Justice K. V. Viswanathan
Introduction
Justice K. V. Viswanathan is a distinguished legal luminary serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court of India. With a legal career spanning over three decades, he has made significant contributions to the Indian judiciary and legal system. He was directly appointed to the Supreme Court, making him the 10th senior advocate to receive such an honor.
Key Facts
- Date of Birth: May 16, 1966
- Education: Law College, Coimbatore
- Career Milestone: Designated as a Senior Advocate in April 2009
- Expected Tenure: Until May 25, 2031
- Future Role: Slated to become the Chief Justice of India in 2030
Infobox
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Position | Justice, Supreme Court of India |
| Date of Appointment | May 19, 2023 |
| Education | Law College, Coimbatore |
| Previous Roles | Additional Solicitor General |
| Specializations | Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Arbitration |
| Notable Cases | Aadhaar Act, Same-sex marriage, WhatsApp privacy policy |
Early Life and Education
Born on May 16, 1966, Justice Viswanathan hails from a family of lawyers. He pursued his legal education at the Law College in Coimbatore, graduating in the inaugural batch of the five-year course in 1988. During his time in law school, he gained practical experience by working at the chambers of advocate K.A. Ramachandran, a prominent criminal trial lawyer from Coimbatore.
Career Journey
Justice K. V. Viswanathan’s career is a testament to his dedication, legal acumen, and unwavering commitment to justice. After completing his legal education at the Law College in Coimbatore, he moved to Delhi to further his career. Here, he joined the chambers of senior advocate C.S. Vaidyanathan, who later served as an additional solicitor general of India. This was a pivotal phase in his career, providing him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of law and governance.
He then spent nearly five years under the mentorship of senior advocate K.K. Venugopal, the former attorney general for India. This experience further honed his skills and broadened his understanding of various branches of law. In April 2009, he was designated as a Senior Advocate, a recognition that marked him as one of the leading lawyers in the country.
Justice Viswanathan also served as a former additional solicitor general, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. His career has been marked by a multitude of high-profile cases that showcased his legal prowess and commitment to justice. He was directly appointed to the Supreme Court, a rare honor that makes him the 10th lawyer to be directly appointed to the apex court from the Bar.
Notable Contributions
Justice Viswanathan has been a key figure in several landmark cases that have shaped the legal landscape of India.
- Aadhaar Act: He argued in the case related to the validity of the Aadhaar Act, which was a significant legal battle concerning privacy and civil liberties in India.
- Same-Sex Marriage: Justice Viswanathan was involved in cases related to the recognition of same-sex marriage in India, contributing to the ongoing discourse on LGBTQ+ rights.
- WhatsApp Privacy Policy: He also argued in cases concerning the privacy policy of WhatsApp, which had far-reaching implications on data privacy and consumer rights in India.
- Amicus Curiae: He has been appointed as amicus curiae in various cases, the latest one being the challenge to Enforcement Director SK Mishra’s service extension. His role as a ‘friend of the court’ has been instrumental in assisting the court in complex legal matters.
- National Legal Services Authority: Justice Viswanathan serves as the Honorary Secretary of the National Legal Services Authority, contributing to the organization’s mission to provide free legal services to the needy.
- Integrity and Ethics: Known for his integrity and as an upright member of the Bar, Justice Viswanathan has set a high standard for legal practice in India.
- Diverse Legal Expertise: He has appeared in several cases across diverse branches of law like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Securities Law, Insolvency Code, and Arbitration, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge.
Future Prospects
Justice Viswanathan is expected to serve as a judge of the Supreme Court until May 25, 2031. Upon the retirement of Justice J.B. Pardiwala on August 11, 2030, he will assume the office of Chief Justice of India (CJI) until his retirement.
Justice K. V. Viswanathan is a beacon of legal excellence and integrity. His journey from a law student in Coimbatore to a Justice of the Supreme Court is an inspiration for aspiring legal professionals. With his expected future role as the Chief Justice of India, he is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary.
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