Sat Dec 06 19:55:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

This article profiles Justice Srinivasan Muralidhar, an Indian judge known for his progressive rulings and commitment to human rights. It highlights key judgments he delivered, including convictions related to the 1984 Sikh riots and the Hashimpura massacre, where he demonstrated a willingness to hold perpetrators of mass crimes accountable, even decades later. The article also discusses his work decriminalizing homosexuality and defending activists. Despite facing political obstacles in his career, Justice Muralidhar retired with his integrity intact and has now been appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to lead an inquiry into human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Gaza and Israel. His reputation for speaking truth to power makes him well-suited for this challenging international role.

News Article:

Indian Judge Appointed to Lead UN Inquiry into Palestinian Territories

December 7, 2025 (The Hindu e-Paper) – Justice Srinivasan Muralidhar, a retired Indian judge renowned for his progressive stance on human rights, has been appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to chair the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel.

Justice Muralidhar’s appointment follows a distinguished career marked by landmark judgments tackling mass crimes and human rights violations in India. Notably, he authored a judgment in 2018 that overturned the acquittal of a Congress MP in connection with the 1984 Sikh riots, underscoring the importance of holding perpetrators of such crimes accountable, regardless of political influence. He also convicted personnel involved in the Hashimpura massacre, where dozens of Muslim men were killed in custody.

Beyond these high-profile cases, Justice Muralidhar is known for his progressive rulings on LGBTQ+ rights, including decriminalizing homosexuality while on the Delhi High Court. He also championed the rights of activists and defended those marginalized by society.

Despite facing political hurdles that prevented his elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Muralidhar retired from the Orissa High Court in 2023 with a reputation for integrity and a commitment to justice.

As Chair of the UN inquiry, Justice Muralidhar is tasked with investigating alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since April 2021, including the recent conflict in Gaza. His history of “speaking truth to power” has made him an appropriate pick for such a sensitive assignment.

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