SIR Charles Sargent

Knight, M.A.(Cantab.), Bar-at-Law. 1866-1882

Sir Charles Sargent, Knight, M.A.(Cantab.), Bar-at-Law. : Sir Charles Sargent followed Sir Westropp as Chief Justice in 1882 and continued till 1895. Sargent is amongst the best judges of Bombay. His Lordship received his education at Cambridge where he took his M.A. and also achieved the distinction of being Fifth Wrangler. His Lordship was called to the Bar in 1848. Before coming out to India, he was Chief Justice of the Ionian Islands. His Lordship was Puisne Judge for 16 years before he became Chief Justice in 1882 and so his judicial career extended over unusually long period of nearly thirty years. Sargent enjoyed the respect and confidence of the professionals as well as of the public in an unusual degree. The prestige of the High Court rose very high during his term of office. Unlike Westropp, his judgments are generally short, lucid and to the point. His Lordship was singularly free from political or racial bias, and encouraged young rising Indian advocates, like Tyabji and Telang, the latter of whom he raised to the Bench. On his retirement in 1895, a public meeting was held presided over by Pherozeshah Mehta. Pherozeshah in his tribute said : "In the illustrious role of judges distinguished for culture, capacity and learning, none has so worthily sustained the great traditions of British justice as Sir Charles Sargent".