Former Supreme Court Judge Madan B Lokur has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced. The appointment is valid until November 12, 2028.
In a congratulatory letter to Justice Lokur, Guterres acknowledged the Council as a 'key pillar of the administration of justice at the United Nations'. Justice Lokur, who has confirmed his appointment, will join other members from Uruguay, Australia, Austria, Brazil, and the United States of America in the Council.
Justice Lokur’s judicial career spans decades, including his tenure as a Supreme Court judge of India from June 4, 2012, to December 31, 2018. He previously served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and Andhra Pradesh High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court.
Post-retirement, Justice Lokur achieved another milestone by being appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Fiji in August 2019, becoming the first Indian judge to serve on the apex court of another nation.
A staunch advocate for civil liberties and judicial independence, Justice Lokur continues to contribute to public discourse on these critical issues. His new role as Chairperson is seen as a testament to his judicial expertise and commitment to justice on a global scale.