TURA, June 8: The last of Tura’s renowned legal luminaries and a founding member of the oldest Tura Bar Association, who practised law in the district court for over fifty long years, has passed away on Tuesday evening.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, aged 78, who was undergoing treatment for a medical condition at Ayursundra Super Speciality Hospital in Guwahati for the past many days passed away late Tuesday following complications.
A well-known personality in Tura, not just amongst the legal fraternity, but also the Garo Hills region at large, Sharma was known to be among the brightest of the legal canvas for decades and many citizens of the region were in one way or the other touched by his legal advice.
He along with late Livingstone G Momin and late KL Tulsiyan were the first legal practitioners in Tura, over half a century ago, and played a crucial role in the formation of the first and only Tura Bar Association at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The trio — Momin, Tulsiyan and Sharma — was known to be the famous three of the legal circuit in Garo Hills.
A mentor to former Tura MP, Purno A Sangma, during his early years into the legal profession, Jugal Sharma was well versed in the Garo customary law and went on to become the legal adviser to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council providing much-needed fill-up to the autonomous body and the tribal practices.
As news of Sharma’s demise went public, there has been shock and dismay from among many of his well-wishers, friends and the lawyers circle.
“As much as he was known for his legal acumen, he was a far greater human being,” mentioned some of his close family friends.
Jugal Sharma was associated with many social groups and organisations and was also the legal adviser to the Bishop of Tura, besides the GHADC.
Former legislator and current Batabari MDC Ashahel D Shira, who was closely associated with Sharma, has expressed shock and sadness over the latter’s demise. “He (Jugal Sharma) provided invaluable legal advice to anyone and everyone who sought his help. He never turned away anyone from his doorstep. He provided immense knowledge of the legal world to countless people in Garo Hills. We have lost a luminary,” said Ashahel D Shira in a special condolence message to the family of Sharma.
Jugal Sharma was also the first among Tura town’s inhabitants to encourage brisk walking many years ago. He was a regular spotted crisscrossing the town’s streets during his brisk walks both morning and evening and laid the way for many youngsters to follow. He will surely be missed.
