1968 and advising the government on key constitutional challenges.
1963
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Vibhushan
Received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, acknowledging his legal service.
1967
⚡
Career
Nominated to Rajya Sabha
Joined India’s Upper House of Parliament as a nominated member, serving until 1978.
1972
🕊️
Death
Death
Passed away on February 18, 1983, leaving behind a legacy in Indian legal history.
1983
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
💡SURPRISING

Daphtary once cleverly defused a contempt of court charge against a young advocate by humorously advising patience and experience in the Bombay High Court.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

In a Bombay High Court case, a power failure paused proceedings until a flickering table lamp reignited, prompting Daphtary’s witty remark that light had come where it was most needed.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Despite defending the Prohibition Act as Advocate General, Daphtary was known to have no personal enthusiasm for the law, highlighting a pragmatic approach to legal duties.

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“Surely it is known and experience teaches us that alcohol is not the only thing which intoxicates, whether it be the weak or the powerful.”

— C. K. Daphtary

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
C. K. Daphtary | Wikipedia audio article

🌱 What changed because of them

C.K. Daphtary set foundational standards for the offices of Solicitor General and Attorney General in India, defining their roles during the formative years of the Republic. His sharp legal mind and courtroom wit influenced landmark legal interpretations, notably on constitutional and prohibition laws. His tenure in the Rajya Sabha further bridged legal expertise with legislative governance, impacting policy discussions on law and justice.

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