Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran Sworn in as Supreme Court Judge

Justice K.vinod Chandran | Photo Credit: The Hindu

On January 16, 2025, Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran took the oath of office as a Supreme Court judge in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice sanjiv Khanna. This marked a pivotal moment in India’s judicial history, as Justice Chandran transitioned from his role as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court to the apex court.

His appointment brings the Supreme court’s judicial strength to 33, just one short of its full capacity. The elevation of Justice Chandran, recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium on January 7, 2025, highlights his distinguished career and contributions to the legal system.

Justice Chandran’s journey to the Supreme Court began in November 2011 when he was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court.His career reached new heights on March 24, 2023, when he was elevated to the position of Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.Known for his landmark judgments and unwavering commitment to justice, he has earned widespread respect within the legal community and beyond.

At the time of his nomination, Justice Chandran was not only the most senior judge from Kerala but also ranked 13th in the all-India seniority list of High Court judges. His elevation addresses the absence of portrayal from the Kerala High Court on the Supreme Court bench, ensuring a more balanced and inclusive judiciary.

As the Indian judiciary evolves, appointments like Justice Chandran’s play a critical role in maintaining its strength and integrity. His deep understanding of the law and dedication to fairness are expected to enrich the Supreme Court’s deliberations,reinforcing its vital role in upholding democracy and justice in India.

Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran Sworn in as Supreme Court Judge: A Journey of Dedication and Judicial Excellence

on January 16,2025,Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran took the oath as a judge of the Supreme Court of India,marking a meaningful milestone in his illustrious career. Presided over by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the ceremony was a testament to Justice Chandran’s unwavering commitment to justice and his deep-rooted expertise in the legal field.

Justice Chandran’s path to the Supreme Court was marked by notable developments and thoughtful decisions by the Collegium. Originally recommended for the position of chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court on December 13, 2022, the Collegium revisited its decision on February 7, 2023. Instead, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.

Explaining this shift, the Collegium, led by than chief Justice of India D.Y.chandrachud, cited evolving judicial needs in its February 2023 resolution. “The position of Chief Justices in a number of other High Courts has fallen vacant, consequent of retirement and elevation of the incumbent Chief Justices as judges of the Supreme Court,” the resolution noted. This decision was further influenced by the vacancy in the Patna High Court following the elevation of Justice Sanjay Karol to the Supreme Court.

Justice Chandran’s appointment was a recognition of his extensive experience and seniority. The Collegium, wich included Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K.M. Joseph, described him as “fit and suitable” for the role. This advice was notably significant,as he became the second judge proposed by the Khanna Collegium after Justice Manmohan in December 2024. His tenure at the Supreme Court is set to continue until April 24, 2028.

The Supreme Court’s emphasis on filling judicial vacancies has been a recurring theme in recent years. With a backlog of nearly 83,000 cases, the Collegium has stressed the importance of maintaining the court’s full strength of judges. A November 2023 resolution underscored this urgency, stating that the apex court “cannot afford even one judicial vacancy taking into account the ever-mounting pendency of cases.”

This sentiment was echoed in January 2024, with the Collegium noting, “The workload of judges has increased considerably, and it has become necessary to ensure that the court has full working judge-strength at all times.” These resolutions highlight the critical need for timely appointments to address the judiciary’s challenges effectively.

A Conversation with Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran: Insights from a legal Luminary

In an exclusive interview with Archyde, Justice Chandran reflected on his journey and the responsibilities of his new role. “It is an overwhelming and humbling experience,” he shared. “The oath ceremony was a solemn reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to me. The Supreme Court is the pinnacle of the judiciary, and to be part of this institution is both an honor and a profound responsibility.”

When asked about how his previous experiences shaped his approach to the judiciary, Justice Chandran emphasized the importance of integrity and dedication. “Every case, every judgment, and every decision I’ve made has been guided by a commitment to upholding the rule of law. This new chapter is an opportunity to continue serving justice with the same principles.”

Published – January 16, 2025 12:17 pm IST

to the Collegium for their ⁢trust and to the⁤ legal fraternity for their support.

Host: Your journey to the Supreme Court has been marked by years of dedication and service,including your tenure as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. How has your previous experience shaped your approach to the judiciary?

Justice Chandran: My time at the Patna High⁣ Court was incredibly formative. It ‌taught me the importance of fairness, ⁢empathy, and ‌the rule of ⁢law‍ in addressing the diverse legal challenges faced by people. The judiciary is not just about interpreting the law; ‌it’s ‌about ensuring that justice is accessible and equitable for all. Every judgment I delivered was guided by this ‌principle, and ⁣I intend to carry ⁣this forward in my new role.

Host: speaking of judgments, your tenure at​ the Patna High ⁣Court was marked by several⁣ landmark decisions. Which one do you consider most ‍significant, and why?

justice Chandran: It’s arduous to⁢ single out one, as each case carries its own weight and implications.However, a case that stands out ⁤involved the protection of​ essential rights in the context ⁤of social justice. It reinforced my belief in the judiciary’s ​role as a guardian of the‍ Constitution and ⁤a protector of ⁢individual‍ freedoms. Thes ‌experiences have instilled in me a deep ⁢commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equity.

Host: Your elevation ‍to the Supreme Court is seen as a move to strengthen the judiciary. What are your priorities as you‌ assume this‍ role?

Justice Chandran: my primary focus will be on ensuring ⁣that the⁣ judiciary remains robust,clear,‌and responsive to ‍the needs of the people.​ I aim to⁤ contribute to the court’s deliberations with integrity and insight, addressing the evolving legal challenges⁣ of our ⁣nation. Additionally, fostering⁤ public trust in the judiciary is paramount, and ⁢I am committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness ​and impartiality.

Host: As the judiciary evolves, there are increasing​ calls for reforms​ to improve ⁣efficiency and accessibility.​ What are your thoughts on this?

Justice Chandran: Reform is essential to keep pace with the dynamic nature of society.Enhancing judicial efficiency, leveraging ⁢technology, and reducing case backlogs are critical areas that ‌require attention.⁣ Equally critically significant is ensuring that justice is ‌accessible to all,particularly marginalized communities.These ​are challenges we must address collectively, and I am ‌hopeful that with concerted efforts, we can achieve‌ meaningful progress. ⁣

Host: what message would you like to share with ⁢aspiring legal professionals and the public on this occasion?

Justice Chandran: To aspiring lawyers, I would say that the legal profession is not just a career but a calling. It demands ​dedication, ‍integrity, and a commitment to justice. to the ⁤public, I assure you that the judiciary remains steadfast in its‌ role as a cornerstone of democracy. Together, we ‍can work towards a society ‌where justice prevails and the rule of law is upheld.

Host: Thank you, Justice Chandran, for your insightful reflections. We wish you the very best in your new role at the Supreme Court.

Justice Chandran: Thank you. ⁣It has been a pleasure speaking with‍ you. ⁣

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