Justice K. Chandru

Justice K. Chandru is a retired judge of the Madras High Court in India. He was known for his activism and for his judgments on issues related to human rights, social justice, and environmental protection. Justice Chandru was appointed as a judge of the Madras High Court in 2000, and he retired in 2014. He has also served as the Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission.

During his tenure as a judge, Justice Chandru delivered several landmark judgments. Some of his notable judgments include:

- The ban on the use of elephants for temple processions in Tamil Nadu

- The decriminalization of attempted suicide in India

- The order to remove religious symbols and photographs from government offices and schools

- The directive to install CCTV cameras in police stations to prevent custodial torture

Justice Chandru continues to be active in public life and is often sought after for his views on various issues.

As a judge, Justice K. Chandru delivered several noteworthy judgments during his tenure at the Madras High Court. Here are some of his best-known cases:

1. Ban on the use of elephants in temple processions - In 2011, Justice Chandru passed a landmark judgment banning the use of elephants in temple processions in Tamil Nadu. He observed that the elephants were subjected to cruelty and exploitation during the processions, and that their use was a violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

2. Decriminalization of attempted suicide - In 2012, Justice Chandru delivered a judgment decriminalizing attempted suicide in India. He held that Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized attempted suicide, was unconstitutional and violated the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.

3. Removal of religious symbols from government offices - In 2006, Justice Chandru directed the Tamil Nadu government to remove religious symbols and photographs from government offices and schools. He held that such displays violated the secular character of the Indian Constitution and were discriminatory towards non-Hindu employees and students.

4. Installation of CCTV cameras in police stations - In 2012, Justice Chandru directed the Tamil Nadu government to install CCTV cameras in police stations across the state to prevent custodial torture. He observed that custodial violence was a violation of human rights and that the use of CCTV cameras would deter police officers from engaging in such practices.

These are just a few examples of Justice Chandru's noteworthy judgments. His legacy as a judge continues to inspire and shape public discourse in India.

Justice K. Chandru delivered several landmark judgments during his tenure at the Madras High Court in India. Here are some of his best-known judgments:

1. Decriminalization of attempted suicide - In 2012, Justice Chandru delivered a judgment decriminalizing attempted suicide in India. He held that Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized attempted suicide, was unconstitutional and violated the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. This judgment was widely acclaimed for its progressive and humane approach towards mental health.

2. Ban on the use of elephants in temple processions - In 2011, Justice Chandru passed a landmark judgment banning the use of elephants in temple processions in Tamil Nadu. He observed that the elephants were subjected to cruelty and exploitation during the processions, and that their use was a violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. This judgment was significant in recognizing the rights of animals and protecting them from abuse.

3. Removal of religious symbols from government offices - In 2006, Justice Chandru directed the Tamil Nadu government to remove religious symbols and photographs from government offices and schools. He held that such displays violated the secular character of the Indian Constitution and were discriminatory towards non-Hindu employees and students. This judgment was important in upholding the principle of secularism and ensuring equal treatment of all citizens.

4. Appointment of transgender persons as police constables - In 2015, Justice Chandru delivered a judgment directing the Tamil Nadu government to consider transgender persons for appointment as police constables. He held that denying them the opportunity to apply for such posts was a violation of their fundamental rights. This judgment was groundbreaking in recognizing the rights of transgender persons and ensuring their inclusion in mainstream society.

These are just a few examples of Justice Chandru's noteworthy judgments. His legacy as a judge continues to inspire and shape public discourse in India.