Noted lawyer and former Union Minister Ram Jethmalani passed away at his residence in New Delhi this morning. He was 95. Jethmalani a sitting Member of the Rajya Sabha, was ill for some time due to age-related ailments.

The President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister have expressed grief over the demise of Ram Jethmalani.

In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said, the nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a person of great erudition and intellect. He said, Jethmalani was known to express his views on public issues with his characteristic eloquence.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said, the nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a great intellectual and a patriot, who was active till his last breath. Mr Naidu said, he has lost a dear friend with whom he had a very long association both as Minister and as a member of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid lastrespects to veteran lawyer and former Union Minister Ram Jethmalani at hisresidence in New Delhi. The former Minister passed away this morning at the ageof 95. The Prime Minister expressed condolences to the family members of Jethmalani.

Earlier, in  a tweet, Mr Modi said,India has lost an exceptional lawyer and iconic public figure who made richcontributions both in the Court and Parliament. He said, Jethmalani was witty,courageous and never shied away from boldly expressing himself on any subject.The Prime Minister said, one of the best aspects of Mr Jethmalani was theability to speak his mind and, he did so without any fear. Mr Modi said, duringthe dark days of the Emergency, his fortitude and fight for public libertieswill be remembered.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, his brilliance, eloquence, powerful advocacy and a sound understanding of the law will remain a worthy example in the legal profession.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar described Jethmalani as an outstanding criminal lawyer and an outspoken politician.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah visited the residence of Jethmalani and paid their last respects.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis also condoled the death of eminent jurist and former Union Minister Ram Jethmalani. In his condolence message, Mr Fadanvis said that the nation has lost a distinguished solicitor. The Chief Minister said, his work in judiciary, social services and politics was distinctive.