Justice Dipankar Dutta

Justice Dipankar Dutta is a distinguished legal luminary serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. With an illustrious career that spans decades, Justice Dutta has left an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary. His journey from the Calcutta High Court to becoming the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and finally ascending to the Supreme Court is a testament to his legal acumen and commitment to justice.

Key Facts

Current Position: Judge, Supreme Court of India
Previous Position: Chief Justice, Bombay High Court
Notable Cases: Involved in judgments concerning transgender rights, public interest litigations, and more.
Unique Anecdote: Drove 2,000 km during the lockdown to take charge as a judge.

Infobox

Attribute	Information
Born	(Date of Birth)
Alma Mater	(Educational Background)
Career	Judge, Supreme Court of India
Previous Positions	Chief Justice, Bombay High Court
Notable Judgments	(List of Notable Cases)
Hobbies	Known for his penchant for film, literature, and mythology

Early Life and Education

Justice Dutta was born and raised in a family deeply rooted in legal traditions. His educational background is a blend of law and humanities, which has significantly influenced his judicial philosophy.

Career

Justice Dutta began his career as a judge in the Calcutta High Court before being elevated to the position of Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. His tenure at the Bombay High Court was marked by several landmark judgments, including those related to transgender rights and public interest litigations.

Notable Judgments

Justice Dipankar Dutta has been a part of several landmark cases that have shaped the legal landscape of India. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Transgender Rights

Justice Dutta was instrumental in criticizing the Maharashtra government for not providing reservations for transgender persons, eight years after the Supreme Court’s NALSA verdict. His judgment was a wake-up call for the state to act on the rights of transgender individuals.

Public Interest Litigations (PIL)

He has been involved in various PILs, including one that questioned the assets of Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Justice Dutta recused himself from the case, setting a precedent for judicial impartiality.

Infrastructure and Public Safety

Justice Dutta held BMC officers responsible for accidents due to potholes and open manhole covers in Bombay. His judgment was a stern message to the civic authorities to prioritize public safety.

Personal Life

Justice Dutta is not just a legal mind but also a connoisseur of arts. He has a penchant for film, literature, and mythology. One of the most striking aspects of his personality is his commitment to his duties, as evidenced by his 2,000 km drive during the lockdown to assume his role.

Trivia

Literary Flair

Justice Dutta is known for his penchant for film, literature, and mythology. His judgments often incorporate references from these fields, adding a unique layer to his legal reasoning. For instance, he has cited Oscar Wilde and Manjhi in his judgments to emphasize his points.

The 2,000 km Journey

During the lockdown, Justice Dutta drove 2,000 km to take charge as a judge. This act demonstrated his extraordinary commitment to his role and responsibilities.

Legacy and Contributions

Justice Dipankar Dutta’s legacy is not just confined to his judgments but extends to his contributions to the Indian judiciary.

Data-Driven Approach

Justice Dutta has been an advocate for a data-driven approach in the judiciary. He has pushed for the use of analytics and data to improve judicial processes, thereby reducing pendency and increasing efficiency.

Mentorship

He has been a mentor to many young lawyers and judges, sharing his insights and experiences to shape the next generation of legal professionals.

Social Justice

Justice Dutta has been at the forefront of social justice issues, particularly in the realm of transgender rights and public safety. His judgments have led to policy changes and have had a tangible impact on society.

Publications and Legal Research

Justice Dutta has also contributed to legal research and has been featured in various legal publications. His work serves as a resource for academics, legal professionals, and students alike.

By examining the data on the number of cases he has presided over, the types of cases, and the impact of his judgments, one can see a pattern of consistent commitment to upholding the law while pushing for reforms.

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