Hon’ble Justice Madan B. Lokur Felicitated by ISIL for Prestigious UN Appointment

The Indian Society of International Law (ISIL) honored Hon’ble Mr. Justice Madan B. Lokur, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, at a felicitation ceremony held on 19th January 2025. The event celebrated his appointment as Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council, marking a significant milestone for Indian representation on the global judicial stage.

ISIL: A Pillar of International Legal Excellence

Founded in 1959 by Shri V. K. Krishna Menon and inaugurated by India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, ISIL has played a pivotal role in advancing the study and development of international law. The organization is known for its flagship publication, the Indian Journal of International Law, and its academic arm, the Indian Academy of International Law & Diplomacy, offering postgraduate diploma courses in various branches of international law.

The ISIL premises, V.K. Krishna Menon Bhawan in New Delhi, witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of dignitaries, legal scholars, and students to honor Justice Lokur's achievements.

Celebrating Justice Lokur’s Appointment

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome by Prof. C. Jayaraj, Executive Council Member of ISIL. He highlighted Justice Lokur’s lifelong dedication to justice and constitutional values, emphasizing, “For the first time, an Indian has been unanimously appointed as Chairperson of the UN Internal Justice Council. This is a mark of recognition for his unparalleled contributions to public law and human rights jurisprudence.”

Prof. M. Gandhi, Vice President of ISIL, described Justice Lokur as a “torchbearer of justice” and commended his significant role in environmental advocacy, judicial reforms, and the rights of marginalized communities. He lauded Justice Lokur’s leadership of the Social Justice Bench and his enduring commitment to human rights and social equity.

Honoring a Distinguished Judicial Career

Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, President of ISIL, reflected on Justice Lokur’s remarkable judicial career, praising his readiness to support ISIL’s initiatives as a mentor, guest lecturer, and speaker. Prof. Sinha noted his contributions to landmark cases in human rights, environmental protection, and social justice, emphasizing his impact on both domestic and international legal frameworks.

Justice Lokur’s Vision as UN Chairperson

In his address, Hon’ble Justice Madan B. Lokur expressed gratitude to ISIL and outlined his vision as Chairperson of the UN Internal Justice Council. He highlighted the importance of fair and transparent mechanisms in judicial appointments within the UN system and the need for accountability and efficiency in international justice.

Justice Lokur also emphasized India’s role in shaping global legal discourse. “India has a rich legal tradition, and by engaging with international law, we contribute to its evolution while promoting our jurisprudence globally,” he said, encouraging young lawyers to embrace international legal practices.

A Heartfelt Conclusion

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. U.C. Jha, Secretary General of ISIL, who praised Justice Lokur’s exceptional contributions and expressed gratitude to all attendees. The ceremony was compered by Dr. Parineet Kaur, whose eloquence ensured a seamless program.

Esteemed Presence and Networking

The felicitation ceremony was attended by ISIL’s Executive Council members, including Prof. V.G. Hegde, Dr. Burra Srinivas, Shri Pradeep Kumar Rai, Prof. Anupam Jha, Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Dr. Anna Bashir, Dr. Govindraj G. Hegde, Prof. Y.S.R. Murthy, Mrs. A. Swarupa Reddy, Shri Saju Jakob, Prof. Benarji Chakka, Shri Sanjay Parikh, and Dr. Sunil Kumar Agarwal. Captain J.S. Gill, the senior-most member of ISIL, also graced the event with his blessings, adding warmth and gravitas to the occasion.

The program concluded with high tea, offering participants an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and celebrate Justice Lokur’s remarkable achievements..

A Historic Milestone

Justice Lokur’s appointment as Chairperson of the UN Internal Justice Council marks a moment of pride for India and reinforces the country’s commitment to promoting global justice and equality.