In this talk, Justice Muralidhar will reflect on the deepening crisis of judicial independence in India at a moment when the courts face mounting criticism for their failure to check executive overreach. His reflections come as concerns over the erosion of judicial independence are rising globally, and as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Indian Supreme Court. Justice Muralidhar will speak on how courts can reclaim their role as guardians of democracy, the challenges of preserving impartiality in an increasingly polarized environment, and what is at stake when the judiciary abdicates its constitutional responsibilities.

Justice S. Muralidhar is one of India’s most respected jurists and a leading global voice on judicial independence. Over a judicial career of two decades, he authored landmark judgments advancing constitutional rights and social justice, including rulings such as decriminalizing same sex relationships. His decisions have safeguarded freedom of expression, protected the rights of marginalized communities, and upheld accountability in cases of communal violence and state excesses.

This event is sponsored by The University of Chicago Pozen Family Center for Human Rights and The University of Chicago Law School's International Programs, Malyi Center for the Study of Institutional and Legal Integrity, International Law Society, and Human Rights Law Society.

Lunch will be provided. Please submit dietary requests eight business days prior to the program to Aican Nguyen at aican@uchicago.edu. Although we will try to accommodate dietary needs, it is not guaranteed.