In a deeply personal moment at the Supreme Court, Justice Dipankar Datta paid tribute to his late Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Ritwik Deswal and dedicated a judgment to his memory.

A Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu pronounced the judgment on September 29, 2026, in a matter challenging the detention of a person under the National Security Act (NSA).

The judgment began with the heading “In Memoriam”, as Justice Datta remembered Deswal, who passed away just four days before his 27th birthday.

Justice Datta Remembers Law Clerk

At the outset of the judgment, Justice Datta spoke about the fragility of human life and said that people often fail to recognise how fleeting life can be in the ordinary course of their lives.

Justice Datta described Deswal as one of the Bench's “dearest Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates” and acknowledged his contribution to the preparation of the judgment.

The Court recorded its appreciation for the valuable assistance provided by Deswal during the preparation of the judgment.

Justice Datta said that Deswal's untimely demise had left an “excruciatingly deep void” and noted that even during his final hours, his thoughts remained focused on the pursuit of truth and service of justice.

Judgment Dedicated To His Memory

Justice Datta said the judgment carried the quiet and lasting contribution of Deswal's final work and dedicated the “final collaboration” to his memory.

The Court remembered his integrity, commitment to law and love for academia, besides his other qualities.

The tribute formed the opening of the judgment before the Bench proceeded to adjudicate the legal issues arising in the case.

Supreme Court Quashes NSA Detention

The judgment concerned a petition challenging the detention of a person under the National Security Act.

After examining the matter, the Bench found the detention to be illegal and quashed the detention order. The Supreme Court also imposed costs of ₹10 lakh on the State of Uttar Pradesh.

Thus, the judgment dealt with the legality of preventive detention while also carrying a personal tribute from Justice Datta to the young legal researcher whose work contributed to its preparation.

Case: Challenge to detention under the National Security Act
Bench: Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu
Date of Judgment: September 29, 2026
Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate: Ritwik Deswal