A tribute to Protik Da from his brother judge

Walking down memory lane, my fondest memories when I first entered the hallowed halls of the Calcutta High Court were of walking into Jehangir's (a small shop within the precinct of the High Court) and being accosted by Protik da, who would be casually sitting on the high stool sipping a cup of coffee. He would instinctively push the pack of smokes towards me and remark "Puff away, brother" and in the same breath turn askew and say "Jehangir, Bobby sahab ko coffee do".

Protik da was a repository of knowledge and would be more than willing to share the same with all the juniors who entered Jehangir's. After Protik da left for his heavenly abode, a senior barrister and senior advocate called me and as we reminisced about him. He remarked, "He was an interesting man". How true these words are.

Not only was Protik da an interesting man, he had a vast interest in all facets of life. He was passionately interested in music, especially Indian and western classical music, having in his possession a huge collection of the same. His passion for the English language interspersed with Latin drove him to become an expert etymologist. His ken of knowledge with regard to fashion and lifestyle resulted in his being extremely well-dressed (in three-piece suits).

Many a time, I have seen him speak eloquently in debates that were organised by the High Court and win the best speaker award. What was enthusing about the man was the fact that he was willing to disseminate his knowledge, and he did so by teaching in various law colleges across Calcutta, on all aspects of law. Students of NUJS were enamoured by him, not just as a professor but also as a friend. His chambers were always open for interns and even after having being elevated as a judge, one could see umpteen students interning under him.

His passion for writing led him to author a few books on the Original Side Rules of the High Court and a sea of articles in journals, newspapers and online blogs. His Facebook page would also be consistently updated with anecdotes. Unknown to most was his passion for promoting the welfare of the downtrodden in the vicinity of his home. He had sponsored the education of countless children of his para (neighbourhood).

Today, gloom has descended in his para, where he had touched the lives of so many.

Six of us were elevated on September 21, 2017, and immediately we formed a bond between us. On innumerable occasions, Protik da would invite us to his chamber and enthrall us with his collection of western classical music. Hours would be spent in his chamber where we would make fun of him for being a "pucca saheb" and poke him with regard to his extraordinary vocabulary and British accent. We would joke that he would require a heading in the roster on Fridays titled "For Clarifications", as lawyers and litigants would require clarification with regard to his long sentences containing Tharoorian English.

To me personally, he was a friend, philosopher and guide and I shall always remember him as such. A loving husband, a doting father, a Guru and friend to his students and above all, a true brother to the legal fraternity. We shall all miss him and his indelible mark shall never fade.