Meet Justice R.C. Lahoti and his Notable Judicial decisions
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 17 Jun 2025 --
- 0 Comments
Justice Ramesh Chandra Lahoti (1940–2022) was the 35th Chief Justice of India, serving from June 1, 2004, to October 31, 2005. Born in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, he began his legal career in 1962, rising through the ranks as a district judge, High Court judge, and then Supreme Court judge from 1998. Known for his concise, principled judgments and consensus-building leadership, Justice Lahoti authored 342 Supreme Court judgments, focusing on criminal, civil, and tenancy law.
Judicial Career and Philosophy
Justice Lahoti was recognized for his judicial restraint, clarity, and commitment to constitutional values. He was regarded as a man of few words but deep legal acumen, and his tenure as CJI was marked by efforts to maintain the judiciary’s integrity and independence. He was also known for his controversial assertion that the Indian judiciary was “clean” at a time when concerns about judicial corruption were widespread.
Landmark Judgments
1. Sarbananda Sonowal v. Union of India (2005) – Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act
Justice Lahoti led the bench that struck down the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983, which had made it difficult for authorities to identify and deport illegal immigrants in Assam. The Court held the Act unconstitutional, finding it discriminatory against the people of Assam and violative of Articles 14 and 355. The judgment reversed the burden of proof regarding citizenship, making it easier for authorities to act against illegal migration—a decision with major implications for national security and Assam’s demographic balance.
2. Ban on Cow Slaughter – Upholding Gujarat Law
Shortly before his retirement, Justice Lahoti headed a seven-judge bench that upheld Gujarat’s 1994 amendment banning the slaughter of cows and their progeny, including old bulls and bullocks. The verdict overturned a 1959 Supreme Court ruling and reinforced the state’s power to impose a total ban on cow slaughter, reflecting both constitutional and cultural considerations.
3. Population Control and Electoral Rights
Justice Lahoti upheld a Haryana law that barred individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections. He rejected arguments based on the right to privacy and religion, asserting the state’s authority to enact population control measures in the public interest.
Legacy
Justice R.C. Lahoti is remembered for his clarity, judicial restraint, and significant rulings on migration, animal protection, and electoral law. His leadership reinforced the judiciary’s independence and left a lasting imprint on constitutional and administrative law in India.
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