 Sir JOHN WILLIAM FISHER BEAUMONT | |
| Knight, K.C., M.A.(Cantab.) | 1930-1943 |
| Sir John William Fisher Beaumont succeeded Sir Marten as Chief Justice in June 1930. Was born on September 4, 1877. After receiving his early education at the Winchester School, Sir John joined Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he had a brilliant academic career. Took the degree of B.A. in First Class in the History Tripos of 1899, securing a scholarship. In 1901 he was called to the Bar by the Lincoln's Inn. Was made a member of the Bar Council in 1927. Soon after he was made a K.C. He became the Chief Justice of the High Court of Bombay and was in office till 1943. His Lordship possessed the supreme attributes of a good Judge-quick grasp, clear perception, sound knowledge of legal principles, judicial patience, and freedom from prejudice or bias. His Lordship was rapid in the formation of his opinion and confident in the expression of it. However complicated a case, whatever the length of hearing, he rarely deferred judgment. His Lordship's keen ferret-like eyes, which were akin of uncommon shrewdness. His Lordship was undoubtedly a strong Judge and in dispensing justice in criminal cases . Any irregularity on the part of the Magistracy or the Judiciary was meted out with severe strictures. Not a single point in favour of the accused escaped his attention. Sir John maintained the highest traditions of the High Court guarding the rights of the people against the inroads of the executive. Sir John's judgments were lucid, logical, and clearly enunciate legal principles. Sir John was the eleventh Chief Justice since the establishment of the Bombay High Court in 1862, and held that office for the longest period in the history of the High Court. | |