Justice Gyan Sudha Misra, born on 3 June 1941, is a distinguished former judge of the Supreme Court of India. Throughout her illustrious career, she has left an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary, demonstrating unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and social causes.
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Gyan Sudha Misra |
| Date of Birth | Not specified |
| Place of Birth | Not specified |
| Career | – Enrolled as an advocate in 1972 at the Bihar State Bar Council |
| – Elected as Treasurer, Joint Secretary, and Member Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association | |
| – Appointed as a Judge of the Patna High Court in 1994 | |
| – Transferred to the High Court of Rajasthan | |
| – Appointed Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court in 2008 | |
| – Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 30 April 2010 | |
| Other Positions Held | – Served as Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity |
| – Chairperson of the Advance Ruling Authority [Income Tax] | |
| – Headed the search committee for Lokpal appointment | |
| Judicial Contributions | – Notable judgments include those on conflict of interest in the Srinivasan-BCCI matter, euthanasia, and the Delhi Uphaar fire tragedy |
| Education | – Completed Bachelor of Laws in 1982 |
| Retirement Date | Retired on 29 October 2019 from the Supreme Court of India |
Early Life and Education
Justice Misra pursued her B.C.L degree at St Anne’s College, Oxford, setting the stage for her academic and legal journey. She commenced her legal practice in 1968, navigating through Civil, Revenue, Labour, and Constitutional matters in the Calcutta High Court. Her husband, Samaraditya Pal, a renowned barrister in Kolkata, added a familial legal dimension to her career.
Legal Career
After a notable career as an advocate, Justice Misra was appointed as a Judge in the Calcutta High Court on 6 August 1990. Subsequently, she received a nomination to the Supreme Court of India on 28 January 2000, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of the court. Her tenure in the Supreme Court was marked by landmark judgments, including those addressing conflicts of interest in the Srinivasan-BCCI matter, the significant euthanasia ruling in the Aruna Shaunbaug case, and the dissenting judgment in the Delhi Uphaar fire tragedy, holding the management liable for compensation.
Justice Misra, even before her judicial appointment, actively contributed to legal associations, holding positions such as Treasurer, Joint Secretary, and Member Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association, showcasing her dedication to the legal profession.
High Court Judge
Recognizing her significant contributions, Justice Misra was appointed as a Judge of the Patna High Court in Bihar on 16 March 1994. Later, she was transferred to the High Court of Rajasthan under prevailing judicial policies. In Rajasthan, she played pivotal roles, handling company matters, arbitration, constitutional issues, and serving as the executive chairman of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority.
Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
Elevated to the position of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court in 2008, Justice Misra continued her impactful tenure. Notable orders in Public Interest Litigations (PIL) demonstrated her commitment to social justice, prompting significant investigations by the Enforcement Directorate.
As Chief Justice, she actively participated in international conferences, representing India in Australia on matters related to protecting rights and promoting access to justice.
Social Justice Advocate:
Throughout her career, Justice Misra has been a strong proponent of social justice, as reflected in her judgments. She firmly believes in the constitutional objectives of creating a just society, addressing imbalances in social, educational, economic, and political aspects, and protecting the rights of the vulnerable.
Retirement
Justice Gyan Sudha Misra retired from the Supreme Court on 3 June 2006, concluding a remarkable career marked by a steadfast commitment to the principles of justice, human rights, and social equity.
