Justice Rajendra Babu – Chief Justice of India designate
The Chief Justice of India designate, Shri Justice S. Rajendra Babu, was born on June 1, 1939. Enrolled as advocate on 4.1.1965, he was appointed permanent Judge of the Karnataka High Court on 19.2.1988. He was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 25.9.1997.
In the Supreme Court, he rendered many landmark judgements in civil, criminal, constitutional, environmental, taxation, corporate law and intellectual property matters, and to list a few: (a) Kishori Vs. State of Delhi, 1999 (1) SCC 148 [Analysed mob psychology during riots which broke out after the assassination Smt. Indira Gandhi]; (b) Danial Latifi Vs. Union of India, (2001) 7 SCC 740 [Provisions of Muslim women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 were interpreted]; (c) Continental Construction Ltd. Vs. Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd., 92002) 8 SCC 177; (d) The Commissioner of Police Vs. Acharya Jagdishwarananda Avadhuta, JT 2004 (3) SC 224 [Anand Margi’s case]; (e) Centre for Public Interest Litigation Vs. Union of India, 92003) 7 SCC 532 [Disinvestments case]; (f) People’s Union for Civil Liberties Vs. Union of India, JT 2003 (10) SC 70 [POTA matter]; (g) Gramophone Co, of India Ltd. Vs. Mars Recording (P) Ltd. and Another, (2002) 2 SCC 103 [Intellectual Property Right matter].
Justice Rajendra Babu participated in international seminars of Supreme Court Judges held at Geneva in 2004 and in USA in 2003. He has delivered lectures on subjects including women’s rights, intellectual property right, freedom of speech, judicial accountability and so on. He is known for quick grasp, for humane nature and for his wit and humour. Brevity is his forte.
Justice Rajendra Babu, who is scheduled to take over as the Chief Justice of India on May 2, 2004, is due to retire on 1.6.2004.
(Release ID :1559)