Famous Indian Lawyers & Judges

Mahadev Govind Ranade was a prominent Indian scholar, social reformer, and author known for his calm and patient optimism. He played key roles in various organizations such as the Indian National Congress, Bombay Legislative Council, and Finance Committee. As a judge of the Bombay High Court, he contributed significantly to legal matters in Maharashtra. Ranade's efforts also led to the establishment of important social and religious reform organizations like the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and Maharashtra Granthottejak Sabha. His work as an editor for The Induprakash reflected his commitment to societal change and progress.

Motilal Nehru was a prominent Indian lawyer, activist, and politician who played a significant role in the Indian National Congress. He served as the Congress President twice, showcasing his leadership abilities and dedication to the party's cause. Nehru's legal expertise and activism helped shape the Indian independence movement. His contributions to the political landscape of India were notable, and he was regarded as a respected figure within the Congress and the broader political sphere.

Kapil Sibal is an accomplished Indian lawyer and politician with a distinguished career in law and public service. As a designated Senior Advocate, he has represented numerous high-profile cases in the Supreme Court of India, earning a reputation as one of the country's most renowned lawyers. Sibal has also held key positions such as Additional Solicitor General and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association. As a Member of Parliament, he has served in the Rajya Sabha, contributing significantly to legal and administrative matters. Additionally, his tenure in the Indian National Congress saw him hold various ministerial roles under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, where he represented India in important international forums and often advocated for the party in the media. Sibal's professional journey reflects a commitment to legal excellence and public service.

Fali Sam Nariman was a prominent Indian jurist known for his expertise in constitutional law and international arbitration. He served as a senior advocate to the Supreme Court of India and was the President of the Bar Association of India. Throughout his career, Nariman received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards. He also held positions such as Additional Solicitor General of India and was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. Nariman's contributions to public administration and legal advocacy were widely recognized both nationally and internationally.

Ram Jethmalani was a prominent Indian lawyer and politician known for his illustrious career in law. He held several key positions including India's Union Minister of Law and Justice, chairman of the Indian Bar Council, and president of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Jethmalani started his legal practice at a young age and continued to excel in the field. He also made significant contributions in politics, working towards improving India-Pakistan relations. Jethmalani authored several books on law and was recognized with the Human Rights Award for his contributions to the legal field.

Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer was an Indian judge known for pioneering judicial activism and the legal-aid movement in the country. He served as a state minister and politician before becoming an activist lawyer. He was dedicated to fighting for the rights of the poor and underprivileged, often facing jail time for his clients. A strong advocate for human rights, social justice, and the environment, he was also a sports enthusiast and prolific author. He was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 1999 and his judgements remain influential in the higher judiciary.

Pherozeshah Mehta was an Indian politician and lawyer known for his significant contributions to the legal field. He served as the Municipal commissioner of Bombay Municipality and held the position of its president multiple times. Mehta was also a founding member and President of the Indian National Congress, playing a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of India. His knighthood by the British Government in India recognized his dedication and service to the law, highlighting his esteemed professional reputation.

Nanabhoy "Nani" Ardeshir Palkhivala was an esteemed Indian lawyer and jurist known for his exceptional legal acumen and landmark cases such as Kesavananda Bharati v. The State of Kerala, I.C. Golaknath and Ors. v. State of Punjab and Anrs., Minerva Mills v. Union of India. His international reputation as a top advocate was solidified through these cases. Palkhivala also served as India's Ambassador to the United States from 1977 to 1979, showcasing his diplomatic skills and commitment to public service.

Rajendra Mal Lodha is a renowned Indian jurist who has held prestigious positions in the country's judicial system. He has served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, as well as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. Additionally, he has been a judge in the Rajasthan High Court and the Bombay High Court. Notably, Lodha chaired the Supreme Court committee that suspended the owners of Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings from the Indian Premier League cricket tournament for alleged involvement in betting.

Konakuppakatil Gopinathan Balakrishnan is an Indian judge who has held various notable positions in the judicial system of India. He served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India and later as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of India. He was the first judge from Kerala to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and his tenure in the Supreme Court lasted more than three years. Additionally, he served as the acting governor of Gujarat while being the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court. Balakrishnan was also honored with an honorary doctorate by Cochin University of Science and Technology in 2010.

Satyendra Prasanna Sinha, 1st Baron Sinha, was a prominent British Indian lawyer and statesman. He held several significant positions, including the first Governor of Bihar and Orissa, the first Indian Advocate-General of Bengal, the first Indian member of the Viceroy's Executive Council, and the first Indian member of the British ministry. He played a key role in shaping British Indian policy and governance, breaking barriers for Indian representation in high-ranking governmental positions. His contributions were crucial in advancing the interests of Indians within the British colonial administration.

Shahid Azmi was an Indian lawyer and human rights activist known for his work as a criminal defense lawyer in Mumbai. He gained recognition for exclusively handling cases of individuals accused of terrorism, whom he believed were wrongfully imprisoned. Azmi himself had been arrested in his youth for involvement in violence during the 1992 Bombay riots and later under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act. After serving time in jail, he pursued a degree in law and dedicated his career to defending those he perceived as scapegoats. Tragically, Azmi was assassinated in his office in 2010.

Radhabinod Pal was an Indian jurist who served as a member of the United Nations' International Law Commission from 1952 to 1966. He was appointed as one of three Asian judges to the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, also known as the "Tokyo Trials," which focused on Japanese war crimes during World War II. Notably, Pal was the sole judge to submit a judgment asserting the innocence of all defendants. His legacy is honored with monuments at the Yasukuni Shrine and the Kyoto Ryozen Gokoku Shrine.

