Mirza Samiullah Baig,later entitled Mirza Yar Jung, was born in 1875 at Amethi in Lucknow District. His early education started at home. He passed his matriculation examination at the age of 15 from Bareily High School. Then he joined the Lucknow Canning College and took an active part in the debating club. He graduated in July, 1894 and passed the LL.B. examination in the first division in the same year and started practice. In the year 1915 the Government of United Provinces in recognition of his abilities raised him to the rank of Advocate in the Court of the Judicial Commissioner of Oudh.

In 1919 Lord Mestory, the Governor of United Provinces, nominated him to the provincial Legislative Council. As a member of the Legislative Council he took a great interest in educational matters and was a keen advocate of constitutional reforms. In April, 1918 Sir Amin Jung, Chief Secretary to Nizam VII, sent him a telegram asking him to accept the post of Chief Justice, Hyderabad. Mirza Samiullah Baig decided to serve the Nizam and assumed charge as the Chief Justice in 1918.

In 1922, His Exalted Highness the Nizarn in recognition of his services conferred upon him the title of Nawab Mirza Yar Jung Bahadur. One of the most important and far-reaching reforms which he initiated was the separation of judicial from executive functions.

In 1922, the magisterial powers enjoyed by 15 Taluqdars, 42 Assistant Taluqdars and 92 Tahsildars were taken away and purely judicial officers were appointed. The imposing High Court building on the bank of River Musi providing accommodation for all branches of work is due to Mirza Yar Jung’s ceaseless labour. Due to his efforts suitable court buildings came into existence in the districts. After his retirement from service as Chief Justice, he was given two years extension and served as the minister in charge of judiciary.