Jasti Chelameswar - A Lifestory
Upholding Justice, Fiercely Independent: A Voice For Constitutional Values
Jasti Chelameswar is a retired Indian judge renowned for his independent thinking and significant contributions to Indian jurisprudence. Born in Andhra Pradesh, he pursued his legal education and began his career as an advocate in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. His expertise and dedication led to his elevation as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1997. Subsequently, he served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court before being appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India in 2011.
During his tenure in the Supreme Court, Justice Chelameswar was known for his dissenting opinions and his advocacy for judicial accountability and transparency. He was a strong proponent of reforms within the judiciary and often voiced concerns about the collegium system of appointment of judges. He believed in upholding the principles of natural justice and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens.
One of his most notable acts was his press conference in 2018, along with three other senior judges, where they publicly raised concerns about the administration of justice within the Supreme Court. This unprecedented event brought attention to the issues of judicial independence and the need for greater transparency in the functioning of the apex court.
Justice Chelameswar retired from the Supreme Court in June 2018. Even after retirement, he has remained vocal on matters of public interest and continues to contribute to legal discourse through lectures and writings. His legacy is one of a fearless judge who stood for his principles and worked towards strengthening the integrity and independence of the Indian judiciary.
