GUWAHATI, May 16 � Justice (retd) Dr BP Saraf, former Judge at Gauhati High Court and former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, died on May 15 in South Africa.
Born on August 23, 1939, Dr Saraf was brought up and educated in Guwahati. Dr Saraf had a brilliant academic career: he secured the first class first position in B Com and M Com examinations, under the Gauhati University, and also stood first in LLB examination. He was awarded doctorate degree for his thesis �Capital taxation in India�.
Dr Saraf joined the Gauhati High Court Bar in 1963 and had an extensive practice, specially in writ, taxation, corporate and commercial laws. He was appointed a Judge in the Gauhati High Court on January 2, 1989. Later, he was transferred to Bombay High Court on December 11, 1991, and also served as Chief Justice (Acting) in Bombay High Court and on February 21, 2000, Dr Saraf was appointed Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court. He retired from service on August 22, 2001. Thereafter, he was appointed chairman of the �State Backward Class Commission, Maharashtra, and continued in the same post till his death.
He authored a number of books on taxation and other legal subjects.
The Gauhati High Court and the High Court Bar Association condoled his demise this afternoon, stated a press release.
