Meet Justice Aravind Kumar and his Notable Judicial decisions
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 18 Jun 2025 --
- 0 Comments
Justice Aravind Kumar, born on July 14, 1962, in Karnataka, is a sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India, having assumed office on February 13, 2023. Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court and as a judge of the Karnataka High Court. Justice Kumar’s legal career is marked by his expertise in constitutional, civil, taxation, and criminal law, as well as his commitment to judicial reforms and access to justice.
Justice Kumar began his legal practice in 1987 and quickly established himself as a prominent advocate, representing the Union government, Income Tax Department, and serving as Assistant Solicitor General of India. He was elevated to the Karnataka High Court in 2009, became a permanent judge in 2012, and later served as Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court from October 2021 to February 2023.
As Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, Justice Kumar was known for innovative measures to tackle case pendency, such as introducing “justice clocks” in courtrooms to monitor and publicly display case clearance rates, which consistently remained above 85%. He also initiated the live streaming of district court proceedings on a pilot basis and conducted Lok Adalats to resolve a variety of disputes, including traffic and labor matters.
Landmark Judgments
1. Definition of Advertisement for Taxation Purposes:
In a notable Supreme Court judgment, Justice Aravind Kumar clarified the legal definition of “advertisement” and the requirements for levying tax on advertisements. This decision provided much-needed clarity for municipal and state authorities on what constitutes a taxable advertisement, ensuring uniformity and fairness in taxation.
2. Interim Relief in Corruption Investigations:
As a judge of the Karnataka High Court, Justice Kumar was part of the bench that granted interim relief to former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, halting anti-corruption investigations temporarily. This case highlighted the importance of judicial oversight in high-profile corruption cases and the balance between investigative powers and individual rights.
3. Judicial Reforms and Case Management:
Justice Kumar’s administrative reforms, especially in Gujarat, have been widely recognized. His efforts to streamline case management, promote transparency, and leverage technology have set benchmarks for judicial efficiency and public accountability.
Justice Aravind Kumar’s jurisprudence is characterized by clarity, procedural fairness, and a forward-looking approach to legal and judicial reforms. His landmark judgments and administrative innovations continue to influence the Indian judicial system, particularly in areas of taxation, judicial process, and access to justice.
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