Last rites of former Chief Justice and chairman of the constitution drafting committee 1990, Bishwonath Upadhyay, was performed at Pashupati Aryaghat on Friday according to Hindu tradition. He passed away at National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences late on Thursday night in Bansbari, Kathmandu. He was 84.

Chairman of Interim Government Khil Raj Regmi paid his last respect to late Upadhyay by offering a flower garland at Pashupati Aryaghat this afternoon.

Acting Chief Justice Damodar Prasad Sharma, political leaders went to Pashupati Aryaghat to offer their last tribute to late Upadhyay.

Government Ministers, justices, legal professionals, human rights activists, journalists and general public attend the funeral of former CJ.

His eldest son lit the funeral pyre after Nepal Police contingent presented a guard of honour to late Upadhyay.

He was rushed to the hospital on Saturday (January 25) after he suddenly collapsed due to what was later confirmed as brain haemorrhage, while chitchatting with his family members at his residence in Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu.

A team of doctors led by senior neurosurgeon Dr Upendra Devkota conducted an operation to remove blood clot from his brain, but his condition continued to remain critical even after the surgery.

The former CJ was under close vigilance of doctors at Intensive Care Unit. He was also a patient of heart and lungs.

He is survived by four sons. He was living with his eldest son in Kathmandu. His three other sons live in the US.

Upadhyay, who took charge as the chief justice during a crucial turning-point in Nepal's political history, came to the limelight after the apex court bench led by him reinstated the parliament dissolved by then Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari in August 28, 1995.

The Supreme Court has still been following the precedent set by late Upadhyay, known for his bold and proactive judge, when it comes to defining the issues of constitution and human rights.

Born on October 13, 1930, in Malangwa Sarlahi, Upadhyay started his career in government service as legal officer in Nepal Rastra Bank in 1955 and later entered the Ministry of Law.

Upadhyay, who headed the constitution drafting committee of 1990, is also credited for his role in evolving Nepal's judiciary as separate institution. He assumed the role of chief justice from Dec 8, 1991 to September 22, 1995.