S. H. Kapadia, Indian lawyer, judge, and politician, 38th Chief Justice of India (b. 1947)

Sarosh Homi Kapadia, born on 29 September 1947 and passing away on 4 January 2016, was an eminent Indian jurist who served as the thirty-eighth Chief Justice of India (CJI). His tenure as the head of the Indian judiciary, from 12 May 2010 to 28 September 2012, was marked by unwavering integrity, profound legal expertise, and a steadfast commitment to judicial propriety.

A distinguished figure in India's legal landscape, Justice Kapadia's journey to the pinnacle of the judiciary was built on a foundation of rigorous academic pursuit and extensive practical experience. He commenced his legal career by enrolling as an advocate on 10 September 1974. His exceptional legal acumen led to his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on 8 October 1991, becoming a permanent Judge on 23 March 1993. Demonstrating his leadership capabilities, he was elevated to Chief Justice of the Uttaranchal High Court (now Uttarakhand High Court) on 5 August 2003, before being appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 18 December 2003. This progressive career trajectory culminated in his assumption of the office of Chief Justice of India, the highest judicial post in the country, presiding over the Supreme Court.

During his tenure as the Chief Justice of India, Justice Kapadia was renowned for his incisive intellect, particularly in complex matters of economic law, taxation, and corporate governance. He championed judicial discipline and maintained a stern stance against corruption, significantly influencing the trajectory of numerous high-profile cases. Among his most notable contributions were his judgments in the 2G spectrum allocation scam, where he played a pivotal role in nullifying the controversial allocations, and the landmark Vodafone tax dispute case, where his ruling emphasized the importance of a stable and predictable tax regime for foreign investors, underscoring India's commitment to a fair legal environment. His deep understanding of financial markets and corporate law, stemming from his early career as a commercial lawyer, provided invaluable insight into these intricate matters. Justice Kapadia's legacy is defined by his unyielding commitment to justice, his profound knowledge of the law, and his dedication to upholding the highest standards of the Indian judiciary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Sarosh Homi Kapadia

When did Sarosh Homi Kapadia serve as the Chief Justice of India?

Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia served as the 38th Chief Justice of India from 12 May 2010 to 28 September 2012.

What were some of his most significant judgments?

He delivered key judgments in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case, which led to the cancellation of 122 telecom licenses, and the Vodafone tax dispute case, ruling in favour of Vodafone, emphasizing tax clarity and predictability for foreign investments in India.

What was Justice Kapadia known for during his tenure?

Justice Kapadia was widely recognized for his unwavering integrity, his strong stance against corruption, his deep expertise in taxation and corporate law, and his emphasis on judicial discipline and propriety.

What was his background before becoming Chief Justice of India?

Before becoming CJI, Justice Kapadia had a distinguished career as an advocate, serving as a Judge and later as a permanent Judge of the Bombay High Court, and then as Chief Justice of the Uttaranchal High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India.