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.
🔔 Add birthday reminderChander 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.
✨ A detail that surprised us
In 1967, C.K. Daphtary was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, recognizing his exceptional service in law.
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
- 🏅Padma Vibhushan · 1965
🔍 One thing most people don't know
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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📅 The Journey
🗝️ Discoveries
“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
C. K. Daphtary | Wikipedia audio article
YouTube📖 Curated Sources
🌱 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.
💬 Social Buzz
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