Nagpur: In a heart-wrenching incident that has cast a pall of grief over the legal community, Senior Advocate Talat Iqbal Qureshi, 64, tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack while conducting a cross-examination in the district court. The incident unfolded on Saturday at the Nyay Mandir premises, where Qureshi collapsed during court proceedings, prompting a heroic yet ultimately futile effort by the presiding judge to save his life.
The day began like any other for Qureshi, who arrived at the district court around 11:30 a.m. to cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom of Senior Division Civil Judge S. B. Pawar, located on the 7th floor. After completing his initial examination, Qureshi, a seasoned advocate known for his dedication and legal acumen, informed the court about issuing a citation and took a seat on the bench to await the opposition’s arguments.
It was during this moment that tragedy struck. As the opposing lawyer, Adv. Dhanrajani, presented his case, Qureshi suddenly slumped forward and fell from his seat, unconscious. The courtroom was thrown into immediate chaos. Justice Pawar, recognizing the severity of the situation, swiftly left his bench and instructed court staff to provide water in an attempt to revive Qureshi.
Realizing the gravity of the emergency, Justice Pawar took matters into his own hands. With no stretcher available, Qureshi was carefully seated in a chair and carried down seven flights of stairs. The judge, showing remarkable presence of mind and concern for his colleague, personally drove Qureshi to a nearby hospital. Sadly, despite these valiant efforts, doctors declared Qureshi dead upon arrival.
The loss of Advocate Qureshi has left the entire district court in mourning. His sudden passing is particularly poignant as it comes after the death of his wife due to COVID-19, leaving him to live alone. Qureshi is survived by his two married daughters, who, like the rest of the legal fraternity, are grappling with this unexpected loss.
Former DBA President Kamal Satuja and current President Roshan Bagde were immediately informed of the incident, and both expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Satuja, speaking on behalf of the legal community, emphasized the urgent need for better emergency medical facilities at the district court.
“The district court premises see the daily presence of 8,000 lawyers, along with 30,000 to 40,000 people who come to attend to their cases. The lack of a proper first aid facility or an on-site ambulance is a glaring oversight. This tragic event underscores the necessity for the government to provide adequate medical resources to ensure that immediate care can be administered in case of such emergencies,” Satuja stated.
As the legal community in Nagpur mourns the loss of one of its respected members, there is a growing call for improved healthcare infrastructure within the court premises, ensuring that no other life is lost due to the lack of timely medical intervention.
