Lifetime Achievement
Justice M N Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India
Justice M N Venkatachaliah conferred
SKOCH Challenger Award for Lifetime Achievement
New Delhi, 14th May 2022: Justice M N Venkatachaliah is adjudged the most erudite and urbane judge, who has adorned the Supreme Court of India. A judge with a deep knowledge of the philosophy of law and the ways of men, he provided moral and intellectual leadership. While being not wedded to any ‘ism’, he is devoted to constitutionalism and pragmatism, which makes for judicial statesmanship which has truly been his hallmark. During his term of seven years at the Supreme Court, he authored 90 judgments and was a part of 482 benches. His commitment to reducing the pendency of cases and making the judiciary more and more accountable was unwavering. During his tenure, the pendency fell to below 19,000. He served as the Chief Justice of India between 1993-1994.
He authored the Constitutional Bench judgment in the Bhopal Gas Leak tragedy case. Another landmark judgment was in Joginder Kumar vs State of UP, also known as the “guidelines for arrest” case, for the first time set standard grounds for arresting any individual. Justice Venkatachaliah did splendid work as the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission. He continues to work on anti-corruption and human rights issues. He is a Man and a Judge for all seasons. He is a personification of ‘sweetness and light’, verily a living legend.
About SKOCH Award
SKOCH Award, independently instituted in 2003, is India’s honest civilian honour conferred by an independent organisation as a third party assessment. It is the only award in the country that is based on felt-needs assessment and outcome evaluation based on evidence. It therefore, recognises people, projects and institutions that go the extra mile to make India a better nation.
SKOCH Challenger Award is non-competitive and conferred for having made a definitive impact on governance improvement and growth of India. These are based on primary research and recommendations by the Collegium of past SKOCH Challenger Awardees and the Distinguished Fellows of SKOCH Development Foundation.
SKOCH Challenger Award comes with a backing of reputation of more than two decades. It is distinctive for its approach of selection of awardees. The SKOCH Challenger Award not only acknowledges exceptional achievers – organisations and individuals – but also spurs institutional guidance and best practices.
About SKOCH Group
SKOCH Group is India’s leading think tank dealing with socio-economic issues with a focus on inclusive growth since 1997. The Group companies include a consulting wing, a media wing and a charitable foundation. SKOCH Group is able to bring an Indian felt-needs context to strategies and engages with Fortune-500 companies, State Owned Enterprises, Government to SMEs and Community-Based Organisations with equal ease. The repertoire of services includes field interventions, consultancy, research reports, impact assessments, policy briefs, books, journals, workshops and conferences. SKOCH Group has instituted India’s highest independent civilian honours in the field of governance, finance, technology, economics and social sector.
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