Justice BV Nagarathna is set to become the first woman Chief Justice of India, joining the Supreme Court Collegium on May 25, 2025. Currently the fifth most senior judge, she will influence judicial appointments until her retirement on October 29, 2027. Her tenure signifies a historic development in India’s judiciary.
Justice BV Nagarathna criticized executive overreach at the Justice S. Natarajan lecture, particularly unlawful demolitions targeting accused individuals. She emphasized the necessity of due process and proper tribunal qualifications, cautioning against political influence in judicial functions. The Supreme Court’s judgment against punitive demolitions highlights the need for checks on executive powers and urban housing reform.