Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar: The Man Behind Landmark Judgments

Delhi - In a significant acknowledgment of his contributions to India's judiciary, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Jagdish Singh Khehar has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the nation's second-highest civilian honor. Justice Khehar's tenure, though brief from January to August 2017, was marked by decisions that have left an indelible impact on the country's legal landscape.

Championing the Right to Privacy

One of Justice Khehar's most notable achievements was presiding over the nine-judge Constitution Bench that, in 2017, declared the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution. This unanimous verdict emphasized that privacy is intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty, reinforcing the constitutional core of human dignity.

A Complex Stance on Triple Talaq

Justice Khehar also played a pivotal role in the Supreme Court's examination of the controversial practice of triple talaq. In a landmark judgment, a majority held the practice unconstitutional. Interestingly, Justice Khehar, in his minority opinion, upheld the practice's constitutional validity, suggesting that any change should come from the legislature. He proposed a temporary injunction on its practice, urging Parliament to enact appropriate legislation.

Beyond the Bench: Mediation Efforts in Ayodhya

Demonstrating his commitment to peaceful resolutions, Justice Khehar offered to mediate the Ayodhya dispute, even proposing to do so outside his official capacity. This gesture underscored his belief in dialogue over litigation in resolving sensitive issues.