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Profile of Mukul Rohatgi
Mukul Rohatgi is an eminent Indian lawyer who served as the 14th Attorney General of India from 2014 to 2017. Known for his exceptional legal acumen and vast experience, he has made significant contributions to the Indian legal landscape.
Born on May 17, 1950, in New Delhi, Rohatgi obtained his law degree from the University of Delhi. He began his legal career in 1974 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most respected lawyers in India. His expertise lies in constitutional law, criminal law, and corporate law.
Major Accomplishments
- Appointed as the Attorney General of India in 2014, Rohatgi provided legal advice to the Government of India on a wide range of matters.
- Successfully represented the Government of India in several high-profile cases, including the 2G spectrum allocation case and the coal block allocation case.
- Known for his strong advocacy skills and in-depth knowledge of the law, Rohatgi has contributed to shaping legal precedents and jurisprudence in India.
Tenure as Attorney General of India
Mukul Rohatgi served as the Attorney General of India from June 2014 to June 2017. The Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India and is responsible for representing the government in all legal matters. Rohatgi was appointed to this position by the then Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
During his tenure as Attorney General, Rohatgi handled several significant cases, including the following:
The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) case
Rohatgi represented the government in the NJAC case, which challenged the constitutional validity of the NJAC Act. The NJAC Act sought to establish a new system for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. Rohatgi argued that the NJAC Act was unconstitutional because it violated the independence of the judiciary. The Supreme Court ultimately struck down the NJAC Act in 2015.
The Black Money case
Rohatgi also represented the government in the Black Money case, which involved allegations that large sums of money were being illegally stashed abroad by Indian citizens. Rohatgi argued that the government was committed to combating black money and had taken several steps to do so. The Supreme Court is still hearing the Black Money case.
The Aadhaar case
Rohatgi represented the government in the Aadhaar case, which challenged the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar Act. The Aadhaar Act provides for the establishment of a unique identification number for every Indian citizen. Rohatgi argued that the Aadhaar Act was constitutional and that it would help to improve the delivery of government services. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar Act in 2018.
Contributions to Indian Law and Jurisprudence
Mukul Rohatgi’s tenure as Attorney General of India was marked by significant contributions to Indian law and jurisprudence. His legal acumen and advocacy skills left a lasting impact on the legal landscape of the country.
Rohatgi played a pivotal role in shaping legal policies and precedents through his representation of the government in various landmark cases. His incisive legal arguments and deep understanding of constitutional law influenced the outcomes of several high-profile matters.
Landmark Cases and Judgments
- National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Case: Rohatgi successfully defended the constitutional validity of the NJAC, a body established to appoint judges to the higher judiciary. However, the Supreme Court later struck down the NJAC, holding it to be unconstitutional.
- Right to Privacy Case: Rohatgi argued in favor of recognizing the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in this case affirmed the right to privacy as an integral part of the right to life and personal liberty.
- Aadhaar Case: Rohatgi represented the government in the challenge to the Aadhaar biometric identification program. The Supreme Court upheld the validity of Aadhaar while imposing certain safeguards to protect the privacy of individuals.
Post-Attorney General Career
Mukul Rohatgi has remained an active and influential figure in the legal profession after stepping down as Attorney General of India. He continues to contribute to the legal field and public discourse through his current roles and affiliations.
Current Roles and Affiliations
Rohatgi is currently a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and a practicing advocate at various high courts across the country. He is also the Chairman of the Bar Council of India Trust and a member of the International Bar Association. Additionally, he is a visiting professor at the National Law University, Delhi.
Continued Contributions
Rohatgi continues to make significant contributions to the legal field. He appears in high-profile cases and provides legal advice to clients on a wide range of matters. He is also a sought-after speaker at legal conferences and events, where he shares his insights on legal issues and the development of the legal profession.
Rohatgi’s commitment to public discourse is evident in his regular appearances on television and in print media. He provides commentary on legal issues and current events, offering his expertise and perspective on matters of national importance.
Legacy and Recognition
Mukul Rohatgi has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of India. His exceptional contributions have earned him widespread recognition and accolades.
Among his many honors, Rohatgi has been conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2018. He has also received the prestigious Sanskriti Award in 2017 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bar Council of India in 2019.
Awards and Honors
- Padma Vibhushan (2018)
- Sanskriti Award (2017)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bar Council of India (2019)
Rohatgi’s legacy extends beyond his legal acumen. He is known for his integrity, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his ability to bridge the gap between the legal profession and the wider community. His work has inspired countless legal professionals and served as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice.