Ashok Gasti was an Indian politician and lawyer from Raichur, Karnataka. He served as a Member of Parliament representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha for less than 3 months until his death in 2020. Gasti was associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He held positions such as former general secretary of the BJP's OBC Cell, chairman of the State Backward Class Development Corporation, and party in charge for various districts. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha in 2020 was a surprise, showcasing the party's recognition of grassroots workers.

Soli Sorabjee was an esteemed Indian jurist known for his distinguished career in the legal field. He served as Attorney-General for India from 1989 to 1990, and later from 1998 to 2004, showcasing his expertise and dedication to upholding justice. Sorabjee received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award in 2002 for his outstanding work in defending freedom of expression and protecting human rights. Throughout his professional life, he was renowned for his contributions to the legal system and unwavering commitment to serving the people of India.

Shyamji Krishna Varma was an Indian revolutionary fighter, patriot, lawyer, and journalist known for founding the Indian Home Rule Society, India House, and The Indian Sociologist in London. He was a scholar in Sanskrit and other Indian languages, with a brief legal career in India and serving as the Divan of several Indian princely states. Varma eventually moved to England due to differences with Crown authority, where he established India House and The Indian Sociologist as key hubs for radical nationalists among Indian students, advocating for revolutionary Indian nationalism.

Mahommedali Currim Chagla was a prominent figure in Indian legal and diplomatic circles. He had a distinguished career as a jurist, serving as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court for over a decade. Chagla was known for his integrity, expertise, and dedication to upholding the principles of justice. In addition to his judicial role, he also made significant contributions as a diplomat and Cabinet Minister. His professional life was marked by a deep commitment to the legal system and the betterment of society.

Tej Bahadur Sapru was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, lawyer, and politician known for his significant contributions to India's independence movement. He played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution and was a key leader of the Liberal party during British rule in India. Sapru's professional life was marked by his advocacy for civil rights, legal expertise, and political activism. He was respected for his commitment to social justice and his efforts to shape the future of a free and democratic India.

Chettur Sankaran Nair was a prominent Indian lawyer and statesman who held various significant positions in the legal and political spheres. He served as the Advocate-General of Madras, puisne justice on the High Court of Madras, and India-wide Education minister. Nair was also elected president of the Indian National Congress in 1897. He was a respected leader of the Madras bar and authored notable works like "Gandhi and Anarchy." His professional accomplishments and contributions to Indian politics and law were highly regarded during his time.

Saifuddin Kitchlew was an Indian independence activist, barrister, politician, and leader of the peace movement. He was a member of the Indian National Congress and held key positions within the party, including heading the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee and serving as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee. Kitchlew gained recognition for his role in organizing protests against the Rowlatt Act, which ultimately led to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He was also a founding member of Jamia Millia Islamia and was honored with the Stalin Peace Prize in 1952.

Ashutosh Mohunta was an esteemed Indian judge who served in various capacities within the judicial system. He was a judge on the Punjab and Haryana High Court for multiple terms, including a stint as Acting Chief Justice in 2014. Mohunta also served on the Andhra Pradesh High Court and later became a Member of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission. His career spanned several decades, marked by dedication and contributions to the legal field until his passing in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawrence Liang is an Indian academic and lawyer known for his legal campaigns on public interest issues. He is a professor of law at Ambedkar University Delhi and co-founder of the Alternative Law Forum. He has emerged as a prominent critic of the politics of "intellectual property" and is a supporter of the open-source movement, particularly in software. Liang's work focuses on law, popular culture, and content piracy, with a specific interest in translating open-source concepts into the cultural domain. He has authored books on topics such as copyright, culture, and open content licenses.

Neelakanta Ramakrishna Madhava Menon was an Indian civil servant, lawyer, and legal educator known as the father of modern legal education in India. He founded the National Law Universities system and served as the first director of the National Law School of India University. Menon was also instrumental in establishing the National Judicial Academy and the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences. Throughout his career, he held various prestigious positions, including Chairman of the Indian Statistical Institute, member of the Law Commission of India, and involvement in numerous expert committees focusing on legal aid, civil services examination reform, criminal justice reform, and police act drafting. Menon's contributions were recognized with awards such as the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan from the Government of India.

Mahesh Jethmalani, a barrister who received elite education in London, gained prominence for his representation of Narendra Modi in the Gujarat riots case. His professional life has been marked by his successful legal career and political involvement. He is currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Jethmalani's legal expertise and political engagement have solidified his position as a respected figure in both the legal and political realms.

Justice Ajay Kumar Tripathi had a distinguished career in the Indian judiciary, serving as the Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court. He was appointed as a Judicial Member of the Lokpal of India in March 2019, showcasing his commitment to upholding justice and integrity in the country. With his extensive legal expertise and experience, Justice Tripathi played a crucial role in overseeing important cases and decisions, leaving a lasting impact on the legal system and setting a high standard for judicial excellence.

Syed Abdul Majid, also known as Kaptan Miah, was a prominent figure in British India, excelling in politics, law, and entrepreneurship. He made significant contributions to the agricultural and tea industry, pioneering its development in the region. His efforts in advancing both secular and Islamic education in Sylhet were noteworthy, showcasing his dedication to educational progress. Majid's professional life was marked by his commitment to various fields, leaving a lasting impact on the industries and communities he served.

Dinshah Fardunji Mulla, also known as Dinshaw Mulla, was a prominent figure in the legal field. He co-founded the law firm Mulla & Mulla, which later merged with an English firm, showcasing his entrepreneurial skills. Mulla was an accomplished author of numerous law textbooks and a respected professor of law, reflecting his expertise and dedication to legal education. His prestigious achievements include being knighted for his contributions and serving as a member of the Privy Council, highlighting his significant impact and influence in the legal profession.