Meet Justice K.N. Wanchoo and his Notable Judicial decisions
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 17 Jun 2025 --
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Justice Kailas Nath Wanchoo (1903–1988) served as the 10th Chief Justice of India, holding office from April 12, 1967, to February 24, 1968. Born in Allahabad into a Kashmiri Pandit family, he was educated at Muir Central College, Allahabad, and Wadham College, Oxford. Remarkably, he was the only Chief Justice of India who did not possess a formal law degree, having instead entered the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1926 and rising through the ranks to become a leading figure in the judiciary.
Judicial Career and Philosophy
Justice Wanchoo’s career spanned several key judicial and administrative roles. He served as a Sessions and District Judge in Uttar Pradesh, a judge of the Allahabad High Court (1947–1951), and as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court (1951–1958), where he was the longest-serving Chief Justice. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1958, authoring 355 judgments and sitting on 1,286 benches during his tenure. As Chief Justice, he administered the oath of office to President Zakir Husain and led the judiciary during a period of significant constitutional and social change.
Wanchoo was known for his sharp intellect, administrative acumen, and commitment to justice. He chaired several important commissions, including the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Reforms Committee, Indore Firing Inquiry Commission, and the Law Commission of India. His leadership was marked by integrity, clarity, and a pragmatic approach to legal interpretation.
Landmark Judgments
1. IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)
One of the most significant constitutional cases in Indian history, Golaknath addressed whether Parliament could amend Fundamental Rights. The majority held that Parliament could not amend Part III of the Constitution. Justice Wanchoo, however, dissented, arguing that Parliament did have the authority to amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights. His opinion foreshadowed the later development of the “basic structure” doctrine in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, which balanced Parliament’s amending power with constitutional limitations.
2. General Manager, Southern Railway v. Rangachari (1962)
In this landmark case on reservations in promotions, the Supreme Court ruled that reservations could be extended to promotions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Justice Wanchoo dissented, expressing reservations about expanding affirmative action in this context. His dissent reflected a careful consideration of the balance between social justice and merit.
3. Labour, Property, and Constitutional Law
Justice Wanchoo’s judgments in labour and property law set important precedents, particularly regarding workers’ rights and the interpretation of property rights under the Constitution. He was known for his practical reasoning and willingness to challenge prevailing views when he believed justice required it.
Legacy
Justice K.N. Wanchoo’s tenure, though brief, was impactful. He was admired for his independence, legal acumen, and principled approach to constitutional issues. His dissents in major cases demonstrated his commitment to robust constitutional debate and have influenced Indian jurisprudence for decades. Wanchoo’s career exemplifies the importance of integrity, adaptability, and a deep respect for the rule of law in the highest echelons of the judiciary.
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