Lucknow, United Provinces (British India) / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mohammad Hidayatullah was born on 17th December 1905, he was the first Muslim Chief Justice of India. It would be more appropriate to call Mohammad Hidayatullah the first acting president of India, as he was not as elected president according to India’s constitutional system. He also assumed charge as the acting President of India on two occasions. He also became the sixth Vice-President of India.

On August 31, 1979, Mohammad Hidayatullah was appointed as the Vice-President of India. His tenure lasted till 31st August 1984. He was also vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi and Punjab University from 1979 to 1984. On October 4, 1991, Mohammad Hidayatullah was also conferred honorary membership of the Indian Vidya Parishad. After concluding the term of vice president,  Mohammad Hidayatullah felt like an independent bird. He was also the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.  But he was never accused of misuse of his post or favouritism.

In the upper house, he was a friend to all. After retiring, eminent politicians praised him. Indira Gandhi, Vice President R Venkataraman, Home Minister Narasimha Rao and high officials were among those who were there at the station to see him off Mumbai after he completed the term of vice president. He passed away on 18th September 1992 due to a heart attack.

source: http://www.english.newstracklive.com / News Track / Home> NewsTrack / September 18th, 2020