Justice Narain took over as the acting chief justice last year. Justice Narain was going to retire on March 23, 1999. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. Justice Narain, who was diabetic, was admitted to Apollo Hospital about a week ago. ``It is a loss to the judiciary,'' said his colleague Justice Anil Dev Singh, adding that he will always be remembered as one of the great judges.

President of the Delhi Bar Association Amarjit Singh Chadihoke said that Justice Narain was an intellectual and one of the rare judges who had a deep-seated sense of justice. The cremation will take place tomorrow at the Nigambodh Ghat at 2 p.m. and the High Court and lower courts will remain closed tomorrow.