Overview

Rajinder Sachar (22 December 1923 – 20 April 2018) was an Indian jurist, lawyer and civil-rights activist known for a long public career in the judiciary and human-rights work. Born in Lahore when it was part of British India, he later practiced law and rose to serve as Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court in 1985. Over several decades Sachar combined judicial office with active involvement in legal and social causes.

Sachar established a reputation as a careful and principled judge and as a practicing lawyer before and after his time on the bench. He worked with civil liberties groups and acted as counsel for organizations defending individual rights. His international engagement included service on United Nations bodies concerned with human rights, notably as a member of the UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (UN Sub-Commission).

Sachar Committee and major contributions

One of Sachar's most widely cited public roles was chairing the high-level committee that produced the 2006 report—commonly known as the Sachar Committee—examining the social, economic and educational status of Muslims in India. The report compiled data and made policy recommendations intended to inform government measures aimed at improving access to services and opportunities. Beyond that commission, Sachar remained active in public debates about secularism, equality before the law and protections for marginalized groups.

Activism, arrests and later life

Even in advanced age he took part in public protests and civil society campaigns. In August 2011 he was detained briefly in New Delhi during demonstrations related to the detention of activist Anna Hazare and his supporters; the incident drew attention to the participation of senior jurists in mass movements (Anna Hazare protests). He also served as counsel for the People's Union for Civil Liberties and supported a range of rights-focused initiatives (civil liberties work).

Notable positions

  • Chief Justice, Delhi High Court (1985)
  • Chair, Sachar Committee on the socio-economic status of Muslims (2006)
  • Member, UN Sub-Commission on human rights (UN body)
  • Counsel and public advocate for civil liberties groups (legal advocacy)

Sachar died in New Delhi on 20 April 2018 from pneumonia at the age of 94, an event reported widely in national and international media (obituary reports). He is remembered for combining a distinguished judicial career with persistent public engagement on issues of equality and human rights, and for a data-driven approach to social policy that influenced subsequent discussion about minority inclusion and state responsibility.

For additional information and primary sources consult official reports and legal records linked from institutional pages and archives (birthplace and early life, civil protest coverage, final notices).