Justice (Retd.) Madan B. Lokur
Former Judge
Supreme Court of India
Justice (Retd.) Madan B. Lokur is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and one of the country's most respected jurists. During a distinguished judicial career spanning over four decades, he made significant contributions to the development of Indian jurisprudence, particularly in the areas of human rights, access to justice, judicial accountability, and constitutional law.
Justice Lokur began his judicial career as a Judge of the Delhi High Court in 1999 and later served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and the Andhra Pradesh High Court. In 2012, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in 2018.
During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Lokur was part of several landmark judgments and played a pivotal role in advancing public interest jurisprudence. He is widely recognised for his contributions to issues concerning the rights of children, prisoners, marginalised communities, environmental protection, and judicial reforms. He also chaired and participated in numerous committees aimed at improving access to justice and strengthening institutional accountability.
Following his retirement, Justice Lokur was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Fiji under the country's constitutional framework. He continues to engage actively with issues relating to constitutional values, judicial independence, human rights, and the rule of law through lectures, writings, and public interventions.
Justice Lokur remains an influential voice in contemporary legal and public discourse, advocating for the protection of democratic institutions, fundamental rights, and the constitutional principles that underpin the Indian republic.
Distinguished guests, jury members and voices who have shaped the Awards.