Retired Judge Narendra Chapalgaonkar Dies at 87

Narendra Chapalgaonkar, a retired judge of the Bombay High Court and respected author, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 87 following a brave fight with cancer in recent months. He was a prominent figure in the Marathwada region, widely recognized for his contributions to law, literature, and social thought. As a distinguished judge, scholar, and writer, he left a lasting impact in various fields.

Key Highlights

Personal Background

Born on April 10, 1937, Chapalgaonkar was highly educated, earning an MA and LLB before becoming an advocate in 1962.

Legal Career

He practiced law in Beed from 1962 to 1978, then at the Bombay High Court from 1979 to 1981, before moving to the Aurangabad bench. In 1990, he was appointed as an additional judge to the Bombay High Court and later became a permanent judge before retiring in 1999.

Academic Career

Prior to his legal career, Chapalgaonkar served as the head of the Marathi department at Dayanand College in Latur.

Literary Contributions

Chapalgaonkar had a deep interest in philosophy, social history, politics, and the judiciary, authoring several books on these topics. One of his most notable works was a biography of Swami Ramanand Tirtha, a freedom fighter and leader in the Hyderabad liberation struggle.

Leadership in Marathi Literature

In February 2023, he served as the president of the 96th All-India Marathi Literary Meet in Wardha.

Honors and Recognition

He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Maharashtra Foundation, among other accolades, in recognition of his contributions to literature and society.

Condolences

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other notable figures expressed their sorrow at Chapalgaonkar’s passing, acknowledging his contributions to Marathwada’s history and literature, as well as the ideological legacy passed down from his father, who was active in the Hyderabad liberation struggle.