NEW DELHI: Former Union law minister and eminent jurist Shanti Bhushan, who fought the case that led to the disqualification of then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, died in New Delhi on Tuesday. He was 97.

According to a source close to his family, he had been ill for some time before passing away at his Delhi residence.
In the historic Raj Narain Versus Indira Nehru Gandhi case, the Allahabad High Court in June 1975 had disqualified Gandhi for a period of 6 years from contesting elections over alleged corrupt electoral practices. Bhushan had represented Raj Narain.

In the Morarji Desai government, Bhushan, who was also a top attorney, served as the law minister from 1977 to 1979.
Bhushan was active in the legal field till recently and had argued on a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the Rafale fighter jets purchase. Bhushan's sons Jayant and Prashant Bhushan are well-known lawyers.

Narendra Modi, the prime minister, expressed his sorrow on Bhushan's passing. "Shri Shanti Bhushan Ji will be remembered for his contribution to the legal field and passion towards speaking for the underprivileged. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”

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