Meet Justice Ranganath Misra and his Notable Judicial decisions
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 17 Jun 2025 --
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Justice Ranganath Misra (1926–2012) was the 21st Chief Justice of India, serving from September 25, 1990, to November 24, 1991. Born in Banapur, Odisha, he was educated at Banpur High School, Ravenshaw College, and Allahabad University. After enrolling as an advocate at the Orissa High Court in 1950, Misra built a distinguished career, becoming a permanent judge of the Orissa High Court in 1969, its Chief Justice in 1981, and a Supreme Court judge in 1983.
Judicial Career and Philosophy
Justice Misra authored 314 judgments and sat on 821 benches during his nine years at the Supreme Court. His expertise spanned service law, constitutional matters, and criminal law. He was known for his legal scholarship, fairness, and a commitment to procedural justice.
Landmark Judgments
1. Bhopal Gas Leak Case (Union Carbide Corporation v. Union of India, 1989 & 1991)
Justice Misra was part of the five-judge bench that approved the controversial $470 million settlement between Union Carbide and the Government of India for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims. The Court disposed of all civil and criminal proceedings against Union Carbide as part of the settlement, a decision that drew significant public criticism for perceived inadequacy and lack of justice for victims. As Chief Justice, Misra later reviewed the settlement order, but the original terms largely stood.
2. Kehar Singh v. Union of India (1988)
Justice Misra was on the bench that clarified the President’s power of pardon under Article 72 of the Constitution. The Court held that this power is constitutional, not a private act of grace, and must be exercised with government advice. The President may, but is not obliged to, grant an oral hearing in mercy petitions, reinforcing the discretionary nature of executive clemency.
3. Justice Ranganath Misra Commission of Inquiry (1984 Anti-Sikh Riots)
As the sole member of the commission investigating the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Justice Misra’s report indicted 19 Congress workers but gave the Congress Party itself a clean chit, a finding that has remained controversial. Critics argued the terms were biased against victims and that the burden of proof was unfairly placed on them.
4. National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities (Ranganath Misra Commission, 2004–2007)
Post-retirement, Misra chaired this commission, recommending Scheduled Caste reservation for Dalit converts to Christianity and Islam—a significant intervention in the debate on affirmative action and minority rights.
Legacy
Justice Ranganath Misra’s legacy is marked by his legal acumen, administrative leadership, and willingness to address sensitive social issues. While some of his decisions, especially regarding the Bhopal Gas settlement and the 1984 riots inquiry, remain contentious, his work on minority rights and service law has had a lasting impact on Indian jurisprudence.
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