Arun Jaitley: A Revered Leader and Eminent Lawyer

Arun Jaitley was a prominent Indian politician and esteemed attorney deeply respected for his significant contributions to Indias governance, legal landscape, and economic reforms. Born on 28 December 1952 in Delhi, he was a key leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and held multiple high-profile positions in the Government of India before his passing on 24 August 2019.

Early Life and Education

Arun Jaitley was born to a Punjabi Brahmin family that migrated during the Partition. His father was a lawyer, which perhaps inspired his path in law and politics. He studied at St. Xaviers Senior Secondary School, New Delhi, and later graduated with honors in commerce (B.Com) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, in 1973. Subsequently, he earned his law degree (LL.B.) from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi in 1977.

During his university years, Jaitley was actively involved in student politics. He led the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and was President of the Delhi University Students Union in 1974. He went through a phase of detention during the Emergency in India, which solidified his commitment to democratic ideals and justice.

Legal Career

Arun Jaitley began practicing law in 1977 and was designated a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in January 1990. He appeared before the Supreme Court of India, representing a wide range of clients from politicians to multinational corporations. Jaitley was known for his expertise in constitutional law and corporate affairs.

Political Journey and Key Positions

Jaitley joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980 and rose steadily through its ranks, becoming its national spokesperson and general secretary. His political career included several key cabinet ministries:

Notable Contributions and Reforms

During his tenure as Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley led major economic reforms that have left lasting impacts on Indias financial landscape:

• Goods and Services Tax (GST): Jaitley was instrumental in introducing GST, a tax reform that unified multiple indirect taxes under a single framework, simplifying the tax structure across India.
• Demonetisation (2016): Under his stewardship, the government demonetized high-value currency notes aiming to curb black money, counterfeit currency, and corruption.
• Merger of Railway Budget: Jaitley merged the Railway budget with the General Budget, streamlining fiscal planning.
• Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: He introduced important bankruptcy laws aiming to improve ease of doing business and resolve distressed assets efficiently.

Leadership and Parliamentary Role

He served as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 2009 to 2014, setting a strong foundation for constructive parliamentary debates. He played an important role in constitutional amendments like the 84th and 91st Amendments ensuring political stability and governance safeguards.

Personal Life and Legacy

Arun Jaitley was married to Sangeeta Jaitley and had two children who are both legal professionals. Despite facing serious health challenges including diabetes, kidney transplant, and cancer, he continued to serve until he resigned in 2019 due to health reasons.

Posthumously, Arun Jaitley was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2020, Indias second highest civilian award, recognizing his extraordinary public service. Delhis Feroz Shah Kotla stadium was renamed Arun Jaitley Stadium, commemorating his passion for cricket and sports administration.

Impact on Indian Society

Arun Jaitleys life and work embody dedication to Indias legal system, economic reforms, and democratic institutions. His efforts made complex governance issues more accessible and transformed India into a more unified and economically dynamic nation.