Justice B.V. Nagarathna is slated to make history as India's first woman Chief Justice, with her appointment scheduled for September 24, 2027. While her tenure will be notably brief, lasting approximately 37 days until her retirement on October 29, 2027, her elevation marks a significant milestone in the nation's judicial landscape.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Born on October 30, 1962, in Bengaluru, Justice Nagarathna's lineage includes her father, E.S. Venkataramiah, who served as the 19th Chief Justice of India in 1989. She pursued history at Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University, graduating in 1984, before completing her law degree from the Campus Law Centre in 1987.
Her legal career began in Bengaluru, where she practiced across diverse fields including constitutional, administrative, commercial, and family law. In February 2008, she was appointed an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court, becoming a permanent judge in February 2010. During her time there, she managed a wide array of cases and administrative duties.
Elevation to the Supreme Court and Landmark Dissents
Justice Nagarathna was elevated to the Supreme Court in August 2021, taking her oath on August 31 of that year. Throughout her Supreme Court tenure, she has been a part of several pivotal Constitution Bench matters, with her independent opinions often drawing considerable attention.
- Demonetisation Case: In January 2023, when the Supreme Court upheld the Centre's 2016 demonetisation decision with a 4:1 majority, Justice Nagarathna was the sole dissenter. She argued that the process was legally invalid and such a major exercise required legislative action.
- Mineral Rights Case: As part of a nine-judge Constitution Bench in 2024, she dissented from the majority view that states could tax mineral rights, contending that royalty on mining leases is a form of tax.
- Industrial Alcohol Case: Again dissenting from the majority in another nine-judge bench, Justice Nagarathna maintained that industrial alcohol should be distinguished from intoxicating liquor intended for human consumption.
- GM Mustard Case: She also raised concerns regarding the regulatory approval process and potential risks associated with genetically modified crops in a case concerning GM mustard.
Significance of Her Appointment
Justice Nagarathna's judicial approach, particularly her separate opinions in high-stakes constitutional cases, has made her a noteworthy figure. Her upcoming appointment as Chief Justice, even for a short period, culminates a distinguished career spanning advocacy, the Karnataka High Court, and the Supreme Court, marking a historic moment for India's judiciary.