The ‘Green Judge’ who roared in Supreme Court
Justice Kuldip Singh, dubbed as a “lion” in the Supreme Court for his distinctive voice and unyielding pursuit for justice, passed away this evening following a massive heart attack.
To those who knew him, both in the courtroom and beyond, his passing is not merely the loss of a towering legal figure — it is the departure of a man whose heart beat for justice, whose sense of duty shaped the law, and whose compassion touched everyone around him.
Affectionately known as the “Green Judge”, Justice Kuldip Singh was a pioneer in environmental law, leaving a lasting imprint on the country’s jurisprudence. His groundbreaking work introduced the “polluter pays” and “precautionary” principles, and he became a driving force in shaping the legal framework that safeguards the environment.
He famously crafted norms to protect the Taj Mahal from industrial pollution, a testament to his relentless passion for preserving nature for future generations. But for Justice Kuldip Singh, environmental law was never an obligation tied to his role as a judge; it was a cause he held dear to his heart.
Born on January 1, 1932, Justice Kuldip Singh’s life journey was one of perseverance and dedication. From his early days at Col Brown Cambridge School to his legal education at Panjab University and the University of London, his academic and professional accomplishments were a result of his unwavering commitment to his craft.
A barrister-at-law from Lincoln’s Inn, Justice Kuldip Singh’s journey from advocate to Punjab’s Advocate-General in 1987, then Additional Solicitor-General of India, and finally his elevation to the nation’s highest court, stands as a testament to his brilliance and unwavering integrity.
It was his time on the Supreme Court Bench, however, that truly defined his legacy. Appointed in 1988, Justice Kuldip Singh transformed public interest litigation (PIL) into a powerful instrument for social change. He was not content to simply pass judgments; he ensured their implementation, holding the executive accountable when it faltered. His insistence on judicial activism became the hallmark of his judicial philosophy. For him, justice was not confined to the courtroom; it was about making a tangible impact on the lives of those who needed it most.
Justice Kuldip Singh was also one of the nine Judges to deliver the judgment on reservation in Indra Sawhney’s case. Despite the many accolades he received during his career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him by the then Vice-President of India, Justice Kuldip Singh remained remarkably humble. He once said, “My real award has been my work as a judge in the Supreme Court.” His legacy is built not just on his rulings, but on the principles he espoused — the belief that the law must serve the people, that justice must be delivered without prejudice or delay.
Justice Kuldip Singh’s contributions to the Indian legal system were not limited to his time in the courtroom. After retiring in 1996, he continued to serve the nation, chairing the Delimitation Commission in 2002 and heading a tribunal in 2012 to investigate land grab cases in Punjab. His post-retirement work was a continuation of his deep commitment to fairness and justice, always with a focus on the greater good.
In the courtroom, Justice Kuldip Singh’s roar echoed with the force of his unyielding advocacy for justice, but away from the Bench, he was a man of quiet wisdom, profound integrity, and immense kindness. His legacy will live on — not in the volume of his voice, but in the principles he fought for, the lives he touched, and the countless lives that will continue to be shaped by his work. Rest in peace, Justice Kuldip Singh. Your roar may have fallen silent, but your legacy will never fade.
The cremation will be held at 3 pm on November 26 at the electric crematorium in Sector 25, Chandigarh.
Was simple, straightforward
“Justice Kuldip Singh’s simple but bold straightforwardness ranks him among the great judges of our country. Justice, human rights and concern for environment are what he will be remembered for most.”
Justice SS Sodhi, former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court
