Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Madan B. Lokur Appointed Chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council

NEW DELHI, Dec 21: Justice Madan B. Lokur, a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council for a term that will run until November 12, 2028.

The appointment, announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, places Justice Lokur at the helm of a council tasked with ensuring transparency, independence, and accountability within the UN’s internal justice system. The council comprises a distinguished panel of jurists and representatives from various nations.

In a formal communication dated December 19, Guterres expressed confidence in Justice Lokur’s leadership, stating, “I have the pleasure to appoint you, with immediate effect, as a member of the Internal Justice Council, in the capacity of chairperson, for a term ending on 12 November 2028.”

The council includes the following members:

• • Carmen Artigas (Uruguay): Distinguished external jurist nominated by staff.
  • Rosalie Balkin (Australia): Distinguished external jurist nominated by management.
  • Stefan Brezina (Austria): Staff representative.
  • Jay Pozenel (United States): Management representative.

Justice Lokur, born in 1953, served as a judge of the Supreme Court of India from June 4, 2012, until his retirement on December 30, 2018. Renowned for his judicial acumen and commitment to justice, he has an illustrious legacy of delivering landmark judgments on various issues, including environmental protection, child rights, and governance.

In 2019, Justice Lokur made history as the first Indian judge to serve on the Supreme Court of Fiji, where he was appointed as a judge on its non-resident panel. His appointment to the United Nations Internal Justice Council underscores his reputation as a jurist of international repute.

The Internal Justice Council plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the UN’s internal justice mechanisms by recommending suitable candidates for appointment as judges to the UN Dispute and Appeals Tribunals and advising on measures to strengthen the system.

Justice Lokur’s extensive experience in judicial reforms and international law is expected to bring invaluable insights to the council, further enhancing its role in promoting fairness and accountability within the United Nations.

#MadanLokur #UNJusticeCouncil #SupremeCourtIndia #JusticeReform #GlobalJurist #UNLeadership #InternationalLaw #JudicialExcellence #LegalProfession #UNAppointed #LeadershipInJustice #JusticeSystemReform #GlobalRecognition #UNLeadershipRole #LegalLuminary