Opinion Justice Kuldip Singh, India’s ‘Green Judge’

A mighty oak has fallen in the forest of justice. It is with profound sorrow that I mourn the passing of my mentor and guide, Justice Kuldip Singh — a luminary who illuminated the path of righteousness for countless people. His departure marks not just the end of an era but the silencing of a voice that spoke unwaveringly for truth, justice, and the betterment of humanity. At the dawn of my legal journey, I stood at the foothills of a daunting mountain, gazing upward with a mix of awe and uncertainty. It was Justice Kuldip Singh who extended a hand, offering me my very first position in the noble field of law. With that gesture, he did not merely grant me employment; he bestowed upon me a mantle of responsibility and the keys to a kingdom where justice reigns supreme. The first case he entrusted to me was not simply a matter to be resolved; it was a crucible in which my principles were forged and my resolve tempered. From that pivotal moment, I required no other mentor, for his seal of approval was the compass that would guide me through the labyrinthine corridors of law and life.

Justice Singh was not solely a titan of the judiciary; he was an educator of the highest order. Recognising the profound impact of shared knowledge, he also secured a part-time teaching role for me. This opportunity was not just an occupation — it was an invitation to join the grand dialogue of legal thought and to shape minds that would, in turn, shape the world. Through teaching, I learned that the law is not a static code but a living, breathing entity that grows with each generation. I recall vividly his purposeful strides through the halls of justice — each step a testament to his unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit. He always sought the heart of the matter, stripping away the superfluous to reveal the core truth. Once the main point of a case was in his grasp, he could hold court for hours, his eloquence reshaping perspectives and turning tides. His advocacy was not a mere contest of wills but a profound commitment to the principles that form the bedrock of our society.

Throughout the tapestry of my academic and professional pursuits, his support was a constant thread. Whether I was writing books, engaging in international discourse, or serving as amicus curiae in complex legal battles, his encouragement was the wind beneath my wings. He believed fervently in nurturing talent and fostering growth, understanding that each individual’s advancement contributed to the collective strength of the legal fraternity. To the world, Justice Kuldip Singh was the esteemed “Green Judge”, a pioneer whose landmark judgments on environmental law altered the course of our nation’s history. He championed the cause of the earth with a zeal that inspired legislative change and awakened a societal consciousness about the sanctity of our natural world. Yet to me, he was the embodiment of the Guru — the master who imparts wisdom not only through instruction but through the silent example of a life nobly lived.

As I stand amid the echoes of his legacy, I am compelled to reflect upon the myriad lessons he imparted — not merely about statutes and codes but about the virtues of humility, integrity, and service to society. His voice, though now quieted, resonates still in the chambers of my heart and mind. He taught me that the pursuit of justice is a sacred duty, one that transcends personal ambition and touches the very essence of human dignity.

Justice Singh’s departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit endures in the principles he upheld and the lives he touched. His roar in the courtroom may have ceased, but the reverberations of his wisdom and courage will continue to inspire generations. He once told me, “The true measure of a lawyer is not in the battles won but in the justice served.” By that measure, his life was a triumph unparalleled. In this hour of grief, let us not succumb to despair but rather celebrate the extraordinary life of a man who dedicated himself wholly to the cause of justice. Let us honour his memory by redoubling our commitment to the ideals he championed. For, in doing so, we ensure that his legacy is not confined to the annals of history but lives on in the continued pursuit of a just and equitable society. Rest in peace, Justice Kuldip Singh. Your legacy is etched not only in the law books but in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing you. You have run your race with valour and have left behind a world markedly better for your presence.

Malhotra is an advocate and author