Hyderabad: Justice S Parvatha Rao, retired judge of undivided Andhra Pradesh high court, passed away at 90. Known for landmark judgments like Eamcet revaluation rights, he served from 1990-1997. A philanthropist, he established a school on donated land and promoted organic farming. Former VP Venkaiah Naidu paid tribute.
Sri Parvatha Rao, born in 1935, was a brilliant student from an early age. He completed his schooling and Intermediate in Vijayawada, earned a B.Sc from Madras Loyola College and pursued Masters in Physics, Politics and Economics at Oxford University in 1954. Upon returning to India, he completed his law degree in Madras and began helping Sri Duvvuri Narasaraju in Hyderabad before starting his independent practice in 1961.
From corporate law to judiciary and advocacy
An intellectual with diverse interests, including medicine and engineering, Sri Rao specialised in corporate law. Though shortlisted for a judicial position by late CM NT Rama Rao’s government, he refused to disassociate from the RSS when insisted by Union Law Minister Shivashankar. Later, during the Vajpayee-led NDA government, he was appointed a high court judge. Post-retirement, he chaired the State Consumer Forum but resigned after two years due to lack of government action on his recommendations.
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Donated land and promoted organic farming
Dedicated to social service, he donated 27 of his 30 acres of inherited land to charities like Gowthami Seva Samithi and Gow Seva Samithi. He also supported education by donating land and funds for schools, including raising Rs 1 crore for a new school building. Sri Rao’s commitment to organic farming led him to establish a centre for organic cow products on his remaining land.
A man of integrity, he upheld high moral values, even paying for meals during official trips. He encouraged his wife and three daughters in their education, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of courage, service and dedication to the nation.
RSS expresses condolences
The RSS expressed condolences over the former high court judge’s passing. Issuing a statement, the Sangh’s General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said, “Shri Parvat Rao Ji was a dedicated and immensely wise worker who served as a guide to everyone. His life’s journey has come to an end. He will always be remembered as an inspiring personality. I pay my tributes to his memory and express my condolences to all the members of his family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.”
