VIP Guests at Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha: A Glance at the Bench and Beyond
The much-anticipated Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha on January 22nd has invited numerous VIP guests, including key figures who played pivotal roles in the historic Ram Mandir verdict. Let’s take a closer look at five distinguished judges who were instrumental in the decision-making process and where they are now.
Justice Ranjan Gogoi
Supreme Court Chief Justice Turned Parliamentarian
During the Ram Mandir verdict, Justice Ranjan Gogoi held the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Retiring on November 17, 2019, just four months later, he took on a new role as a nominated Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
Longest-serving Chief Justice’s Offspring Takes the Helm
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, son of the longest-serving Chief Justice, Y.V. Chandrachud, currently serves as the Chief Justice of India.
Justice S.A. Bobde
Successor to Justice Ranjan Gogoi
Justice S.A. Bobde succeeded Justice Ranjan Gogoi as the 47th Chief Justice of India. After his retirement on April 23, 2021, Justice Bobde assumed the role of Chancellor at Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur.
Justice Abdul Nazeer
From Judging to Governing
Justice Abdul Nazeer, who retired in January 2023, became the Governor of Andhra Pradesh a month later, showcasing a seamless transition from the bench to governance.
Justice Ashok Bhushan
Post-Retirement Endeavors
Justice Ashok Bhushan, who retired in July 2021, swiftly became the Chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) within four months.
Their Roles in the Ram Mandir Verdict
These esteemed judges, forming the bench that delivered the historic verdict on November 9, 2019, marked the commencement of the construction of the Ram Mandir. Their collective wisdom and legal acumen played a crucial role in settling the Ayodhya land dispute.
Post-Retirement Engagements
Justice Ranjan Gogoi’s Political Transition
After a brief hiatus, Justice Gogoi’s entry into politics added a new dimension to his illustrious career. As a Rajya Sabha member, he continues to contribute to the nation’s development through legislative avenues.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
Currently holding the reins of the judiciary as the Chief Justice of India, Justice Chandrachud brings a wealth of experience to his role, upholding the principles of justice and fairness.
Justice S.A. Bobde’s Post-Retirement Role
Justice Bobde’s commitment to legal education reflects in his role as the Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur, where he nurtures the legal minds of the future.
Governor Abdul Nazeer
Governor Abdul Nazeer, post-retirement, embarked on a gubernatorial journey, overseeing the affairs of Andhra Pradesh and contributing to the state’s progress.
Justice Ashok Bhushan’s Role as Chairperson
As the Chairperson of NCLAT, Justice Ashok Bhushan continues to apply his legal expertise to corporate matters, ensuring fair and just resolutions.
The journey of these judges post the Ram Mandir verdict exemplifies their commitment to public service, whether in politics, education, or governance. Their contributions, both in and out of the courtroom, continue to shape the legal landscape of the nation.