Mortal remains of Ranganath Mishra consigned to flames

Bhandare and Patnaik were ammong the large number of distinguished persons who were present during the funeral.

People from all walks of life paid floral tributes to the departed soul at his Cuttack residence.

Ranganath Mishra died at a private hospital here last night following a prolonged illness.

Mishra's last rites were performed at Swargadwar crematorium in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and the ex-CJI's grandson Anand Mishra lit the pyre.

Recounting his long and close association with Mishra, the Governor said at a condolence meeting held at Raj Bhavan that he was one of the finest legal luminaries and an able Parliamentarian.

Mishra's simplicity and humane approach commanded respect from all quarters, Bhandare said, adding, "both India and Odisha had lost a great son in his death".

Expressing grief over Mishra's death, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the former CJI's contribution in the field of jurisprudence and justice would be always remembered.

Chief Justice of Orissa High Court V Gopala Gowda said Mishra was a great jurist and statesman. "He was a great philosopher and guide for all of us," he said.

Describing Mishra as a genius, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Niranjan Patnaik said the ex-CJI was a multi-faceted personality who had excelled in many fields.

Congress Chief Whip in state assembly Prasad Harichandan said Mishra would remain immortal with his unforgettable qualities and wisdom.