Why Was Former Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan?

Introduction

As a token of appreciation for his exceptional contributions to the field of public affairs, Justice (Ret.) Jagdish Singh Khehar was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in January 2025. This honor is India’s second-highest civilian honor.

His short but significant term as the 44th Chief Justice of India ended in major rulings that altered Indian law. He was the first Sikh to occupy that post, and his tenure was very brief.

His leadership of the Supreme Court, as well as his larger contributions to the protection of individual rights, the upholding of constitutional ideals, and the promotion of the rule of law throughout the country, are both recognized by this honor.

Early Life and Education

Khehar was sent to India when he was a youngster and attended Panjab University in Chandigarh to complete his law education. He was born in Nairobi in 1952.

As an exceptionally intelligent student, he distinguished himself by completing both his Bachelor of Laws and his Master of Laws degrees, therefore laying the framework for a career that would be characterized by intellectual rigor and a profound regard for constitutional values.

Early on in his career as a barrister, he shown exceptional proficiency in constitutional, civil, and service law, so establishing a reputation for his ability to think clearly and fairly. His judicial thought and his leadership on the court would subsequently be defined by these attributes.

Rise Through the Judiciary

Through his appointment to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1999, Khehar got his start in the legal profession. He then went on to serve as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, and the Acting Chief Justice of that court throughout the course of the subsequent decade.

His administrative skills were polished via these assignments, and he gained exposure to the various legal issues that are faced by different parts of India. His appointment to the Supreme Court in 2011 moved him to the highest court in the country, where he would make significant contributions to the judiciary’s body of law.

Tenure as Chief Justice of India

Justice Khehar became India’s Chief Justice on January 4, 2017, and he held that position till his retirement. He presided over some of the most significant cases in recent history, despite the fact that his term was barely eight months long. His duties as Chief equity included presiding over the administration of the presidential oath to Ram Nath Kovind and guiding the court through a number of difficult cases that included issues of basic rights, gender equity, and federal balance.

His leadership style was characterized by a combination of toughness and collegiality, which enabled him to ensure that even sensitive subjects were discussed, while maintaining respect for the institution.

Landmark Judgments

Over the course of his tenure on the Supreme Court, Khehar was responsible for or co-authored a number of rulings that had a profound impact. It was under his leadership that the National Judicial Appointments Commission was overturned, so preserving the independence of the judiciary and reiterating the use of the collegium system.

He was a member of the nine-judge panel that established the basic principle of the right to privacy as a fundamental right, so setting the groundwork for contemporary discussions over data protection. He made a contribution to the decision on quick triple talaq, which was made by a bench comprised of members of other faiths.

The decision declared the practice to be unlawful and prompted legislative change. These decisions continue to have an impact on the discussion of law and the formulation of public policy.

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Defining Federal Balance

As a result of his participation in cases involving state-center relations, Justice Khehar’s dedication to constitutional federalism was put on full display. It was emphasized that constitutional processes must be followed, and that the judiciary must function as a bulwark against administrative overreach.

He was a participant in the verdict that invalidated the installation of President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh. Through his reasoning, he reiterated that democratic nations cannot be dismissed without sufficient reasons, therefore reinforcing the sanctity of the mandate of the people and the effectiveness of checks and balances on power.

Commitment to Social Justice

Beyond the rulings that were reported in the headlines, Khehar shown respect to social and economic rights. In order to bring attention to environmental justice and governmental responsibility, he was a member of the bench that issued a major compensation award for victims of endosulfan poisoning in Kerala.

In a different ruling, he affirmed the concept of equal compensation for equal labor, expanding it to include personnel who are contractually employed as well as those who are paid on a daily basis. These decisions reaffirmed his conviction that justice must be extended to those who are most vulnerable, so guaranteeing that dignity and fairness are maintained in the workplace and overall environment.

Global Engagements and Scholarship

Justice Khehar continued to share his skills with people all around the world when he retired in August of these years. It was in Europe and China that he offered lectures on various aspects of constitutional law and the Indian judicial system from his perspective.

Both the University of Birmingham and the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany requested him to attend as a keynote speaker at their respective events. He also participated in a mission to Germany. As a result of these activities, he encouraged discussion between different jurisdictions, which improved India’s legal status on the international arena and inspired changes that were based on findings from comparative research.

Advocacy for Judicial Integrity

The necessity of judicial responsibility and ethical behavior was something that Khehar highlighted during his whole tenure. As a means of discouraging the waste of court resources, he subjected frivolous lawsuits to fees that were seen to beexemplary.

Additionally, he took part in public conversations about the need to keep high standards inside the judicial system. He argued that the only way to retain public faith in the judicial system was to uphold honesty. His position as a defender of judicial integrity was strengthened by his moderate approach to protecting institutions while giving criticism to aberrations.

Mentorship and Influence

Furthermore, Justice Khehar’s impact expanded beyond the realm of case law. As a mentor to junior judges and attorneys, he emphasized the need of doing comprehensive study and conducting oneself respectfully in the courtroom. Law students and practicing attorneys might use his decisions as models for their own legal reasoning since they often provide in-depth legal reasoning.

His ideals of justice, clarity, and adherence to constitutional ethics have been carried forward by a significant number of his former clerks and advocates, who have gone on to achieve important positions in the academia and the judiciary.

Padma Vibhushan Recognition

The Padma Vibhushan that was bestowed to Justice Khehar brought significant attention to the extensive influence that he has had on public affairs. His contributions to the development of India’s legal culture were acknowledged, in addition to the judicial milestones he had passed.

The honor was bestowed to a jurist who strengthened institutions while adapting legislation to changing circumstances, who pushed Indian jurisprudence onto the international arena, and who maintained a balance between unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and compassion for the needs of society.

Legacy and Continuing Relevance

It is fair. The rulings of Khehar continue to serve as a model for the judicial system, politicians, and individuals. He contributes to discussions on digital rights via his work on privacy. The legislative measures that he supports are influenced by his position on gender justice. His jurisprudence on federalism impacts the relationship between the center and the state.

Above all else, his philosophy, which entails putting the law in the service of dignity, justice, and democracy, continues to serve as a guiding light. He left behind a legacy that provides a compass for reconciling legal principles with shifting public requirements. These issues range from technology developments to socioeconomic disparities.

Conclusion

Throughout his career, Jagdish Singh Khehar has been committed to the principles of constitutionalism, public welfare, and justice. The Padma Vibhushan that he was awarded is a monument to this dedication.

The road that he took from being a young counsel to reaching the highest judicial position in India and beyond is a wonderful example of service that is characterized by intelligence, honesty, and comprehension.

The celebration of a jurist whose decisions changed people’s lives, whose leadership strengthened institutions, and whose vision continues to provide light on the way to a thriving democracy is being celebrated by India.