P. Balachandra Gajendragadkar, Chief Justice of India
Chief Justice of India

P. Balachandra Gajendragadkar

Born 16 August 1901 · verify — Died 25 September 2020

Served as the 7th Chief Justice of India from 1964 to 1966.

Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, commonly known as SPB or Balu, was an Indian playback singer, television presenter, actor, music composer, dubbing artist, and film producer. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian singers of all time. He worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films and sang in a total of 16 languages.

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A detail that
surprised us

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P. B. Gajendragadkar edited the 'Hindu Law Quarterly' early in his career, shaping discourse on Hindu legal traditions during British India.

The Story

1
In 1926, after earning an LL.B. with honors from ILS Law College, Pune, P. B. Gajendragadkar joined the Bombay Bar on the Appellate side, quickly establishing a reputation for forensic skill and legal acumen.
2
🌟 His critical edition of the classical text 'Dattaka Mimamsa' in the 1930s elevated his standing as a scholar deeply versed in Hindu law, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary legal practice.
3In February 1964, Gajendragadkar ascended to become the 7th Chief Justice of India, serving until March 1966, a period marked by key judgments shaping constitutional law.
4He twice presided over the Social Reform Conference, organizing campaigns against casteism and untouchability, actively promoting social integration in post-independence India.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1972
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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His critical edition of 'Dattaka Mimamsa' won acclaim in the 1930s, a rare scholarly achievement for a practicing lawyer at the time.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Satara, Bombay Presidency
P. B. Gajendragadkar was born into a Deshastha Madhva Brahmin family with scholarly Sanskrit roots in Satara, Maharashtra.
1901
📚
Education
Completed M.A. at Deccan College, Pune
Graduated with a Master of Arts degree from Deccan College, a prestigious institution known for archaeology and Sanskrit studies.
1924
📚
Education
LL.B. with honors from ILS Law College
Earned law degree with honors and joined Bombay Bar on Appellate side, beginning legal career.
1926
📖
Publication
Edited critical edition of 'Dattaka Mimamsa'
Published a scholarly edition of an ancient Hindu legal text, earning reputation in Hindu law.
c.1930
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Career
Became Chief Justice of India
Appointed the 7th Chief Justice of India, serving until March 1966 during crucial constitutional cases.
1964
🌟
Other
Delivered Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture on Kashmir
Presented a detailed lecture examining Kashmir’s issues, reflecting his interest in national integration.
1966
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Death
Passed away
P. B. Gajendragadkar died, leaving behind a legacy of legal and scholarly contributions.
1981
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Gajendragadkar was General Editor of 'The Ten Classical Upanishads' series sponsored by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, linking law and ancient philosophy.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He led two Social Reform Conferences targeting untouchability and superstition, uncommon for a Chief Justice focused primarily on law.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Despite his legal prominence, his early career included editing the 'Hindu Law Quarterly', influencing Hindu legal scholarship.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Gajendragadkar's tenure as Chief Justice coincided with critical constitutional developments, helping to clarify the balance of powers in India’s democracy. His leadership in social reform conferences catalyzed organized efforts against caste discrimination, influencing later policy debates. Through his editorial work on classical Upanishads, he bridged traditional Indian philosophy with modern legal thought, enriching legal education and cultural scholarship.

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