By A O News Service
ITANAGAR, Sept 19: Arunachal Pradesh Advocate General (AG) Nilayananda Dutta, fondly called ‘Nilayda’, passed away at 2.30 am Sunday at Coorg in Karnataka after celebrating his 46th marriage anniversary with his wife.
He was 68, and is survived by his wife, son and daughter. After complain of chest pain and uneasiness, he was rushed to a hospital at 2.30 am where he was declared brought dead, according to reports. He was state’s AG since 2016 appointed under Article 165 of the Constitution.
His family said that he will be cremated in Bengaluru during the day as his mortal remains cannot be brought back to his native place Assam for next three days due to COVID-19 protocols in Karnataka.
On Friday and Saturday, Dutta had himself uploaded several pictures of his anniversary celebrations with his family and close friends on Twitter.
Dutta had studied in St. Stephen’s College in Delhi and later involved in the Naxalite movement, for which he was arrested and imprisoned. After his release, he became a bank employee and then an advocate.
A legal luminary of NE region, among the most prominent and distinguished legal brains with extra ordinary oratory ability & charismatic personality, he had served as chairman of Assam Bar Council, president of All Assam Lawyers’ Association and had argued several cases in Supreme Court of India and fought highest cases for tribal people of NE to earn the sobriquet as ‘Soli Sorabjee of NE’, said his disciple advocate T T Tara, whom late Dutta spoke over telephone on Sept 17.
“I salute to my mentor who taught me the basics and finer nuances to practice law. We have lost a leading light in law & sports. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace,” Tara added.
An avid sports lover, Dutta was president of Assam Cricket Association and an international cricket umpire. He was also a member of high-level committee of Union Home Ministry on Clause-6 of the Assam Accord that submitted its report in February 2020.
His untimely death triggered condolence messages from across the political spectrum.
“In his passing away, we have lost a legendary legal luminary of the NE. My sincere condolences to his family and prayers for his soul to attain highest abode,” state Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted.
Terming his death a great loss for NE as he had dedicated his life to this state to offer legal services, APCC president-cm-MLA Nabam Tuki also joined the mourners, saying he would always be remembered.
Assam has lost one of the brightest lawyers, who had contributed to many fields, including sports administration, tweeted CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, adding “His demise has created a huge void difficult to be filled up. Offer my deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers.”
Union Shipping, Ports and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal twitted: “A scholar with brilliant legal acumen, his death is a huge loss to the fraternity. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Expressing deep sorrow over his death, Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju said: “A renowned legal luminary of NE who had been a guide to many young lawyers & professionals. My heartfelt condolences to his family.”
In his condolence message on Facebook, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said: “He was a great lawyer and a passionate cricket administrator. He will be fondly remembered.”
INC Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi said he will miss Dutta for his wit, legal acumen, interest in politics and commitment to Assam. “While his death has created an irreplaceable void, he will live forever through his many contributions to the society,” said, Gogoi, son of former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi.
Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah expressed shock and sorrow over his death. “…one of the renowned cricket umpires, a social worker and thinker. I pray to God for eternal peace of Dutta’s departed soul and my heartfelt condolences to his family in this time of grief,” he said.
Offering her condolences, Trinamool Congress leader Sushmita Dev said: “He was one of the sharpest legal minds, much revered by all”.
In a condolence message, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union president Hawa Bagang and general secretary Tobom Dai said the late Dutta was very active and vocal on issues concerning the interests of the general populace.
“The AAPSU, on behalf of the people of the state recalls the late Dutta’s contribution not only as the Advocate General but also as a staunch defender of indigenous tribal people of the state. His presentation in the state assembly hall on the vexed Chakma-Hajong issue on the invitation of the state government was a historic occasion in many ways,” they said.
“We express our heartfelt condolence and pray to the almighty to give enough strength to the bereaved family members,” they added.
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