Justice Aravind Kumar, born on July 14, 1962, in Karnataka, became Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court in October 2021. He has a distinguished legal career, including roles as Additional Standing Counsel for the Union government and various judicial positions. Kumar focused on reducing case backlogs and enhancing legal education during his tenure.
Justice Rajesh Bindal, born on April 16, 1961, in Ambala, Haryana, assumed office as a Supreme Court judge on February 13, 2023. He previously served at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, Jammu & Kashmir High Court, and Calcutta High Court, and as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. He will retire on April 15, 2027, after a distinguished career.
Justice M.M. Sundresh, born on July 21, 1962, is a Supreme Court judge since August 31, 2021, with a retirement scheduled for January 5, 2025. He had a notable legal career, practicing at the High Court of Madras and serving as a Government Advocate. He efficiently disposed of over 103,000 cases during his tenure.
CJI Sanjiv Khanna, upon taking office as the 51st Chief Justice of India, emphasized reducing case backlogs, making litigation affordable, and simplifying legal processes. He highlighted the judiciary’s role in protecting constitutional rights and ensuring equitable access to justice, advocating for reforms and promoting mediation to enhance the public’s legal experience.
Justice S. Ravindra Bhat’s retirement on October 20 allowed Justice A.S. Oka to join the Supreme Court Collegium, now led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. This reorganization follows the former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s retirement. The collegium plays a vital role in judicial appointments, impacting transparency and autonomy in the Indian judiciary.
On Monday(28th Oct), Justice KS Puttaswamy, a pivotal figure in India’s legal history, passed away at 98. He challenged the Aadhaar scheme’s constitutionality in 2012, leading to a landmark Supreme Court ruling recognizing privacy as a fundamental right. His contributions shaped the discourse on privacy, surveillance, and data protection in India.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud showcased mentorship by allowing a junior advocate to present arguments in the Supreme Court. This act led Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran to share an inspiring anecdote from his early legal career, emphasizing the enduring tradition of mentorship within the judiciary and the impact of encouragement.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to cease military operations in Rafah, citing potential genocide. The ruling, supported by a 13-2 majority, presses for humanitarian aid and UN access. Israel, however, rejects the order, asserting compliance with international law and its duty to national security. Palestinian representatives urge immediate compliance.
The recent job posting favoring National Law University (NLU) graduates sparked controversy, raising questions about the significance of the NLU label in legal careers. Many argue that recruitment decisions should prioritize factors such as culture fit, experience, and soft skills over educational background alone. Concerns about the accessibility of NLUs have also been raised. Despite NLU prominence, many argue that excellence should not be assumed based solely on the alma mater.__JETPACK_AI_ERROR__
CJI DY Chandrachud emphasized the crucial link between an independent bar and judiciary. He urged legal professionals to prioritize allegiance to the court and Constitution over partisan interests. Chandrachud also expressed concern over lawyers publicly commenting on ongoing cases, stressing the ethical responsibility to maintain the sanctity of legal proceedings.
